Is it just us, or was the majority of the United States and Canada experiencing some super low temperatures this past week?! We wanted nothing more than to cozy up with a warm, salty-sweet beverage and this Simple Hot Cocoa hit the spot.

So whether you’re still nestled by a fire avoiding the bitter chill in the air, or you’re looking at the forecast of impending low temperatures, we’re going to bet that this bev is the festive winter drink you’ve been looking for. This recipe simply delivers.

Designed as a single serving, you can certainly double the ingredients if you’re wanting (and willing!) to share. And if, upon tasting the first scrumptious sip, you think of several people you’d like to gift this taste to — check back to our blog in the coming days for a sweet last minute present prep idea.

Simple Hot Cocoa For One

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
Pinch of Evolution Salt Co Pink Himalayan Salt (for that salty sweet deliciousness)
1 cup milk* or any combination of milk, half-and-half or cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Whisk together the cocoa, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until cocoa and sugar are dissolved.

2. Pour in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla and serve.

3. If you like it frothy, blend it in the blender.

Note: This recipe multiplies easily. When you get up to a quart of milk, use 1/4 teaspoon salt.

*As with other hot chocolate recipes, you can use any milky liquid you prefer, whether it’s from a cow, nuts (almond milk), beans (soy milk), or grains (rice milk). For sweeteners, feel free to substitute maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for sugar, but start with less, about 1 tablespoon, and taste the combination before adding more.

Additions

Don’t be shy to dress this simple cup of cocoa up!

Want to add a couple (hundred) mini marshmallows? We’re all for that! Or, if you’re feeling super adventurous, and you have several hours to spare, you can try your hand at making your own marshmallows.

For those that like a minty kick with their hot cocoa, grab a candy cane from your Christmas Tree and use it as a swirl stick.

And if you’d like to make this hot cocoa a ‘hot cocoa hot toddy,’ just choose a spirit to add to your cup! We think Baileys would work magically, but peppermint schnapps, rum, or Kahlua sound pretty darn good too.

If you make this Simple Hot Cocoa, be sure to tag us on social media. We want to relish all the cozy moments we can this season, and we can’t think of anyone better to enjoy them with than you!

Recipe adaptation from epicurious.com for Evolution Salt by Marisa Carta Ratliff.

Marisa Carta Ratliff has a deeply rooted foundation in both art and food, and more specifically, styling and pastries. She is both a baker and maker, and when she’s not spending time with her husband or wrangling her wild-hearted two year old, she loves to spend her days playing with good food, and making it look how it tastes. She resides on the First Coast in Jacksonville, FL — just a hop, skip and a jump from the seafoam and salt air.