Best Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Indulge in your next chocolate craving (guilt-free) and nourish your belly and soul with this healthy and velvety bone broth hot chocolate. Made with clean and simple ingredients, it’s collagen-rich and packed with minerals and antioxidants to support your skin, joints, and immune system. It’s a healing and nourishing twist on a delicious and timeless classic.

What if I told you the secret to making the richest, silkiest, and most delicious hot chocolate is to add… bone broth?!

Hear me out. Not only is this recipe the perfect solution to your next chocolate craving, but it also contains ingredients that boost your immune system, support your skin and joints, and heal your gut. 

A healthy and magical hot chocolate recipe? Get out.

The magic comes from bone broth and a few spices you probably already have on hand. I’m a big fan of homemade bone broth and its impressive health benefits, so I’m always trying to find new ways of adding it to recipes (sometimes in the most unexpected ways).

Now, if you’re concerned your hot chocolate will taste like last night’s chicken dinner, don’t worry!

The collagen-rich broth is what gives this recipe its silky, rich texture, while all you taste is the chocolatey cacao, sweet maple syrup, and warm comforting spices.

This silky-smooth, gut-friendly treat is quick to make, contains clean, whole ingredients, and is packed with collagen, minerals, and antioxidants. Not to mention, it tastes heavenly and warms you to your core.

This is truly one of those recipes that is good for both the belly and the soul.

What are the Health Benefits of Bone Broth?

Bone broth is one of the most nourishing superfoods you can consume. It contains a wide array of nutrients that have a holistic effect on our bodies, supporting and enhancing practically every square inch.

Bone broth is one of the best natural sources of collagen and gelatin, the main proteins that form our connective tissues (joints, bones, and skin). 

During the extended cooking process of bone broth, collagen and gelatin leach out from the animal bones and connective tissues and into the broth, making it easy for us to digest. 

As a natural part of aging, we begin to lose our collagen and gelatin. This is evidenced by joint pain, decreased mobility, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

However, it is proven that a collagen-rich diet can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and your risk of developing joint deterioration and discomfort.

Collagen and gelatin are also critical for maintaining the integrity of our gut lining and promoting better digestion and absorption of other foods and nutrients, especially in those with leaky gut syndrome.

Naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, bone broth can have a major impact on our joints.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two vital components in the structure and functioning of our joints. 

Although typically taken as over-the-counter supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally abundant in bone broth.

Many studies have concluded that consuming glucosamine and chondroitin can decrease joint swelling, joint discomfort, and arthritis pain.

Bone broth is packed full of amino acids, the building blocks of our body’s proteins.

Amino acids are effective in strengthening our gut lining, lowering our blood pressure, and assisting in wound healing.

They have even been proven to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract in times of sickness.

Essential electrolytes and minerals, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are abundant in bone broth.

After being extracted from the animal bones during the cooking process, these electrolytes and minerals are easily absorbed and utilized in our bodies.

Some of their responsibilities include regulating our hydration, strengthening our bone density, and controlling the functioning of our nerves, heart, and muscles.

Consuming bone broth on a regular basis and adding it to unique recipes like this one has the power to change your health. If you want to learn more in-depth about the health benefits of bone broth and how you can easily make it at home, check out my post on how to make bone broth. 

Why You’ll Love This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe

• It’s so quick and easy to make (and tastes divine) that it might become your new favorite beverage.
• Made with real, clean ingredients, it’s a great way to make your hot chocolate healthy.
• It’s a tasty and comforting way to receive the nourishing benefits of bone broth.
• You can easily double or triple the recipe for your family or a crowd (a must for Christmas morning).

Ingredients

• Bone broth – You can buy it in stores, but I can’t recommend it enough to make it yourself at home. Chicken or beef bone broth are the most common options. Chicken bone broth has a milder, lighter flavor, while beef broth has a stronger, richer flavor.
• Whole milk or dairy-free alternative – Look for a milk or dairy-free alternative that is thick and rich to give you the creamiest, most velvety texture. Whole milk, cream, or coconut milk are great options.
• Cacao powder – Not to be confused with cocoa powder, cacao powder (the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa powder) contains flavanols, which are powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds famous for reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of developing heart disease. Since it can sometimes be hard to find in stores, you can easily purchase it online.
• Maple syrup (or raw honey) – Naturally high in essential minerals like calcium, zinc, and manganese, maple syrup give this drink a sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Ground cinnamon – While it’s rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, cinnamon is also effective at lowering blood pressure and stabilizing blood sugar.
• Ground cayenne pepper – Just a little bit of this powerful spice helps to stimulate your digestive system, lower your blood pressure, and reduce inflammation throughout your body through a key phytochemical called capsaicin. Don’t worry, a small dash will not make your hot chocolate spicy. Instead, it adds a warming and invigorating aftertaste that takes this recipe over the top.
• Sea salt – While it’s rich in trace minerals and key electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, and potassium), sea salt also helps to balance and enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional) – Fresh homemade whipped cream with a dusting of cinnamon on top is my favorite.

Instructions

1. Combine bone broth and milk in a saucepan and heat over medium heat.

2. Once the mixture begins to steam, whisk in the remaining ingredients until well combined and frothy.

3. Remove from heat and pour into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you’d like, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to Making the Best Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

• Play around with the measurements and customize them to your taste preferences. All of the flavorings and spices are technically optional but highly recommended. Not only does each one add powerful health benefits, but together, they produce the most balanced and indulgent flavor profile.
• If using a dairy-free alternative in this recipe, pick one that is rich and creamy, like coconut milk.
• Use an inexpensive handheld milk frother to quickly make your bone broth hot chocolate extra creamy and frothy.
• If you make your bone broth at home, try freezing some in these large silicone ice trays. They keep perfect portions of broth ready to go for small and quick recipes like this one.

More Bone Broth Recipes

• Healing Chicken Soup
• Bone Broth Latte
• Mushroom Risotto

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in more unique bone broth recipes like this one, let me know down in the comments!