Transform Basic Hot Chocolate With A Strawberry Twist For A Fruity Upgrade

Brisk mornings, falling leaves, and chilly nights call for one thing: hot chocolate. Sure, any warm drink will do, but a steaming mug of hot cocoa really has the ability to perk up anyone's day. The best part is that it's so easy to customize. You can use dark chocolate for a deeper taste, swap in coconut milk for a little flair, or top the mugs with layers of fluffy whipped cream. Or you can really change things up and give it a fruity upgrade using two simple ingredients: strawberries and white chocolate chips.

A strawberry white chocolate base can completely transform a basic hot chocolate, giving it a sweeter, more complex flavor and brighter finish. It's decadent but not overly cloying, with a unique, vibrant color. And you can customize the sugar levels to suit your tastes. All you have to do is heat some white chocolate and strawberry chunks in milk and blend until smooth.

Frozen or fresh strawberries work. If using frozen, just defrost them slightly first so they're easier to work with. It's also important to whisk the mixture constantly so the chocolate doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. If using the microwave, turn it on in quick bursts and stir in between. Once the chocolate has melted, remove from the heat and puree until the strawberries are smooth.

Whole milk is best for hot chocolate, as it provides a better mouthfeel, but low-fat or non-dairy is fine. You can even use strawberry milk and leave out the fresh fruit if you'd like.  As for the chocolate, try to buy a high-quality one. White chocolate chips work perfectly, though, and vegan versions of white chocolate are available if you need. You can add strawberries to regular milk or dark hot chocolate too, but the flavor will be deeper, and the color will be murky rather than bright pink.

If you like a completely smooth texture, feel free to strain the mixture after blending. A few drops of red food coloring will amp up the pink color of the drink, and some vanilla will add a nice depth of flavor. Stir in sugar, simple syrup, or honey if you like more sweetness. Top with whipped cream for a decadent finish or torched Italian meringue if you're feeling fancy. 

The intriguing flavor combination can be enjoyed in other types of beverages too. There has been a limited edition white chocolate strawberry Nespresso pod, and you can always add a shot of espresso to your hot chocolate for a fruity take on a mocha. A white chocolate strawberry milk is another fun option, as is a strawberry white chocolate milkshake. Here is Tasting Table's iconic chocolate milkshake recipe if you want to give that a try. Either way, you may never go back to basic hot chocolate again.