Quick Answer
For the creamiest, most indulgent hot chocolate, you should make it with milk. Milk has a higher fat and protein content than water, which creates a rich, velvety texture and mouthfeel. The natural sweetness of milk also balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder. Water is an acceptable substitute if you want a thinner, lighter drink, but it will lack the rich dairy flavor of hot chocolate made with milk.
Nutritional Difference Between Milk and Water
Milk and water each provide their own unique nutritional benefits:
Milk
- High in protein – 8 grams per cup
- Contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A
- Contains lactose – a milk sugar – which adds sweetness
- Provides fat and cholesterol
Water
- Zero calories
- No fat, cholesterol, lactose or protein
- Hydrating
So milk adds protein, sweetness and a creamy texture while water provides hydration without added calories.
Comparing the Taste of Milk vs. Water Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate made with milk has a luxuriously creamy, smooth consistency and a pleasant sweetness. The milk fats and proteins provide a rich, indulgent mouthfeel. Whole milk works best for the ultimate creamy drink.
With water, the consistency is much thinner and lighter. The flavor will be more intensely chocolatey without the sweetness and velvety texture from the milk. Lower fat milks like 2% or skim will provide a thinner consistency closer to water.
So for a comforting, chocolatey, dessert-like beverage, milk is the best choice. But for a lighter chocolate flavor, use water.
Ingredients Needed for Milk vs. Water Hot Chocolate
For Milk Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups milk – whole milk provides the creamiest texture
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder – use Dutch processed for a smoother flavor
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract
For Water Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract
The main difference is swapping milk for water. You may also need to increase the amount of sugar in the water version to compensate for the lost sweetness from the milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Milk Hot Chocolate
- Heat 2 cups milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light simmer.
- As the milk warms, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the cocoa powder.
- Once dissolved, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings.
Water Hot Chocolate
- Heat 2 cups water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light simmer.
- As the water warms, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the cocoa powder.
- Once dissolved, add 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate shavings.
The main difference in the instructions is using water instead of milk. You’ll also likely need to use more sugar in the water version.
Pros and Cons of Milk vs. Water
Milk Hot Chocolate Pros:
- Creamy, smooth, velvety texture
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Natural sweetness from lactose
- Higher calorie and more filling
Milk Hot Chocolate Cons:
- Higher in calories and fat than water
- Contains lactose which some people are intolerant to
- Not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets
Water Hot Chocolate Pros:
- Lower in calories and fat free
- Thinner, lighter consistency
- Vegan and dairy-free suitable
- Allows you to control sweetness and flavoring
Water Hot Chocolate Cons:
- Lacks rich, creamy texture
- Cocoa flavor can be bitter without milk’s sweetness
- Not as filling since lower in calories
So milk provides a richer, creamier drink but comes with more calories. Water has fewer calories but may lack the indulgent mouthfeel.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Chocolate
- Use good quality cocoa powder – it makes a big difference in flavor
- For ultra creamy milk hot chocolate, use half whole milk and half heavy cream
- For vegan hot chocolate, use unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk
- Add a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for extra flavor
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate shavings
- For an adult hot chocolate, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hot chocolate healthier with milk or water?
Milk hot chocolate is higher in protein, calcium and vitamin D. But it also contains more calories, cholesterol and fat. So water hot chocolate is lower in calories but not as nutritious.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole milk provides the creamiest, richest hot chocolate. For a lighter option, try 2% milk. Skim milk will provide a thinner consistency closer to water.
Can I use almond milk or oat milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk can provide a creamy dairy-free hot chocolate. Just adjust the amount of sugar you add since they contain less natural sweetness than regular milk.
Is water hot chocolate bad for you?
No, made with just cocoa powder, water and a small amount of sugar, it can be a lower calorie option. But it may be less filling compared to a milk-based version.
What’s the best way to mix hot chocolate?
Heat the milk or water first, then whisk in the cocoa powder. Keep whisking as it simmers to fully dissolve the cocoa and avoid lumps. Remove from heat and add sugar and vanilla.
Conclusion
For a truly rich, decadent and chocolatey hot chocolate, opt for using milk. The milk adds creaminess, sweetness and a velvety texture. But for a lighter, thinner and lower calorie drink, water can work in a pinch. Just be sure to add enough sweetener to balance the bitterness. Experiment with different types of milk and custom flavor additions to create your perfect mug of hot chocolate.