Spice up your hot cocoa life and nourish yourself at the same time with this delicious golden milk hot cocoa. It’s fully paleo and GAPS-friendly, and a fun way to introduce anti-inflammatory goodness to your diet!
That time of year.
I know, it’s still in the 90’s here in the south, but it’s faaaalllll! And fall means I’m craving all the hot cocoas, teas, and lattes. But mostly the hot cocoas. ‘Cause chocolate is life, y’all.
If it’s just too hot and humid to bear drinking a steaming cup of something, I opt for a frozen hot chocolate. But once October hits, you’ll probably find me with an actual mug of hot hot cocoa, instead of a frozen version. Because it’s that time of year. And even if it’s steamy out, one must still lay the part of fall.
Some of my favorite ways to pretend it’s actually fall in the south are…
- Herbal Pumpkin Mocha
- Chocolate Chamomile Moon Milk
- Honey Sweetened Horchata
- Cinnamon Ginger Latte
- Hot Carob
- Pumpkin Chai Latte
- Perfect Homemade Hot Cocoa
- Homemade Apple Cider
Nourishing golden milk hot cocoa.
I’ve based this delicious golden milk hot cocoa off a golden milk I posted last year. You can find the recipe here if you want a plain golden milk (still 100% delicious). My family and I loved it so much that of course I had to add cocoa powder to it! Because everyone one knows, if you have something delicious, adding chocolate will make it even more delicious-er.
Am I right, or am I right?
Of course I’m right.
So I combined those anti-inflammatory benefits of golden milk with the comfort of hot cocoa. It’s a winning combo, let me tell you! And since it’s nutritious, I don’t mind letting my kiddos have a cup.
I may have even told them it would help them get better when they were sick….
Health benefits of golden milk hot cocoa.
If you’re wondering how on earth hot cocoa could be healing in any way, let me enlighten you.
First of all, the main active ingredient in this golden milk hot cocoa is turmeric. And the main ‘ingredient’ in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Then we add in full-fat coconut milk and a dash of black pepper, both of which helps increase the absorption and effects of turmeric. And then we add in the vitamins, minerals, and anti-fungal properties of honey!
This drink is already on its way to amazing-ness, but we’re not done yet! Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids and can help lower blood pressure. Plus cocoa contains xanthine and theophylline, both of which aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and clearing bronchial tubes, making it great for cold and flu season, don’t you think?
For an added protein-boost, I also love to add in some Perfect Supplements grass-fed gelatin, making this golden milk hot cocoa a sure-fire nutritional powerhouse!
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Homemade Golden Milk Hot Cocoa
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 3 dashes of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher, grass-fed gelatin
- 2 cup coconut milk (I use my homemade coconut milk)
- 3 tablespoons local honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (I like to use my homemade vanilla extract)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, whisk together dry ingredients.
Whisk in coconut milk and heat to desired temperature.
Stir in honey and coconut oil and vanilla, if desired.
Serve.
Notes
Modified from my anti-inflammatory golden milk recipe.
Alright, alright, alright – I’ll try the golden milk…LOL! I really think I could dig the turmeric if we make it in cocoa form 😉
Hahaha! Everything is better when you cover it with chocolate. 😉 I hope you get to enjoy it!
Such a nutritious and decadent version of hot cocoa! I think it’s the cooler weather but I’ve been loving turmeric latte lately and this is such a yummy and fun twist to it!
Yes! I’m so excited to finally get into the warming drinks again!
Yes to golden milk! I love the taste of turmeric but have never through to add grass-fed gelatin. I need to try that!
I hope you enjoy it, Joni!
Yep, I need to try this!! I might actually be able to get some turmeric into my kids via a hot chocolate…smart momma!
Haha! Yeah, that’s pretty much the only way I can get it into them. 😉 #sneakymomwin
This looks so decadent! I love that it’s secretly healthy. That’s the best way to eat (drink) chocolate.
Haha! Secretly healthy is the best. 😉 Thanks Annemarie!
This is perfect- a healthy hot chocolate both of my kids can enjoy together! We’ll definitely be making this tomorrow!
This sounds so warm and comforting. I love the cooler weather months so I can sit down with a mug of a drink, just like this!
Love this recipe! It’s so healthy and gorgeous looking. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad to share! I hope you get to enjoy it. 🙂
this is perfect for this time of year as the weather cools down!
Thanks, Anne! I totally agree. 🙂
This combines two of my favorite things! So perfect.
Thanks, Shelby!
Everything is better covered in chocolate! Healthy and delicious – love it!
Thanks, Jules! I totally agree. Haha.
Mmm, this looks delicious Raia, and so warming. I love the coconut oil and black pepper in it! And the cocoa, of course! 😉
Thank you so much, Megan!
I’m loving all of the health benefits in this hot cocoa! I’m going to make some for me and my kiddos.
I hope they enjoy it, Jereann!