My homemade chocolate milk recipe is better than any chocolate milk mix you’ll find in a grocery store! This chocolate milk with cocoa powder is ready in under five minutes and there are tons of ways to customize it.

Is there anything more comforting than a glass of chocolate milk? We all have memories of drinking chocolate milk from a bottle or mixed with boxed powder and milk. So I wanted to try and recreate the magic of this childhood treat.

However, this time, I’ve adapted the ingredients to show you how to make chocolate milk with cocoa powder – but without any nasties added in. This is the best – and only – chocolate milk recipe you’ll ever need. 

When Was Chocolate Milk Invented

Popular legend would suggest that an Irishman named Sir Frans Sloane was the “inventor” of choclate milk. But as so often happens, the European who claims to have invented it was not the original creator.

The story goes that Sloane was living in Jamaica and struggling with the heat. The locals gave him cocoa to drink – which he disliked – but by mixing in milk, powder chocolate milk was born. So the origin is Jamaican, where milk, cocoa, and spices have been brewed and served since the 15th century.

Is Chocolate Milk Good For You

Chocolate milk mixes that are pre-made tend to have lots of extra sugar in them and little nutritional benefit. But my chocolate milk with cocoa powder retains plenty of goodness. Milk is high in protein, calcium, Vitamin D, B2, and B12 and is great for healthy bones.

Chocolate Milk Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients for this homemade milk chocolate recipe that’s better than store-bought chocolate milk.

• Milk: Full-fat milk makes the creamiest milk cocoa. But you can use your favorite type of milk, dairy or dairy-free (like soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc).
• Cacao powder: I like using unsweetened cocoa powder, but you can use any you prefer.
• Sugar: Any sugar works, especially white, cane, brown, or an alternative sweetener of choice e.g maple syrup, honey, etc. You can also use powdered sugar and it will dissolve quickly. Or, you can make it sugar-free.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to intensify the flavors.

How To Add Extra Flavor To Your Chocolate Milk

Here’s how to make chocolate milk even better:

• Vanilla: Use vanilla powder or vanilla extract for choco milk. 
• Espresso: A drizzle of coffee or a pinch of espresso powder (or instant coffee) will deepen the flavor of any chocolate milk drink.
• Chocolate: I like classic homemade chocolate syrup or chocolate shavings.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Butter: you can add a tablespoon of butter for extra healthy fats.
• Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
• Sprinkle chili powder or cayenne powder for an extra kick.
• Add a scoop of ice cream to turn it into a chocolate milkshake.

How Is Chocolate Milk Made

For this choco milk recipe, simply place all the ingredients into a blender and mix. Taste test and adjust the sweetness if needed. Then pour it into your chocolate milk cup.

You can also use an immersion blender or a whisk and mix the chocolate milk powder drink directly into your glass.

Make Ahead Chocolate Milk

Homemade chocolate milk can be made ahead and left in the fridge before serving – just stir it well. You can keep it in the fridge for about a week (or the milk’s use-by date).

Can You Freeze Chocolate Milk

Yes! It does well in the freezer. And its lifespan is extended by freezing. The color may separate during freezing, but that’s normal. You can store it in an airtight container for up to four months.

FAQs

More Delicious Drinks

• Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate
• Easy 5-Minute Golden Milk
• Authentic Masala Chai (Spiced Milk Tea)
• Bulletproof Coffee
• Mulled Apple Cider (Wassail)

If you try this best chocolate milk recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!