Find my drinkHomemade hot chocolateThick European drinking chocolateMexican hot chocolateSee all: Hot chocolateChocolate milkshakeFrozen hot chocolateMochaSee all: Cold & coffeeBest hot chocolate mixesBest cocoa powderAll reviewsSee all: Cocoa & mixesCalorie calculatorParty calculatorChocolate drink finderSee all: ToolsGuides
Homemade Chocolate Milk

Cold · Classic

Homemade Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk without the stabilizers: cocoa, a little sugar and cold milk, and the trick to make cocoa dissolve.

Prep
5 min
Total
5 min
Serves
1
Calories
210

ColdClassicKid-friendly5 minutes

Jump to recipe

Cocoa won’t dissolve in cold milk on its own. Make a quick syrup with a spoon of hot water first, or shake everything in a jar.

Ingredients

1 serving

You’ll need: Blender

Method

  1. Stir the cocoa, sugar and salt with 1 tablespoon of hot water into a smooth syrup.

  2. Add the cold milk and vanilla and stir (or shake in a jar) until combined.

  3. Serve over ice.

Tips

Nutrition per serving, approximate

Calories
210
Protein
9g
Carbs
27g
Sugar
25g
Fiber
2g
Fat
9g
Caffeine
12mg

Estimated from standard USDA values for the ingredients listed; brands vary.

Variations

  • Post-workout: Use ultra-filtered milk for more protein.

Nutrition at a glance

One serving has about 210 calories, 25 g sugar, 9 g protein and about 12 mg caffeine. Values are estimates from USDA data for the exact amounts listed; your chocolate brand and milk change them: check your version with our chocolate drink calorie calculator.

Storing and reheating

Cold chocolate drinks are best right away. Leftover chocolate milk or syrup-based drinks keep 2-3 days in the fridge; shake before serving. Milkshakes don’t keep: freeze leftovers as ice pops instead.

Choosing your chocolate

For drinks made with cocoa powder, Dutch-process gives a darker, smoother, mellower cup and natural cocoa a brighter, fruitier one. For melted chocolate, use a bar you’d enjoy eating: chips contain stabilizers that resist melting. See our cocoa and hot chocolate mix reviews and cocoa powder guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why does cocoa clump in cold milk?

Cocoa’s fat repels cold liquid. Dissolve it in a little hot water first.

Made this one?

Rate it

Reader twists and tips

Made Homemade Chocolate Milk? Tell us what you changed and how it came out. The first good one goes right here.

Share your twist

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Gear for this recipe

Ghirardelli 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for the best all-purpose cocoa for scratch hot chocolate

A top pick in America’s Test Kitchen’s cocoa tasting for complex, layered chocolate flavor. Comes in natural and Dutch-process versions.

Type
Cocoa powder
Size
8 oz
Cost
about $1 per oz
Make with
Make from scratch
From $8Check price Full review

Guittard Cocoa Rouge (Dutch-Process)

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for dark, smooth, reddish Dutch-process cocoa for rich drinking chocolate

A higher-fat Dutch-process cocoa that gives hot chocolate a dark color, smooth flavor and fuller body.

Type
Cocoa powder
Size
8 oz
Cost
about $1.60 per oz
Make with
Make from scratch
From $13Check price Full review

More chocolate drinks

Homemade Hot Chocolate (From Cocoa Powder) Hot · ClassicHomemade Hot Chocolate (From Cocoa Powder) 290 cal 5 min Nutella Hot Chocolate Hot · NuttyNutella Hot Chocolate 360 cal 5 min Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate for a Crowd Hot · ClassicSlow Cooker Hot Chocolate for a Crowd 290 cal 120 min Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Hot · NuttyPeanut Butter Hot Chocolate 460 cal 5 min Classic Chocolate Milkshake Cold · ClassicClassic Chocolate Milkshake 605 cal 5 min Chocolate Malted Milkshake Cold · ClassicChocolate Malted Milkshake 680 cal 5 min