Sandra Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix is a rich and decadent dry mix popular for its deep chocolate flavor and subtle warmth. Ideally, the mix should be made with Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, darker cup of cocoa that isn’t overly acidic.
Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
- 1 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 ½ cups powdered milk (dry milk powder)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional but recommended)
- Hot water, for serving
How To Make Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix
- Sift the powders: In a large mixing bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar and the Dutch-processed cocoa powder together. Sifting is crucial here to remove hard lumps that won’t dissolve in your mug later.
- Add bulk ingredients: Add the powdered milk to the bowl. (Alton recommends non-fat dry milk powder, but whole milk powder makes it creamier).
- Season: Add the salt, cornstarch, and the pinch of cayenne pepper. The salt balances the sugar, the cornstarch thickens the drink slightly to give it body, and the cayenne boosts the chocolate profile.
- Combine: Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is a uniform light brown color.
- Store: Transfer the mix into an airtight container, jar, or canister. It keeps indefinitely in the pantry if kept dry.
- Serve: To make a cup of hot cocoa, fill a mug halfway with the mixture. Pour in hot water (not boiling) and stir well to combine.
Recipe Tips
- Why Dutch Process? Dutch-processed cocoa has been treated with alkali to neutralize acidity. It dissolves better in liquids and has a mellower, darker chocolate flavor than natural cocoa powder.
- The Cornstarch: Don’t skip the cornstarch. It mimics the mouthfeel of heavy cream, making the cocoa feel thicker and more luxurious even when made with water.
- Powdered Sugar: Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar ensures the sweetener dissolves instantly in the hot water without leaving gritty crystals at the bottom of the mug.
- Serving Ratio: Alton suggests a 50/50 ratio of mix to water for a very strong cup, but you can adjust to 1/3 mix and 2/3 water for a lighter version.
What To Serve With Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix
This cozy drink pairs well with winter treats.
- Marshmallows: Alton Brown’s homemade ones (see previous recipe) are perfect.
- Peppermint Stick: Stir with a candy cane for mint cocoa.
- Biscotti: A crunchy dipping cookie.
- Whipped Cream: A classic topping.
How To Store Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix
- Pantry: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. It will last for up to 1 year.
- Gifting: This mix looks beautiful layered in a Mason jar with mini marshmallows on top for a holiday gift.
Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturates: 0.5g
- Sugar: 30g
- Salt: 0.3g
Nutrition information is estimated per prepared cup.
FAQs
Yes, but the drink will be lighter in color and have a slightly more acidic, fruity taste. It may not dissolve as smoothly.
Yes! Using hot milk instead of water will result in an incredibly rich, ultra-creamy drink, though the mix already contains milk powder.
It’s an old Aztec trick. A tiny pinch of chili doesn’t make the drink spicy; it stimulates the palate and makes the chocolate taste more intense.
Alton Brown Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Description
A superior homemade hot chocolate mix using Dutch cocoa, powdered sugar, and a secret pinch of cayenne for a rich, thick, and satisfying beverage.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift sugar and cocoa into a large bowl.
- Stir in powdered milk, salt, cornstarch, and cayenne.
- Whisk until uniform.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To serve, mix equal parts powder and hot water.
Notes
- Sifting the cocoa and sugar is the most important step; if you skip it, you will have pockets of bitter cocoa powder in the mix that burst in your mouth unpleasantly.
- Adding cornstarch gives the hot cocoa a “mouthfeel” similar to Italian sipping chocolate, preventing it from feeling thin or watery like cheap packets.
- This mix is designed to be made with water for convenience (camping, office), but using hot milk turns it into a decadent dessert.
