Okay, let’s just say it upfront… this drink is GORGEOUS.
If Santa had a signature holiday drink, this would be it, creamy, rich, deep red and topped with whipped cream that looks like a fluffy snowcap.
And yes, it’s blowing up on TikTok and Pinterest for a reason.
This Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is everything cozy December dreams are made of. It’s sweet, it’s velvety, and it’s ridiculously photogenic.
If you like classic hot chocolate, imagine it with a red velvet twist that makes you feel instantly festive. You know that warm-and-happy feeling you get when the Christmas lights turn on? Yeah. That.
Let’s talk about why you need this drink in your life ASAP.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Santa’s Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
- It’s aesthetic AF. (Yes, I said it.)
- Super creamy thanks to real chocolate + milk combo.
- Gorgeous red color that looks like holiday magic in a mug.
- Tastes like red velvet cake and hot cocoa had a cozy baby.
- Holiday-party friendly — kids and adults love it.
- Perfect for photos (which honestly… we love).
And IMO it’s one of the easiest “fancy-looking” winter drinks you’ll ever make.
Ingredients You Need
Base Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Red Velvet Flavor
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½–1 tsp red food coloring (gel works best)
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows
- Red sprinkles (VERY cute)
How to Make This Trending Drink
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Heat milk + heavy cream over medium-low. Don’t boil.
Step 2: Add the Cocoa & Chocolate
Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and white chocolate chips.
Stir until smooth and melty.
Step 3: Add the Red Velvet Magic
Stir in vanilla and red food coloring.
Choose your shade, classic red, deep velvet or bright Santa red. 🙂
Step 4: Serve & Decorate
Pour into a clear mug (trust me).
Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, or chocolate curls.
Take a picture. You will want to.
How to Serve It (Make It Aesthetic!)
- Clear mug = maximum aesthetic payoff
- Add a swirl of whipped cream tall enough to make Santa jealous
- Sprinkle crushed red velvet crumbs (optional but so pretty)
- Add a candy cane for the holiday TikTok vibe
- Drizzle a little chocolate syrup for dramatic effect
Serve warm, cozy and camera-ready.
Tips & Variations
- Want thicker hot chocolate? Add 1 tbsp instant pudding mix while heating.
- Want a deeper red? A single drop of gel coloring goes a long way.
- Want creamier? Add a splash of condensed milk.
- Want a peppermint twist? Add 1–2 drops of peppermint extract.
- Want mocha vibes? Add a tiny shot of espresso. (Game changer.)
FAQ
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use oat or almond milk + dairy-free white chocolate.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Reheat on low heat and stir well.
Why is mine not red enough?
Add 1 small drop at a time. Don’t overdo it.
Can I make it without food coloring?
It will taste the same but look like regular hot chocolate
Final Thoughts
Santa’s Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is cozy, rich, festive, fun and absolutely eye-catching. It’s trending everywhere for a reason, it tastes like holiday dessert in a mug and photographs like a dream.
Whether you’re hosting a party, making Christmas Eve special, or just creating content, this drink delivers.
Save it, share it, sip it, love it.
Santa’s Red Velvet Hot Chocolate”
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Clear mugs
Ingredients
- 2 Cup whole milk | or oat milk for dairy-free
- ½ Cup heavy cream
- ½ Cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar | adjust to taste
½ | tsp | vanilla extract
½–1 | tsp | red food coloring | gel works best
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk and heavy cream. Do not boil.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Add vanilla extract and red food coloring. Stir until evenly colored.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color
- Add color slowly — a little goes a long way
- For thicker hot chocolate, add 1 tbsp instant pudding mix
- For dairy-free, use oat milk + dairy-free white chocolate
- Completely non-alcoholic and kid-friendly
