I remember one chilly afternoon last winter. I had leftover bone broth from making soup. I mixed it into my usual hot chocolate on a whim. The result surprised me. It tasted rich and smooth, with no hint of broth. Now, it’s my go-to drink for cold days. This recipe gives you a warm cup full of protein and gut support. It uses simple items you likely have at home.
Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 large mug or 2 small ones
Ingredients
Use these in the order listed for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup unsalted chicken bone broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best, or use almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 1 scoop collagen powder for extra protein
Instructions
Follow these steps for a creamy drink.
- Pour the bone broth and milk into a small saucepan.
- Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and collagen powder if using.
- Heat over medium flame. Whisk until smooth and warm, about 3 minutes. Do not boil.
- Pour into a mug. Blend for 10 seconds if you want it frothy.
- Sip right away.
Why This Recipe Works
Bone broth adds protein without changing the chocolate taste. Each serving has about 20 grams of protein. It helps with gut health and joint support. Cocoa brings antioxidants. This beats store mixes with too much sugar.
For more soup ideas that use bone broth, check our 10 Vegetable Soup Recipes.
Tips and Variations
- Whisk well to avoid lumps from cocoa.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for spice.
- Use beef bone broth if you prefer a bolder base, but chicken keeps it mild.
- Top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows for fun.
- Try it iced in summer. Mix and chill.
Substitution Ideas
- Swap maple syrup with honey for a different sweet note.
- Use oat milk or coconut milk instead of dairy. Coconut adds creaminess.
- No collagen? Skip it. The broth still gives benefits.
- For vegan, use vegetable stock. Note it lacks the same nutrients.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave. Stir before drinking. Make a big batch ahead. Heat single servings as needed. Freeze in ice cubes for quick blends later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in your favorite mug with a cookie on the side. Pair it with our Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe for a cozy meal. Or try after a veggie dish like Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This drink fits movie nights or quiet evenings.