Introduction

This Sugar Plum Hot Chocolate is a fun and festive twist on the classic winter treat. With strawberry milk and colorful sugar toppings, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings.

A transparent clear glass filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, light pink drink, topped with a thick layer of fluffy white whipped cream that spills slightly over the rim. The whipped cream is generously sprinkled with vibrant purple and hot pink sugar crystals, giving a textured, colorful look. The glass is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded blue, red, and white plaid cloth in the background, and soft warm fairy lights blurred in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small container strawberry milk
Whipped topping
2 tablespoons sugar
1 drop pink dye (gel food coloring)
1 drop purple dye (gel food coloring)

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the strawberry milk for about 30 seconds in the microwave or heat gently in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Pour into your favorite mug.
Step 2: Place the sugar on a plate and add one drop of pink dye to one tablespoon of sugar and one drop of purple dye to the other. Mix each well with the back of a fork to evenly distribute the color.
Step 3: Top the warm strawberry milk with a generous amount of whipped topping. Sprinkle the pink and purple sugar evenly over the whipped topping for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

Use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of strawberry milk for a richer hot chocolate experience.
For a dairy-free option, substitute with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the milk before heating for extra flavor.
If gel food coloring is unavailable, powdered drink mixes can also be used to color the sugar.

Storage

This hot chocolate is best enjoyed immediately while warm and frothy. Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Whipped topping is best fresh and should be added just before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup filled with a light pink creamy drink, topped with a thick swirl of soft pink whipped cream that is decorated with small purple sprinkles. The cup has a clear handle on the right side and is placed on a white marbled surface. Behind the cup, there are colorful spiral lollipops with bright red, green, blue, and yellow colors, along with blue glittery balls and green sparkly decorations, adding a festive look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of strawberry milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk and add a bit of strawberry syrup if you want to keep the fruity flavor. The drink will still be delicious even without the strawberry milk.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

You can substitute gel food coloring with liquid food coloring, but be aware it may make the sugar slightly wet and clumpy. Alternatively, use powdered drink mixes to color the sugar for a similar effect.

Sugar Plum Hot Chocolate Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

Indulge in a festive and colorful Sugar Plum Hot Chocolate, a delightful twist on the classic hot chocolate featuring strawberry milk and vibrant pink and purple sugar sprinkles atop a creamy whipped topping. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday celebrations, this sweet and visually appealing drink warms you up with a touch of whimsy.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 small container strawberry milk (approximately 8 oz)
Whipped topping (as desired)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 drop pink gel food coloring
1 drop purple gel food coloring

Instructions

Warm the Milk: Heat the strawberry milk for about 30 seconds either in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop until hot but not boiling. Then pour the warmed milk into your preferred cup or mug.
Prepare Colored Sugars: Spread the sugar evenly on a plate. Add one drop of pink gel food coloring to one tablespoon of sugar and mix well using the back of a fork. Repeat with purple gel food coloring on the other tablespoon of sugar to create vibrant colored sugars.
Assemble the Drink: Top the warm strawberry milk with a generous amount of whipped topping. Then sprinkle both the pink and purple colored sugars over the whipped topping to add a festive and decorative finish.

Notes

You can substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for a different flavor or dietary preference.
If gel food coloring is not available, liquid food coloring can be used but may require more mixing time.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar added to the colored sugar toppings.
Be careful not to overheat the milk; it should be warm and pleasant to drink, not scalding hot.
This recipe makes a single serving, but can be easily multiplied for a group.

Keywords: hot chocolate, strawberry milk, holiday drink, festive beverage, colored sugar, whipped topping