Easy Chocolate Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chocolate Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a comforting, cooling drink. Especially during those hot Indian summers! This easy chocolate milk recipe is my go-to. It’s quick, simple, and seriously hits the spot. I first made this when my little cousin came to visit, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average chocolate milk. It’s incredibly easy to whip up – seriously, just 5 minutes of prep time! It’s also super customizable. Want it sweeter? Go for it! A little spice? Absolutely! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up milk that’s about to expire. It’s a win-win, really.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chocolate milk:

• 1.5 cups full fat milk (approximately 360ml)
• 1.5 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (approximately 18g)
• 2 tablespoon sugar (approximately 25g)
• 0.25 teaspoon vanilla essence (approximately 1.25ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Full Fat Milk: Regional Variations & Benefits

Full fat milk gives the richest, creamiest result. But you can totally use whatever milk you prefer! In India, we often use toned milk, which is a good middle ground. Full fat milk (approximately 3.25% milkfat) provides a lovely texture and a more satisfying drink.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choosing Quality

Good quality cocoa powder makes a huge difference. I prefer a Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less acidic flavour. But any unsweetened cocoa powder will work.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Preference

I use regular granulated sugar, but you can experiment! Jaggery (gur) adds a lovely caramel flavour, and it’s a more traditional Indian sweetener. Adjust the amount to your liking – I usually start with 2 tablespoons and taste as I go.

Vanilla Essence: Enhancing the Flavor Profile

A little vanilla essence really elevates the chocolate flavour. Don’t skip it! If you have a vanilla bean, a tiny scrape of the seeds would be amazing too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some chocolate milk! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it.

1. First, add the boiled and cooled milk to a blender jar. Chilled milk is even better – it helps make the drink extra frosty!
2. Next, add the cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla essence to the blender.
3. Now, blend everything together until the mixture is thick and frothy. This usually takes about a minute. You’ll see it lighten in colour and get nice and bubbly.
4. Pour the chocolate milk into serving glasses immediately.
5. Serve chilled for the best taste!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• For an extra-cold drink, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before pouring.
• Don’t over-blend! Over-blending can make the milk too airy.
• Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. Everyone has different preferences!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Chocolate Milk Adaptation

My friend, Priya, is vegan, and she loves this recipe with almond milk or oat milk! It works beautifully. You might need to add a tiny bit more sugar, as plant-based milks aren’t always as sweet as dairy milk.

Sugar-Free Chocolate Milk Adaptation

For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cinnamon or Cardamom

A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds a lovely warming spice. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of cardamom to hers – it’s so comforting!

Festival Adaptations: A Refreshing Treat for Holi or Diwali

During Holi, you could add a tiny drop of food colouring for a fun, festive twist! For Diwali, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top makes it feel extra special.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate milk is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with:

• A side of biscuits or cookies.
• A slice of cake.
• As a refreshing drink after a spicy meal.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed immediately! However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It’s a great way to get kids to drink milk. Just be mindful of the sugar content and adjust accordingly.

Can I use different types of milk (e.g., almond, soy)?

Yes, you can! Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk – they all work well.

How can I make this chocolate milk extra creamy?

Use full-fat milk and don’t over-blend. A tiny bit of heavy cream (a tablespoon or so) will also make it extra luxurious.

Can I prepare this in advance?

It’s best fresh, but you can blend the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar together and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Add the vanilla essence just before serving.

What is the best way to adjust the sweetness level?

Start with the recommended amount of sugar and taste as you go. Add more sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.