Salt, Ink & Soul Hot Chocolate Recipe

Simple. Comforting. Winter-warm.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk (or oat/almond milk)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar (add more if you like it sweeter)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional:
  • 2 tbsp milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon
  • Whipped cream
  • Marshmallows
  • A light dusting of cocoa on top

Instructions

1. Warm the Milk

Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it steams but does not boil.

2. Mix the Cocoa + Sugar

In a bowl, whisk the cocoa powder and Sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of warm milk to create a smooth paste.

(This keeps it from clumping.)

3. Combine

Pour the cocoa paste into the warm milk. Whisk until fully dissolved.

4. Add Vanilla + Salt

Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

(Yes — the salt matters. It deepens the chocolate flavor.)

5. Optional Upgrade

Add chocolate chips and stir until melted for a richer cup.

6. Serve Warm

Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, or drink it simply as it is.

New Mexico Twist (Optional)

• Add a tiny pinch of red chile powder for warmth.
• Or grate in a little Mexican chocolate (Abuelita or Ibarra).

Notes

This recipe makes 2 cozy mugs — perfect for a winter movie night, a moment of stillness, or a slow Saturday morning.

Kyle J. Hayes

kylehayesblog.com

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