Red Velvet Cocoa

Sep 22, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Vanilla: Extract Easy

A creamy hot cocoa featuring unsweetened cocoa, whole milk, and a hint of vanilla with red food coloring to emulate the classic red velvet flavor and appearance.

Prep 5 min

Cook 5 min

Total 10 min

Servings 1

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

2.0 tbsp (10.0 g)unsweetened cocoa powder
2.0 tbsp (25.0 g)granulated sugar
10.0 fl oz (300.0 ml)whole milk
½ tsp (2.5 ml)pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1.0 ml)red food coloring

Make it at home

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Instructions

Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and 2 oz (60 ml) of whole milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Whisk until smooth and warm, then stir in the remaining milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Heat gently to steaming (about 160°F / 71°C) without boiling while whisking.
Pour into a mug and serve hot.

Tips

If you prefer, substitute half-and-half for whole milk for a richer texture. Add the food coloring gradually to control shade.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make red velvet cocoa?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 1 serving.

Can I make red velvet cocoa ahead?

Best fresh. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and rewarm gently on the stove; don't let it boil.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. You can swap in the seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder instead.

A creamy hot cocoa featuring unsweetened cocoa, whole milk, and a hint of vanilla with red food coloring to emulate the classic red velvet flavor and appearance.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 1 serving this recipe makes.

314 Calories / serving

11.6g Fat

45.9g Carbs

11.9g Protein

41.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (1 serving): ~314 cal · 12g fat · 46g carbs · 12g protein · 41g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 314 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 59 min·3.4 mi·~6900 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 43 min·2.2 mi·~4300 steps
Moderate cycling 32 min·6.4 mi
Swimming laps 44 min
Jogging 31 min·2.6 mi·~4950 steps
Stair climbing 29 min·~2600 steps
Dancing 51 min
Bodyweight circuit training 32 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 73 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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