Tools

• Saucepan or pot: you'll need this for heating and mixing your hot chocolate ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: these are very helpful if you want to proportion your ingredients accurately.
• Whisk: you'll be using this to blend your ingredients to create one smooth texture (which will eventually end up as your keto hot chocolate mix).
• Microwave-safe bowl: this is where you'll be placing your sugar-free chocolate chips for melting them in the microwave.
• Microwave: you'll be using this to melt your sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Mugs: these are where you'll be serving your keto hot chocolate
• (Optional) Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: if you find that your unsweetened cocoa powder is lumpy, then you can use this to sift it.

Preparation

• When adding your dry ingredients to the mixture, it's recommended that you do so gradually while whisking constantly. This will help prevent clumps from forming in the mixture, ensuring a smooth consistency in your hot chocolate. It will also help ensure even distribution.
• To prevent your mixture from scorching or curdling, keep the heat at medium and make sure to stir frequently.
• Taste your keto hot chocolate before adding the sweetener. Then, add your sweetener gradually until you achieve your desired sweetness. This recipe calls for adding a tablespoon of Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener, but you can add more if you want your hot chocolate to be sweeter.
• You can adjust the thickness of your keto hot chocolate by adjusting the ratio of heavy whipping cream to water. If you want a thicker consistency, add more heavy cream. If you want it to be lighter, add more water. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. These two options have a lower fat content compared to heavy cream, resulting in a lighter hot chocolate.
• Getting tired of just the plain ol' chocolate flavor? Spice up your keto hot chocolate by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of peppermint extract for different flavor variations. Or if you like to intensify the chocolate flavor, you can add a pinch of salt.

Storage

• This hot keto beverage is best served immediately after preparation. But if you plan to serve it later (a day or more after), allow it to cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or glasses/plastic cups with tight-fitting lids. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Before pouring your keto hot chocolate into your mugs, you can pre-warm them by rinsing them with hot water. This will help hot chocolate maintain its temperature for longer.
• If you have any melted chocolate or cocoa powder left, you can rim your mugs with it for a more appealing presentation. You can dip the rim of each mug into melted chocolate, then allow the chocolate to cool and harden.
• Get creative with your garnish! You can sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of your hot chocolate to add a delightful aroma and flavor. Or you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream and grated sugar-free chocolate. There are plenty more options too such as crushed nuts, sugar-free chocolate syrup, sugar-free salted caramel, sugar-free marshmallows, etc.
• Pair your keto hot chocolate with keto-friendly options such as sugar-free cookies, a cheese platter, fresh berries, etc.