How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate! is a easy Fusion recipe that serves 2. 212 calories per serving. Recipe by Earthley on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $1.85 total, $0.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Half-and-Half (Can substitute whole milk or heavy cream if preferred)
- 1 cup Chicken Bone Broth (Homemade or store‑bought, low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Pure maple syrup for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Earthly Coco Calm (Adaptogenic cocoa blend; can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 0.25 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla extract; optional)
Instructions
Combine liquids
In a saucepan, pour 1 cup half‑and‑half and 1 cup chicken bone broth.
Time: PT1M
Add sweetener
Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup until dissolved.
Time: PT30S
Add cocoa
Add 2 tablespoons Earthly Coco Calm and whisk to combine, avoiding lumps.
Time: PT30S
Add vanilla
Drop in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and give a quick stir.
Time: PT15S
Stir mixture
Stir the entire mixture until the cocoa is fully incorporated and the liquid is smooth.
Time: PT1M
Heat
Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the drink until it is steaming and just below a boil, about 3–5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Serve
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, optionally garnish with a pinch of cocoa or cinnamon, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 212
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly (if using low‑carb sweetener), Paleo-friendly (if using dairy‑free alternatives)
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Half-and-Half: Whole milk, Heavy cream, Plant‑based milk (e.g., oat, almond)
- Instead of Chicken Bone Broth: Vegetable broth, Beef broth
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Earthly Coco Calm: Regular unsweetened cocoa powder, Ground cacao nibs
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste, Almond extract (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Mug
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Heat the mixture until steaming but do not let it boil, to prevent curdling of the dairy.
- Whisk the cocoa powder thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality, low‑sodium chicken bone broth for the best flavor.
- For extra froth, blend the hot chocolate with a handheld frother just before serving.
- Taste and adjust the maple syrup before heating if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Troubleshooting
Lumpy cocoa after stirring
Whisk vigorously and, if needed, sift the cocoa powder before adding to eliminate clumps.
Dairy curdles or separates
Heat gently over medium heat and never bring the mixture to a full boil; remove from heat as soon as it steams.
Drink is too thin
Increase the amount of cocoa powder by ½ tablespoon or reduce the liquid slightly on the next batch.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours at room temperature; keep warm if serving later.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare chicken bone broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pre‑measure the dry ingredients (cocoa and maple syrup) in a small jar for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bone broth hot chocolate in modern wellness trends?
Bone broth hot chocolate emerged as a health‑focused twist on traditional hot cocoa, combining the collagen‑rich benefits of bone broth with the comfort of chocolate. It gained popularity on Instagram and TikTok as a functional beverage for joint health, gut support, and immune boosting during cold seasons.
How did bone broth hot chocolate become a popular trend on Instagram and TikTok?
Social media creators began sharing the recipe as a ‘beauty from the inside’ drink, highlighting its adaptogenic cocoa and nutrient‑dense broth. Short, visually appealing videos showing the steaming, thick mug helped the trend spread quickly among wellness enthusiasts.
What traditional health benefits are associated with bone broth in various cuisines?
Bone broth has been used for centuries in Asian, European, and Latin American cuisines to support gut health, provide collagen for skin and joints, and replenish electrolytes. Its slow‑cooked gelatin and minerals are valued for recovery after illness or intense physical activity.
In which regions or cultures is bone broth traditionally consumed, and how does this hot chocolate variation differ?
Bone broth is a staple in Chinese (tang), Vietnamese (pho broth), and Eastern European (borscht base) cooking. The hot chocolate version diverges by adding sweet cocoa and dairy, turning a savory restorative into a dessert‑like beverage while retaining the broth’s nutritional profile.
What occasions or seasons is bone broth hot chocolate especially enjoyed?
It is most popular during cold winter evenings, after workouts, or as a post‑illness recovery drink. The warming nature and immune‑supporting ingredients make it ideal for holiday gatherings and wellness retreats.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional bone broth hot chocolate versus common substitutes?
The authentic version uses homemade chicken bone broth, half‑and‑half, pure maple syrup, and Earthly’s adaptogenic cocoa blend. Common substitutes include store‑bought broth, milk or cream instead of half‑and‑half, honey for sweetener, and regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
How does bone broth hot chocolate fit into the broader health‑focused beverage tradition?
It joins a growing category of functional drinks that combine nutrition with comfort, such as golden milk, matcha lattes, and mushroom coffees. By pairing protein‑rich broth with antioxidant‑rich cocoa, it offers a balanced macronutrient profile in a single cup.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bone broth hot chocolate?
Common errors include boiling the mixture, which can cause the dairy to curdle; adding cocoa powder without whisking, leading to lumps; and using low‑quality broth that tastes bland. Follow the heating and whisking steps carefully for a smooth result.
Why does this recipe use half‑and‑half instead of just milk or cream?
Half‑and‑half provides a richer mouthfeel than milk while being less heavy than pure cream, creating a silky texture that balances the savory broth. It also helps carry the cocoa flavor without becoming overly thick.
How do you know when the bone broth hot chocolate is properly heated and ready to serve?
The drink is ready when it begins to steam steadily and small bubbles form around the edges, but it does not reach a rolling boil. At this point the cocoa is fully dissolved and the flavors are melded.
What does the YouTube channel Earthley specialize in?
The YouTube channel Earthley focuses on wholesome, nutrient‑dense recipes that blend traditional cooking with modern wellness trends, often featuring adaptogenic ingredients, bone broths, and sustainable food practices.
How does the YouTube channel Earthley's approach to wellness beverages differ from other health‑focused cooking channels?
Earthley emphasizes whole‑food, low‑processing ingredients and often incorporates adaptogenic herbs and bone broth into classic comfort drinks, whereas many other channels rely more on plant‑based powders or commercial supplements.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
