Beetroot Hot Chocolate it is a variation of hot chocolate flavored with cooked Beets.It has a subtle chocolate taste and an earthy Beetroot flavor. It can be served hot or cold just like any other hot chocolate.

We had our first and probably the last snow fall for 2021 last weekend. Valentines Day ended up to be a magical Winter wonder land for us here in BC, Canada. It only lasted for 2 days and I really enjoyed those 2 beautiful cold days. I think 2 days is more than enough because I am so ready to welcome Spring! I decided to take a walk last Saturday while the snow is still fresh and the road and side streets are still not too slippery. I took my camera with me and enjoyed the cold freezing weather while capturing the beauty of snow covered trees. I love how the snow covered the branches and leaves of the trees, they look so magical to me. The walk took longer than usual because of the thick pile of snow on the ground, but it was a good walk and worth every minute. I needed to be out of the house anyway and it was a great way to relax, get some fresh air and be away from my computer for awhile. I need some inspiration for my blog and I certainly got it. I took some photos (shared it Facebook)and was back inspired to write this post.

We also had the big dump of snow last year almost the same week, it lasted few days longer than this year but nonetheless still not as much as other provinces in Canada. This is why I enjoy snow, because we do not get it often and I do not do any shoveling 🙂

Today’s post is not about the snow, although snow and the cold weather is what prompted me to make another homemade chocolate. Hot chocolate is such a warm comfort drink during cold weather, but chocolate is all time favorite. Put this two together and you got yourself a company to keep you happy and cozy warm.  Instead of buying one, why not make one at home. I like making hot chocolate variation, and some other hot or cold drinks.

What is Beetroot Hot Chocolate

Well … it is a variation of hot chocolate flavored with cooked Beets.It has a subtle chocolate taste and an earthy Beetroot flavor. It can be served hot or cold just like any other hot chocolate.

This time around, we are going to make a vibrant cozy Beetroot Hot Chocolate Drink. Yes, we are adding Beets in our hot chocolate. This might sound weird, but Beets had been used many times before to make Red Velvet Hot Chocolate. The vibrant red color of Beets have the natural color to the drink without having to use artificial good coloring, plus it it’s a natural earthy flavor. So it is more than just color, it also add unique taste to the drink. 

How to Cook Beets

There are few options that you can cook the Beets. I personally like baking or roasting Beets because this retains its vibrant color and the nutrients. I usually buy medium size Beets and it took 1 hour to get it soft and cooked. If you don’t want to open up your oven, you can also use the microwave, you can steam it or you can boil it. I’ve never used any of these methods as baking is always my preference. I am pretty sure it will work as well, it’s just a matter of how much time you need. Microwave will probably be the fastest method among all. 

The Ingredients

• Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk – You can use any dairy or non-dairy milk to make this drink. If you are using homemade non-dairy milk, I would not recommend using Oat milk as it has too much starch on it and it will thicken when you heat it up. Coconut, Almond and cashew Milk are great option.
• Beets – I used the pink variety as I find it more appealing. As for the cooking method, I baked the Beets for 1 hour until it is tender.
• Cocoa Powder – For the chocolate flavor, I use 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. You can also use chopped chocolate but add it only when you start simmering the mixture.
• Cinnamon Powder – You can adjust the amount of cinnamon powder. I like mine pretty subtle so I only added 1/4 teaspoon.
• Honey (or any sweetener of your choice) – This is just an additional sweetener on top of medjool dates. You can use other sweetener like maple syrup, agave or even raw or granulated sugar, or coconut sugar if you are using coconut milk this pairs well. You can skip the additional sweetener if you are happy with the taste with just the medjool as sweetener

The Sweetener

You can use any sweetener that you like. Because I have quite a lot of dates at home, I used a combination of pitted dates and honey to sweeten the drink. I find that Dates alone is not enough to provide sweetness but it does add some sweetness. I have both honey and maple syrup but I often choose honey to sweeten my drinks for a more neutral taste. 

Because I used Dates in this recipe, I had to use a blender to first mix all  the ingredients. Also, blending creates a nice foam which makes it more attractive. 

I only added 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder because this is a single serving, and also because I don’t want it to over power the taste of Beets, and the pink vibrant color. 

Hot or Cold

Serve it hot or cold depending on the weather. If serving cold, let the drink cool completely before transferring it in a glass with ice cubes. Fill 1/4 of the glass with milk and pour the golden milk. If desired top some whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk
• half of small Beets
• 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
• 2 Medjool pitted Dates – can be substituted by any sweetener of your choice
• 1 – 2 teaspoon Honey (or any sweetener of your choice)

Instructions:

1. Wash and scrub the Beets. Poke with sharp knife to allow steam to come out while cooking it. Bake at 350F for 1 hour or until soft and tender. Peel to remove the skin. Cut into quarters and use only 1/2 of the Beets.
2. In a blender, pour the milk then add the dates, honey and cooked Beets. Blend until the dates are mashed up. Blending also creates a nice foam on top that adds appeal for presentation purposes. If you are not using medjool dates, you can skip the blender and simmer the mixture on stove top. Do NOT bring to boil, and keep stirring to avoid getting ‘film’ on top.
3. Transfer in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes or until fragrant and flavorful. At 5 minutes mark, remove 1/4 cup and add the cocoa powder in the cup. Stir until the cocoa is fully dissolved. Pour back to the back and simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain the drink through a fine strainer into a mug, or pour it as is.
4. Serve with whipped cream on top and dusting of cocoa powder

This Beetroot drink can also be made in advance and stored in your refrigerator for up to five days. Simply reheat it before drinking.

Serves 1

If you want to try something slightly different, check out my Match Coconut White Hot Chocolate, Red Velvet Hot Chocolate, and Dalgona Coffee

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