Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are staples of a northeast holiday season. The comfort of warm, chocolatey goodness against the winter chill is unmatched, especially here in South Jersey, where it gets as low as 20º in the colder months.
With a dose of THC, you get an even more exciting twist to your holiday fun! At ReLeaf Dispensary in Williamstown, we pride ourselves on providing the best quality cannabis in New Jersey, perfect for holiday recipes like this one.
For the perfect infused hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need either a cannabis chocolate bar and some pantry staples or an unflavored tincture and your favorite hot cocoa mix. Both methods are super simple, so stick around for this simple holiday cannabis drink that’s sure to bring you some elevated yuletide joy.
How to Make the Best Infused Hot Chocolate
There are two methods you can use to make infused hot chocolate or hot cocoa, and it all depends on what you have on hand or what your holiday drink preferences are.
Hot chocolate is made by melting real chocolate into milk or cream, creating a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink. Choosing the right cannabis edible is key to making the best infused hot chocolate. At ReLeaf, we have a wide range of local and national cannabis brands for you to choose from, plus exciting flavors that allow you to personalize your hot chocolate to your taste.
Our go-to choice for THC hot chocolate is Incredibles chocolate bars, which range from classic milk chocolate to more interesting flavors. Mile High Mint is perfect for the holiday season, making you a warm cup of infused mint hot chocolate. You could also try something like the Mocha Chocolate Cheeba Chews for a burst of chocolatey goodness! Just ask one of our Williamstown dispensary budtenders for specific recommendations based on your dietary needs and preferences when you visit us in-store.
Another method to make your infused holiday drink is hot cocoa, which is made from cocoa powder and sugar, resulting in a lighter, quicker-to-make beverage. You can also just infuse your favorite hot cocoa mix using an unflavored tincture.
For this, we highly recommend the Treeworks Collective’s Purist Simply Drops. With a pure and natural cannabis flavor, this well-balanced 1:1 offers euphoric and relaxing effects, making it the perfect nightcap for a cold, winter evening.
Our South Jersey dispensary also carries a variety of other Treeworks tinctures, such as Smooth Berry, Soothing Strawberry, and Mango Berry, all with different formulations and effects. These are great products you could use to personalize your infused hot chocolate in a unique way!
At the end of the day, both methods of infusion are super simple. Generally, we say if you want something rich and creamy, opt for infused hot chocolate; if you prefer a simple, lighter, and faster option, go for a THC hot cocoa.
Customizing Your THC Hot Chocolate Drink
One of the best parts about making infused hot chocolate or hot cocoa is customizing it to match your taste, mood, or the occasion. Whether you’re leaning cozy, festive, or indulgent, a few simple additions can elevate your drink into a personalized holiday treat.
- Flavor add-ins: Stir in peppermint, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or even a pinch of chili powder to enhance warmth, sweetness, or spice.
- Milk alternatives: Swap traditional milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk to change the texture and flavor while keeping things dairy-free. Just be sure your other ingredients are lactose-friendly as well, depending on your needs and preferences.
- Toppings: Finish with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or cookie crumbles for extra indulgence.
- Presentation: Serve in festive mugs, add holiday sprinkles, or pair your drink with a “Santa-approved” infused cookie for a playful seasonal touch.
Super Simple Infused Hot Chocolate Recipe
Get creative with your infused hot chocolate using ingredients from our Williamstown dispensary! This 10-15 minute holiday drink recipe is great for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.
To manage potency, adjust the amount of infused chocolate bar to your preference and gently heat the milk. Avoid boiling or overheating to preserve flavor, texture, and cannabinoid integrity.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk or milk alternative
- 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 cannabis-infused chocolate bar (dose per serving)
- Optional: Whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions:
- Warm milk gently over low heat.
- Chop or break your THC chocolate bar into small pieces.
- Add chocolate to warm milk and stir until fully melted.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy.
Quick & Easy THC Hot Cocoa Recipe
Infused hot cocoa is super quick and easy, making it the preferred option for those who are new to cooking with cannabis. This 5-8 minute cannabis recipe is easy-to-dose and lets you pick your favorite hot cocoa mix.
Popular options include Trader Joe’s hot cocoa mix for overall quality, Starbucks Double Chocolate for richer dark chocolate, Ghirardelli for indulgent milk chocolate, and Nestle or Swiss Miss for that nostalgic, budget-friendly classic feel.
Use this as your chance to get creative! You can find plenty of unique hot cocoa mix options, including spicy Mexican hot cocoa, dairy-free hot cocoa, and more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (8 fl oz) water, milk, or milk alternative
- 2-4 tbsp cocoa powder or favorite powdered hot chocolate mix, as instructed on the packaging
- Measured dose of THC or CBD tincture
- Optional: Whipped cream or marshmallows for garnish
Directions:
- Follow the instructions on the package to make your hot cocoa.
- Let it cool slightly and stir in your tincture.
- Pour into mugs, garnish, and serve.
Enjoy this Holiday Season with Cannabis Drink Recipes
As the holiday season settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm mug of infused hot chocolate to help you slow down, get cozy, and savor the moment. Whether you’re sticking to a classic recipe or putting your own festive twist on it, cannabis-infused drinks are a fun, comforting way to celebrate winter.
Share your creations or holiday variations with us on Instagram @releafcannanj, and stop by ReLeaf Cannabis in Williamstown, NJ to shop cannabis online, including infused chocolate bars, tinctures, and other holiday-ready products to make the season even sweeter.
