Pistachio Milk & Hot Cocoa (3 ways)

While sipping my almond milk latte and thinking about going to soak more almonds to make milk for the weekend when I like to have homemade almond milk lattes, especially during the winter, I decided to also make pistachio milk! Pistachios actually don’t need to be soaked to make milk and I really thought A would love a pistachio hot cocoa. She really loves “P-statues” as she use to call them when she was younger as well as white hot chocolate over traditional hot cocoa. Of course I couldn’t settle on just one version so I will be posting 3 Pistachio Hot Cocoa recipes (in 1 post) soon, stay tuned! I know they aren’t green and I don’t really have a reason but I’m declaring pistachios the “it food” of this holiday season, unofficially of course! Oh wait there’s more keep reading.….

This the season for hot cocoa! Or is it hot chocolate? There is actually a big difference in the two and they aren’t the same! Hot chocolate, also called “drinking chocolate,” is made from ground chocolate (which contains cocoa butter), which is mixed with hot milk to make the beverage. Hot cocoa, however, is made with cocoa powder only (which contains no cocoa butter, and is thus very low in fat), along with nonfat dried milk, sugar and natural flavorings.
There are so many kind of hot cocoa/hot chocolate out there and versions that I could have a different one all winter long. From traditional, powdered with water, spicy Mexican hot cocoa, white hot cocoa, peppermint, marshmallow, raspberry, caramel, and other flavored hot cocoas, and rich dark sipping chocolates. Well therse version isn’t any of those, Pistachio Hot Cocoa is made with pistachio milk (which is quick and easy to whip up, no soaking required) and 3 versions using white chocolate chips, or White Chocolate CocoNutter (coconut butter), or maple syrup and cacao powder. In the mood for something different, whip up one of these hot cocoas! Perfect to sip while watching the snow fall or to warm up with after sledding!

Now to top with whipped cream or marshmallows, that is the question?

Pistachio Milk
Makes 3-4 servings
1c raw unsalted pistachios
3 1/2-4c water
1-2 TBSP pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of pink Himalayan salt

Rinse nuts, pistachios do not need to be soaked. Place pistachios, water, maple syrup, and salt in a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, and blend on high for about 2 minutes. Strain through a nut bag into a clean glass container. Store in the refrigerator, I try to drink my nut milks within 3 days, shake before using. Enjoy!

Pistachio Hot Cocoa (3 ways)
Each makes 1 serving

1c pistachio milk
2 TBSP white chocolate chips

OR

1c pistachio milk
1 TBSP white chocolate CocoNutter
sweetener if desired, I don’t add any

OR

1c pistachio milk
1 TBSP pure maple syrup, or to taste (use Costco Organic or local maple syrup)
2 TBSP cacao powder (used Navitas Naturals)
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of sea salt

Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. We used Dandie’s Marshmallows and So Delicious Coco Whip.

Steam or heat milk and blend, I used a Vitamix, with other ingredients until smooth. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Warm up with Pistachio Hot Cocoa (3 ways)! #SweatPink #dairyfree #Christmas Share on X