The Kitchn: Turn this classic childhood drink into a decadent, chocolatey treat

Olivia Mack McCool, TheKitchn.com on Jan 17, 2022

A cold glass of chocolate milk is hard to beat. Sure, you can buy a bottle of the premade stuff or even chocolate syrup. But for the chocolate milk enthusiast looking to level up, this recipe is for you. It makes a big batch of seriously delicious chocolate syrup that can be kept on hand for whenever the craving for your favorite childhood beverage strikes. And it’s leaps and bounds better than the store-bought stuff.

How to make chocolate milk

This chocolate milk is made by mixing a homemade chocolate syrup into a cold glass of milk. The syrup comes together quickly in a saucepan and is decanted into a lidded jar that will live in the refrigerator until you’re ready to whisk it into the milk.

Things to make with chocolate milk

A glass of chocolate milk straight-up is a treat in itself. But it’s also great poured into either hot coffee or iced coffee, and it really elevates a milk and cookies moment.

Ingredients in chocolate milk

This chocolate milk has very simple ingredients.

Chocolate Milk

Serves 16, Makes about 2 cups

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cold milk, for serving

1. Place 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is smooth, 2 to 4 minutes. The syrup will coat the back of the spoon and will thicken as it cools.

2. Transfer the syrup into a jar with a lid and let cool, uncovered. Refrigerate for up to three months.

3. To make a glass of chocolate milk, place 1 1/2 cups milk and 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup in a glass and stir until combined. Enjoy!

Recipe note: Rewarm syrup slightly in the microwave to loosen before using.

(Olivia Mack McCool is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)