There’s something truly magical about a cup of warm, creamy hot chocolate that just wraps you up in coziness. This Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe adds a fun, festive twist with its bright green color and peppermint zing, making it the ultimate holiday treat you didn’t know you needed until now.

Two clear glass mugs hold a pale green drink with three layers: a light green bottom, a creamy green middle, and a frothy light green top. The rims of the mugs are coated in bright red sugar crystals. Each mug is topped with small white marshmallows and green sprinkles with a small red heart candy in the center. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface with scattered green sprinkles and two red and white striped paper straws laid beside them. In the blurred background, there is a silver slow cooker and white bowls filled with marshmallows and red star-shaped candies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe—it’s like sipping a peppermint-flavored hug on a chilly day. The creamy white chocolate base combined with that festive green color always delights kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a crescendo of flavors and textures that’s just so fun.

Rich, creamy texture: The combination of white chocolate, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk creates an ultra-silky, indulgent hot chocolate.
Festive fun: The bright green color makes it instantly photo-worthy for your holiday gatherings or just to brighten a gloomy winter afternoon.
Peppermint punch: The peppermint extract adds a refreshing coolness that balances out the richness perfectly.
Easy slow cooker method: Set it, stir occasionally, and come back to a perfectly melted, no-fuss hot chocolate indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a key role in delivering that signature taste and texture. I’m always particular about using quality white chocolate chips and real peppermint extract, because those little details make a huge difference in the final flavor.

Flat lay of a small bowl of white chocolate chips, a can of sweetened condensed milk opened to show creamy texture, a large simple white ceramic bowl filled with fresh whole milk, another bowl with rich heavy cream, a tiny white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a small white bowl containing pale yellow vegetable oil, a small white bowl with vivid green gel food coloring, a neat pile of white mini marshmallows, a generous dollop of fluffy whipped topping on a white plate, colorful round and star-shaped sprinkles scattered lightly on a white dish, a single red candy heart resting on a white ceramic plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White chocolate chips: They melt smoothly to form the creamy base and can be used to decorate the mug rims for extra flair.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness while also lending a silky mouthfeel.
Milk: Balances the creaminess and keeps the drink lighter than using cream alone.
Heavy cream: Boosts the thickness, making the hot chocolate feel luxurious.
Peppermint extract: Delivers that classic holiday mint flavor that refreshes the palate.
Vegetable oil: Helps when melting white chocolate for the mug rims, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
Green gel food coloring: Gives this hot chocolate its iconic Grinch-green look without watering down the flavor.
Mini marshmallows, whipped topping, sprinkles, candy heart: These fun garnishes add whimsy and texture, turning a simple drink into a festive celebration.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe is. You can go classic, keep it super vibrant and festive, or tone it down for a simple white chocolate peppermint drink. The peppermint level and garnishes are entirely up to you, so feel free to make it your own.

Non-green version: Skip the green food coloring for a beautiful white hot chocolate that’s equally delicious and less “Grinchy.” I do this sometimes when I want a more subtle festive look.
Use green candy melts: Instead of melting white chocolate and mixing in the food coloring, try green candy melts for perfect color and ease, especially if you want those mug rims bright and shiny.
Vegan alternative: Swap in coconut milk, vegan white chocolate chips, and a dairy-free cream for a plant-based version—just watch the melting times.
Extra peppermint kick: If you like it more minty, add a splash more peppermint extract, but do it gradually to avoid overpowering the sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand pouring a thick white liquid from a glass measuring cup into a slow cooker filled with more of the same liquid. The slow cooker is black with a smooth texture, while the background is a white marbled surface and white tiles with grout lines. The measuring cup is clear glass with blue measurement markings and a shiny handle, tilted to pour the liquid in a smooth stream. The liquid looks creamy and smooth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out all your ingredients and setting your slow cooker to low heat. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free. I always reserve a quarter cup of white chocolate chips for dipping the mug rims later — it’s a game-changer for presentation.

Step 2: Combine and Heat

Pour the milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and most of the white chocolate chips into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently and cook on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to stir frequently with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides and bottom to prevent any chocolate from sticking or burning. This slow melting method ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 3: Color It Like the Grinch

Once the chocolate is fully melted, add green gel food coloring a little at a time. This part is fun because you can control how bright or muted your Grinch green ends up. I usually add a few drops, stir well, then add more until I get that perfect, vibrant green.

Step 4: Prepare Mug Rims

Microwave the reserved ¼ cup of white chocolate chips and vegetable oil at 50% power for one minute, then stir. Heat for another 30 seconds or until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate onto a plate, dip your mug rims in, and rotate gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles for Extra Cheer

Immediately after dipping the rims in chocolate, dip them into sprinkles. Move gently until the sprinkles stick all around. This adds that festive pop and prolongs the joyful theme well beyond the drink itself.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chocolate into your beautifully rimmed mugs. Top each with mini marshmallows, a swirl of whipped topping, a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, and finish with a single red candy heart right on top. It’s those little touches that really make the Grinch Hot Chocolate come alive!

Top Tip

From personal experience, getting the temperature and timing right when melting white chocolate in the slow cooker is key. Too hot or too fast and it can seize up or stick. Slow, steady stirring is the secret to silky perfection every time.

Patience is key: Stir every 15 minutes as the chocolate melts; this prevents scorching and ensures an even melt.
Use gel food coloring: It’s more concentrated, so you get vibrant green without diluting the drink’s texture.
Dip mugs slowly: When dipping mugs into melted chocolate and sprinkles, go slow to avoid drips and uneven coverage.
Don’t skip the vegetable oil: It helps create a glossy, smooth chocolate rim that sticks well to sprinkles.

How to Serve Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the mini marshmallows and whipped topping are a must—who can resist that pillowy texture against rich, creamy chocolate? Sprinkles add the perfect dash of color and crunch, and the candy heart is a sweet finishing detail that sparks a smile every time.

Side Dishes

I often pair this hot chocolate with simple holiday cookies like gingerbread men or sugar cookies. The warmth and softness of the drink beautifully balance the spicy, crisp cookies. It’s like instant festive fireplace vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of plain mugs, I’ve used festive mason jars or clear glass cups so the green color shines through. For holiday parties, arranging a hot chocolate bar with various toppings lets guests customize their cups—always a hit! You can even use edible glitter for an extra magical sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Grinch Hot Chocolate stores beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy chocolate.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this hot chocolate myself often, you can freeze it in portions. Be aware that cream-based drinks may separate slightly after thawing, so give it a good whisk when reheating to bring it back together.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stove in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warm. The microwave works too—just do short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots or curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can melt the ingredients gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning the white chocolate. Just be patient to achieve the same creamy texture.

What if I don’t have green food coloring on hand?

No worries! You can skip the green food coloring altogether for a classic white peppermint hot chocolate, or use green candy melts instead for vibrant color. Some people even add a little matcha powder for a natural green tint.

How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when melting?

Melting it slowly in the slow cooker or microwave at reduced power helps a lot. Also, stirring frequently and adding a small amount of vegetable oil can create a smooth consistency and prevent clumping.

Can this recipe be adjusted for dietary restrictions?

Yes! For dairy-free versions, swap milk and cream for coconut or almond milk, and use vegan white chocolate alternatives. Adjust cooking times and stirring to accommodate the different melting properties.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe has become my go-to festive drink, especially when the weather turns cold and the holiday spirit kicks in. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a moment of joy and fun that I get to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to that perfect green cup of happiness, just like I do.