True story – Last year I fell crazy in love with Starbucks Signature Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Each day I would drink 2 of these bad boys as a treat to myself. My son was only 6 months old back then and I would have the baristas pour double shots of espresso into my drink. It was my guilty pleasure except I would call it more like therapy. And if you’re a mom reading this – thank you for understanding what I mean when I say “therapy”.
There was something very magical about this type of hot chocolate Starbucks was offering. As a result I became an addict. You see, I love salted caramel anything and the combination of salty-sweet chocolate sludge was just too much for me to only drink 1 a day. Imagine how much I mourned when I discovered a couple months ago Starbucks was not bringing back my seasonal drink. WHAT THE HECK STARBUCKS!?
But you see all was not lost because I had a light bulb moment! When life gives you no more favorite drink, get off your lazy butt and make it at home. Not only did I resurrect this seasonal favorite, I knocked it out of the park! – Booya! I love my version and I have no shame in boasting about it.
So if you are mourning the loss of Starbucks Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate this holiday season – have no fear, Alice is here. Enjoy!
*Before we start listing ingredients, I wanted to make this recipe as simple as possible. For everything listed you can buy it pre-made, but to make it sublime, making each element is what really makes this drink come alive. I also have used Swiss Miss instant hot chocolate and still have great results! So do what you can to tailor this drink to your liking.
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- 3 tablespoons Caramel syrup, heated to luke warm (recipe here)
- Hot Chocolate (4 tablespoons of ganache plus 6 oz. of milk, heated)
- Canned Whipped Cream
- Pinch of Medium Coarse Sea Salt
- Pour 2 Tablespoons of caramel syrup into a mug so the inside of the mug is coated well. Add hot chocolate and stir everything. Top off with with cream, drizzle with remaining caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy!
Amanda says
Where is the Caramel Syrup Recipe and Ganache Recipe For this? Am I just missing them!?
Eri says
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I’ve always loved chocolate,and when this drink came about, I fell in love with it! Then, I noticed they sold the boxed version at my local grocery store. I do like the store-bought packets as well,but since we can make it ourselves, I’m gonna go for it!! Thanks again!!
Pamela says
I too consider my Starbucks addiction, therapy! I am glad you love the drink you made…. I am in love with the Salted Caramel White Mocha.. my barista tells me that both are made with the toffee nut syrup (not caramel as you would expect) that caramel drizzle is only on top. I also learned to mix the sea salt with turbinado raw sugar( you can get packets of it at Starbucks if you want to sample it first). It adds that bit of sweetness to the salty. I hope you’ll try the additions… might just take your favorite drink to the next level. Enjoy!!!