Grinch Hot Chocolate

Featured in Delicious Drinks for Any Time.

This creamy holiday drink blends white chocolate, milk, and cream to get a delicious green hue inspired by the Grinch. Prepare it in your slow cooker for a party-perfect treat.

Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:54 GMT
A festive green drink topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and syrup, surrounded by holiday decor. Pin it
A festive green drink topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and syrup, surrounded by holiday decor. | thefamilycooks.com

Making holiday moments special is my thing, and this green hot chocolate always gets the kids grinning. The smooth white chocolate turns into the perfect Grinchy green color, and watching kids' eyes widen when they see it just warms my soul completely. It's now our must-have treat for Christmas movie evenings.

Enchanting Holiday Wonder

My crockpot transforms into a Christmas workshop once this drink starts warming up. Sweet smells drift through every room and bring family members running to check it out. I serve it at our Christmas gatherings or just enjoy it after playing in the snow - either way, it turns cold winter moments into happy memories.

Stuff You'll Want

  • 2 cups heavy cream: Gives you that smooth, velvety feel everyone wants.
  • 4 cups whole milk: Full-fat makes this drink extra special, so don't try to cut corners here.
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips: Spring for the good stuff - it'll melt way better.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk: My trick for making it incredibly rich and sweet.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Real vanilla just kicks everything up a notch.
  • Food coloring: Mix yellow with green to nail that true Grinch look.

Creating The Wonder

Mix Your Ingredients
Dump everything but the coloring into the slow cooker and mix it all together well.
Heat It Through
Set your cooker to low and let it do its thing for around 2 hours. Stir occasionally so the chocolate melts smoothly.
Make It Green
When it's all blended, add your food coloring bit by bit until you see that classic Grinch green appear.
Serve It Up
Keep it warm and let everyone fix their cups with whatever fun toppings they want.

Fun Extras

I'll often smash up some candy canes to throw on top for more Christmas flair. The little ones go crazy when I toss Christmas-shaped marshmallows into their drinks. Making the rim all sparkly with red sugar turns an ordinary mug into something fancy.

Keep The Leftovers

Got extra cocoa? Just stick it in a container in the fridge and it'll stay good for three days. When you're ready for more, warm it slowly on the stove or in the slow cooker. Give it a quick mix and that creamy goodness comes right back.

Hot Chocolate Tips

To get that spot-on Grinch shade, you'll need both green and a bit of yellow coloring. Keep it moving while it heats so nothing burns on the bottom. We always pair ours with Grinch-themed cookies - together they're a total hit with everyone.

A bright green mug filled with whipped cream, colorful toppings, and marshmallows, set against a festive background. Pin it
A bright green mug filled with whipped cream, colorful toppings, and marshmallows, set against a festive background. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is high heat a bad idea?

Cooking on high can make the cream separate. Low, steady heat keeps the texture smooth.

→ What’s the trick to Grinch green?

Mix green and yellow food coloring slowly. The yellow gives it the perfect shade.

→ How can I fix hot chocolate that’s too thick?

Add small amounts of milk—1/4 to 1/2 cup—until it reaches the texture you want. It's easier to thin than thicken.

→ Can I make this on a stovetop?

Sure. Heat on medium for 5-10 minutes, stirring often. Just don’t boil it, or the cream might split.

→ How long can it stay warm?

On the warm setting, it’s good for up to 3 hours. Stir every now and then, and add milk if it thickens up.

Grinch Hot Chocolate

Smooth, creamy green hot chocolate made with white chocolate and two types of milk. A fun treat for festive celebrations.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups of milk (2% or whole).
02 4 cups of heavy cream.
03 14 oz of condensed milk (sweetened).
04 16 oz of white chocolate chips.
05 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
06 Yellow food dye.
07 Green food dye.
08 Whipped cream (optional).
09 Small marshmallows (optional).
10 Colorful sprinkles (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Pour in the cream and milk. Toss in the chocolate chips. Stir after adding condensed milk and a splash of vanilla.

Step 02

Set to low heat. Give it 2-3 hours to cook. Stir gently every 20 minutes. Heat until the chocolate chips are fully melted.

Step 03

Slowly mix in green dye. Add yellow till it matches the Grinch green shade. Tweak colors until happy with the look.

Step 04

Keep warm for about 3 hours. Optional toppings can be added. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk.

Notes

  1. Avoid turning the heat to high.
  2. You can use a stovetop instead.
  3. Change texture by adding more milk.
  4. A great choice for gatherings.
  5. Give it a stir now and then to keep it smooth.
  6. Perfect cozy drink for the holidays.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot.
  • Measuring tools.
  • Spoon for stirring.
  • Pan (if using stovetop).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream, chocolate).
  • May include soy (from chocolate).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 632
  • Total Fat: 46 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 47 g
  • Protein: 10 g