Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drink Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe is delicious and indulgent. That’s why chocolate lovers enjoy drinking it, even though it’s quite expensive.

Especially if we compare making a dark chocolate drink at home. 

But what if I tell you you can recreate the copycat Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe at home? It will have a rich, indulgent, and balanced flavor. 

Plus, you can customize it and make it more healthier than what you do at the coffee shop. 

So, in this article, I will give you a Starbucks-inspired dark chocolate drink that you can make at home. Some pro tips that you must know, variation and the secret to make it taste like the real recipe that you get in the Starbucks.

 

Why Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drinks Are So Popular

Starbucks has mastered the art of making drinks and treats like the dark chocolate drink. 

That is the reason why without even owning their own coffee shop, it is one of the biggest coffeehouse chain. 

If we just talk about this Starbucks-inspired dark chocolate drink recipe, it is a combination of premium dark chocolate, creamy milk, and the perfect sweetness balance. (they use ingredients in the right amount, in the right way).

If you too combine these things perfectly, you can make the same recipe like the Starbucks but at lower cost. 

Plus, you can make this recipe year-round. 

Besides this, One thing that makes Starbucks’ dark chocolate drink recipe different from others is that you can add some complementary flavors like vanilla, espresso, or even spices.

 

Ingredients You’ll Need for Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drink

Here are ingredients to recreate Starbucks dark chocolate drink at home.

Core Ingredients

• High-quality dark chocolate: You’d need a high-quality chocolate bar, which has at least 70% cocoa in it, for a rich, intense flavor. You can go with brands like Ghirardelli or Lidint. They are quite good for Starbucks’ dark chocolate drink recipes.
• Milk: You need whole dairy milk for a classic Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe. You can also choose plant-based alternatives, but I recommend you go with the dairy one.
• Sweeteners: Depending on your preference, you want to add sugar to the drink. You can use honey or just regular sugar. (The classic dark chocolate that you get at Starbucks has regular sugar in it).
• Optional add-ins: You can add any of your favorite flavors to evaluate your drink, such as espresso, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or white cream, and they’re all good. 

Ingredient Substitutes

If you do not have all the ingredients available right now or are just looking for alternatives because of your dietary needs, here are some options that you can go with

• Along with using cocoa powder (unsweetened), you can use a bit of coconut oil cocoa butter for richness.
• Use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative. 
• If you don’t want to use regular dairy milk, then you can use oat milk. It is good because it is creamy milk as compared to almond and soy milk. 
• If you don’t want to use regular sugar, then go with maple syrup, agave syrup, stevia, or monk fruit, whichever you like. You can even have honey. 

 

Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drink Step-by-Step Recipe

Once all the ingredients are ready, here is the step-by-step guide to make a copycat Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe at home in 10-15 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the dark chocolate: First of all, chop the high quality dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it using the double boiler or microwave method. Make sure to stir continuously so the chocolate doesn’t burn.
2. Heat the milk: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. You can add as much milk as you want—1 cup or 2 cups—depending on how many people you’re making it for.
3. Combine the ingredients: Now, slowly whisk the melted chocolate into the warm milk until it’s fully incorporated. Then, add your sweetener or espresso if you like.
4. Optional add-ins: Finally, add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Serve it: When pouring it into a mug, top it with whipped cream or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Pro Tips

For the iced version: Let the drink cool down for about 5 minutes, then fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the drink over it. Enjoy your Starbucks-style iced dark chocolate drink!

 

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things when you are making a Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe at home is that you can customize it exactly to your taste. 

For example, you can add extra flavor, adjust it for a specific season, or make it a bit healthier. Here are a few suggestions that I recommend.

Flavor Twists

• Mint Dark Chocolate: Add a dash of peppermint extract for a refreshing Starbucks-inspired mint dark chocolate drink.
• Spiced Dark Chocolate: You can stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili powder to make your drink a little warm and spicy.
• Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate: You can drizzle caramel sauce in your drink and give it a finish with a little sprinkle of sea salt to make it a sweet-salty flavor drink.

Seasonal Variations

• Winter: If you are making it in winter, especially on Christmas or any other event, you can add peppermint syrup to give your drink a holiday touch, plus you can add some candy canes on the top.
• Summer: I love ice, so you can just add a few cubes of ice to your drink.

 

What to Serve with Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drink

This homemade copycat Starbucks chocolate drink recipe is awesome, and you can pair it with too many things. Here are some of my favorite things which I want you to try.

Sweet Pairings

• Chocolate chip cookies and brownies are pretty good. Brownies have a rich and gooey texture, which will perfectly complement your deep chocolate flavor drink. 
• Croissants and pain au chocolat both taste good with Starbucks dark chocolate drinks. 
• If you are fond of eating crispy, I recommend you try eating vanilla shortbread cookies with your Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe. 

Savory Pairings

• For a little saltiness, You can try buttery pastries like puff pastry.
• Salted nuts or pretzels are a perfect choice if you want something with a crunchy texture and salty contrast cut through.
• If you want creamy and slightly tangy flavors, you should try Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks.

Breakfast Pairings

• If you want to have something that has a fluffy texture, you can try pancakes or crispy waffles for an indulgent breakfast treat alongside your Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe.
• Oatmeal with some fresh berries is a nice breakfast. You can serve your dark chocolate drink with it, too. It will be a nutritious and tasty breakfast.
• A cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese is a nice thing to eat for breakfast. 

 

Why This Recipe Beats Starbucks

There are four reasons why this homemade recipe beats the Starbucks Dark Chocolate Drink Recipe.

• The first reason is when you make a Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe at home, it costs less, but when you buy it, it is quite expensive.
• Starbucks coffee shop-bought drinks are not really customizable; they will give you the recipe that they give to others, but when you make it at home, you can change its flavor with different toppings and do experiments.
• Most of the time, Starbucks drinks contain hidden sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which you can avoid by making a healthy homemade Starbucks dark chocolate drink. As, when you make it at home, you have control. You can use high-quality ingredients and make the recipe healthy for yourself.
• It’s really convenient. You don’t have to stand in line or drive to the coffee shop just to buy coffee. You can make it in the kitchen within a few minutes if you prepare all the ingredients just one time (in advance)

 

Conclusion

This is the homemade Starbucks dark chocolate drink recipe that you can make at home. It’s much easier than you might think. 

You will just need some ingredients and tips that I have mentioned. If you follow all these things, you can make a cafe-style beverage anytime. 

Besides this, you can either stick to the classic recipe we discussed, or you can also do experiments like using honey instead of regular sugar or some coffee powder. 

You can even add marshmallows or any other topping that you like. 

So now go and grab the ingredients that you need to make it and make the recipe. And don’t forget to tell me in the comment section how this recipe turned out.

 

Can I use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use 3 tbsp of cocoa powder plus 1 tbsp of butter or even coconut oil for every ounce of chocolate you use.

 

How do I store leftovers?

You can store your dark chocolate drink in an air-tight container or a glass jar. Then, keep that in the fridge. 

Your drink will be safe for around 2 days. And when you want to drink it again, just reheat it on the stove and enjoy it.

 

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Of course! You can make Starbucks dark Chocolate drinks in advance. But I don’t recommend you prepare it completely for too long before the time. 

You just have to prepare the base in advance and then store it in the fridge. 

And when you are ready, just reheat and drink. 

 

What’s the best way to reheat it?

You should warm your dark chocolate drink on a stove over low heat, and meanwhile, you want to stir it for a smooth texture. 

If you have a microwave, you can also use that, but here you will heat it in short 20-second intervals, and again, you will stir in between to prevent it from overheating.