Kick off Dry January with these deliciously irresistible chocolate mocktails. From refreshing mint to zingy orange, there’s a flavour to satisfy every taste.

Whether you’re choosing to participate in Dry January or not, New Year is a wonderful time to try new foods, new drinks, and new experiences. With over 175,000 people signing up to participate in the 10th year of Dry January in 2023, we can only guess how many will join in 2024. To celebrate Dry January and all that it stands for, we’ve assembled a few chocolate mocktail recipes to satisfy all of your cacao cravings. Which one is your favourite?

What is Dry January?

The Dry January campaign started in 2013, in an attempt to see whether an alcohol-free month could make a difference to someone’s well-being in the long term. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little tipple every now and then as a celebration, but Dry January gives people the chance to experience a month without alcohol for an amazing cause.

Whether you’re raising money for charity, or using the occasion as a personal development challenge, Dry January is an exciting opportunity for growth and awareness surrounding alcohol consumption.

After the first campaign finished, alcohol behavioural change expert, Dr Richard de Visser, found that seven out of ten people had continued to drink less riskily than before. As you can see, it’s a great opportunity to push yourself at the start of the New Year, and to join an extremely positive and encouraging community of others — all embarking on the same challenge.

So, dear guests — if you are choosing to participate in Dry January this year, you have our whole-hearted support.

The beauty of the mocktail

Mocktails are the non-alcoholic counterparts to traditional cocktails, and they embody a blend of creativity, inclusivity, and wellness. The Dry January period offers a refreshing break from alcoholic indulgences. This time of year, mocktails step in as a delightful alternative, providing the complexity and enjoyment of mixed drinks without the alcohol content.

Inclusivity

One of the primary appeals of mocktails is their inclusivity. They cater to everyone, regardless of their reasons for avoiding alcohol — be it health, pregnancy, personal choice, or participating in Dry January.

This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and comfort in social settings, where one might otherwise feel left out. By choosing a mocktail, you can fully participate in the social experience. At the same time, you can enjoy a well-crafted drink without the pressure or exclusion that sometimes accompanies alcohol-free choices.

Mindful sipping

Emotionally, mocktails offer a sense of indulgence and self-care — and chocolate enhances this. The ritual of sipping a beautifully crafted drink, with its intricate layers of flavour and aesthetically pleasing garnishes, can be a form of relaxation and mindfulness.

Versatility

The versatility of a mocktail inspires creativity in both the creator and the consumer. As at-home bartenders, you can experiment with a variety of ingredients, from exotic fruits to homemade syrups, without the limitations of pairing with specific types of alcohol. 

Chocolate mocktail recipes for Dry January

Don your apron, and prepare for your transformation into a professional mocktail-maker — it’s time to shake things up with The Velvetiser.

Our team has crafted three mocktail recipes, each suited to different flavour preferences. From the warming Cacao Spice to the refreshing Chocolate Chiller — which one will you be trying first?

Cacao Spice Velvet Mocktail

This mocktail offers a rich and indulgent experience — perfect for a night in with loved ones, or for sipping on a cold, drizzly evening.

Sink into the deep, robust tones of dark chocolate as they harmoniously blend with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The almond milk adds a nutty undertone, complementing the spice-infused chocolate — but you can use any type of milk that you wish.

Ingredients and Equipment

• The Velvetiser
• One 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Sachet (or a Milky 50% Hot Chocolate Sachet)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup almond milk
• Honey (to taste)
• Whipped cream and cacao shavings for garnish

Method and preparation

Begin by adding your milk and chocolate flakes toThe Velvetiser. Press the button and in 2.5 minutes, your chocolate will have melted beautifully.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, blending until the mixture is uniform. Add honey to achieve your desired sweetness. Once fully mixed, pour the concoction into a tall glass.

Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cacao shavings. Serve with a cinnamon stick or cinnamon chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. This drink is perfect for a cosy evening or as an after-dinner treat.

Mint Chocolate Chiller

A refreshing balance between the creamy richness of mint chocolate and the light, fresh zing of fresh mint and coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a tropical twist, making the drink creamy yet refreshing.

The perfect way to whisk yourself off to a tropical, refreshing paradise — even if the weather outside says otherwise. What’s wonderful about this mocktail idea is that it’s incredibly quick and easy — as long as you have the ingredients, you can whip up a delectable beverage in no time.

Ingredients and equipment

• The Velvetiser
• One Dark with Mint Hot Chocolate Sachet
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Method and preparation

Prepare your mint hot chocolate using The Velvetiser — add the contents of your single-serve sachet along with your coconut milk and let the machine work its magic.

Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, transfer it to another bowl and add a handful of fresh mint leaves. Let them infuse for a few minutes.

Strain the mixture to remove the leaves and let it cool. Once cooled, pour over a glass filled with ice cubes.

Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and a sprig of mint. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass for a novel dessert beverage.

Velvetised Orange Cacao

Experience the delightful blend of zesty orange and rich chocolate, creating a luxurious and comforting drink. The perfect mocktail to decompress after the festive season.

The vanilla extract adds a hint of sweetness and complexity, enhancing the chocolate’s richness and the orange’s bright, zingy flavour.

Ingredients and equipment

• The Velvetiser
• One Orange Supermilk Hot Chocolate Sachet
• 1 cup of milk (of your choice)
• Orange zest
• A splash of vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and an orange slice for garnish

Method and preparation

Use the Velvetiser to whip up a vibrant cup of orange hot chocolate. All you need to do is add the contents of your single-serve hot chocolate sachet to the Velvetiser along with your milk of choice, press the button, and wait as it stirs and warms your beverage to the perfect drinking temperature.

Pour your orange hot chocolate into an elegant mug then stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a bit of orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavour.

Top your chocolate mocktail with whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest (and maybe a few Orange Tangs). Garnish with a thin slice of orange on the rim. This drink is perfect for a relaxing afternoon break or as an irresistible non-alcoholic option at social events.

Why not level up with these mocktail garnish ideas?

If you’re looking to impress your guests — or you fancy indulging in something with that extra touch — take a look at these garnishing ideas for mocktails.

Chocolate shavings or curls: Our finely shaved pieces of chocolate are perfect for adding a decorative and delicious touch to the top of drinks. They melt easily on warm dishes, adding a smooth chocolate flavour.

Chocolate truffles: Small, round chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder can be a luxurious side to a rich, chocolate-based mocktail.

Enjoy Dry January with Hotel Chocolat

Embarking on Dry January or simply choosing to explore new beverage options doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or the joy of a well-crafted drink. For more recipes using The Velvetiser, check out our recipe hub.

Enhanced with the finest chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, you can indulge in sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverages that are as delightful to the senses as they are to the palate.