Bookmark This: A Spiked Cozy Collagen Cocktail Recipe From An RD
When the temperatures start dropping, there's nothing like a hot beverage to warm you up. This cozy treat is a healthier take on hot chocolate that's also enhanced with collagen powder, which helps support healthy hair1, skin2, and nails.* I love working with collagen because it melts right in—especially when you're adding it to warm beverages. I often add it to my morning coffee, but it can also make a nice addition to a seasonal cocktail.
Advertisement
Not to mention with this blend of collagen powder and organic cocoa, it can be a delicious way to sneak some protein and antioxidants into your day.* mbg's chocolate beauty & gut collagen+ contains vitamins C and E, biotin, turmeric, and SGS—plus the amino acid L-glutamine for gut health.* The chocolate version is made with organic cocoa powder (the recipe calls for a touch extra for an even richer chocolate taste) and organic monk fruit extract, for a subtle sweetness with no aftertaste.
I get a lot of questions about which types of alcoholic beverages are the healthiest, and I always say that it's really best to think about what you will find the most satisfying and be able to enjoy mindfully. That said, please enjoy responsibly! I think this recipe pairs really well with a dark, sweeter spirit like bourbon or rye, but feel free to use what you prefer. (Note: This is also a delicious "anytime treat" if you skip the booze.)
Spiked Collagen Hot Chocolate
Serves 4
Advertisement
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened oat milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of allulose, maple syrup, or honey
- 1 scoop mbg chocolate beauty & gut collagen+
- 2 ounces bourbon**
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, oat milk, cacao powder, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and collagen over medium heat. Sweeten, if needed, to taste.
- When the hot chocolate begins to boil, remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.
- Divide among 4 small mugs. Enjoy immediately.
Advertisement
**Variations: Use any brown liquor you prefer, or try a cacao or coffee liqueur for extra flavor. You can also enjoy this without alcohol.
Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, is a registered dietitian, health coach, and writer with a passion for helping people streamline their wellness routine and establish a balanced relationship with food and exercise. She received her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, and a dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Her writing has been featured in Forbes and Shape. Her book, The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress & Anxiety, offers simple hacks that help her patients and clients reach their goals and nurture their mental, physical, and emotional health, even when life becomes hectic.