Easy French Vanilla Hot Chocolate Recipe

The cold weather has me craving all the yummy warm drinks, which is why I created this easy french vanilla hot chocolate recipe! I'm using one of my go-tos, Torani Sugar Free Syrups! Plus, homemade hot chocolate is the best!

It's rich, chocolatey flavor offers a hint of french vanilla to it with the addition of Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup. Plus, I topped it with whipped cream and Torani Puremade White Chocolate Syrup. YUM!

This post is sponsored by Torani, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can easily shop for their products here.

Experimenting in the Kitchen

When I thought about creating this hot cocoa recipe, I knew I wanted a fun twist on it. I instantly thought of a hot chocolate bomb and a fun flavor twist using Torani Sugar Free Syrup. Torani Sugar Free Syrups are made with simple and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

With my sleep schedule disrupted with a newborn, I’m doing my best to eat clean and maximize my natural energy. One thing I always do when I’m focused on healthy eating is watch my sugar intake. To me, it’s not about eliminating all sugar but having it in moderation.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love a sugar free or calorie free drink when I can find the right recipe. However, for hot chocolate, I want *real* chocolate with a sugar free syrup. Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup adds a fun twist to a traditional hot chocolate.

Torani Syrup Recipes

I love that Torani syrups always mix well with drinks. Plus, it’s easy to use. Simply add a spoonful to your coffee, cocoa or latte for an everyday guilt-free treat. I’ve used Torani syrups to make coffee creamer, milkshakes, cocktails, lattes and smoothies.

What I love most about Torani syrups and sauces is their ability to work in so many different recipes. Over the years, Matt and I have gotten into making our own lattes and experimenting more with coffee. Using Torani Sugar Free Syrups allows us to make so many different types of lattes, but without adding calories to it.

Since Emmie entered toddlerhood, we've played in the kitchen so much more. I find creating crafts and recipes in the kitchen is an excellent way to keep her busy and make her more interested in food and eating.

Torani syrups and sauces are also a great addition to baking! One of my favorite recipes of all time are these s'mores bars I made a few holidays back. They've become our go-to. The Torani Peppermint S'mores bars are easy to make and SO delicious.

There are so many ways to use Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup! To give you a few ideas, you could make:

French vanilla cake
Latte with French vanilla
Cup of hot chocolate with French vanilla
Delicious French vanilla silk pie
French vanilla coffee creamer
Coffee with french vanilla
French vanilla cream cheese frosting
French vanilla sugar cookies
Iced coffee with french vanilla

The options are honestly endless! I've been playing around with different lactation drinks now that I'm breastfeeding again, and I definitely want to add some additional flavor to them. Once I come up with a great recipe, I'll be sure to share it with you!

French Vanilla Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

You could easily modify this recipe to be a sugar free recipe, low carb or a keto recipe though if you want to! Hot chocolate is such a fun treat in the winter. It would also be fun to turn this into a gift and make it a cocoa mix in a jar. If you decide to do that, definitely use a mason jar!

If you're going for a happy hour stroll, you could always spike it, too! I shared a peppermint hot chocolate recipe a while back and how Matt & I had spiked hot chocolate for our first date. You can read more about that here.

OK, back to the recipe. It's super easy to create, and you probably have most of what you need in the house! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup whole milk heated
1 chocolate bomb*
4 large marshmallows (or 10 small marshmallows)
2 tablespoons of Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup
Whipped cream or powdered sugar (optional)
Torani Puremade White Chocolate Sauce (optional)
Chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

*If you don’t have a chocolate bomb, you can always use chocolate cocoa or another chocolate mix. Navitas cocoa from Thrive Market is one of my favorites.

To make this hot chocolate, heat 1 cup of milk. I used whole milk, but you can use any milk you like. Whenever I make hot chocolate, I always use whole milk - it gives it that rich and creamy taste.

Place your marshmallows in the bottom of the mug and add your hot chocolate bomb. Pour the hot milk over the cocoa bomb and stir. Then, add two tablespoons of Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup.

Stir. Top with your desired toppings. I opted for a sugar free whip cream and drizzled Torani Puremade White Chocolate Sauce.

Spiked Variation: French Vanilla Hot Chocolate

If you’re in the mood for something extra smooth and indulgent, try this spiked French vanilla version!

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk, heated
1 chocolate bomb*
4 large marshmallows (or 10 mini marshmallows)
2 tablespoons Torani Sugar-Free French Vanilla Syrup
1 oz vanilla vodka or Irish cream (like Baileys) for a creamy twist
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, powdered sugar, Torani Puremade White Chocolate Sauce, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or shaved chocolate bar pieces

Instructions

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling.
Place the chocolate bomb in a mug and pour the hot milk over it, stirring until fully melted.
Stir in the French vanilla syrup.
Pour in the vanilla vodka or Irish cream and mix.
Top with marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and any optional garnishes like crushed candy canes, shaved dark chocolate, or a piece of a milk chocolate bar for extra richness.

Want to Make a Big Batch?

If you’re serving a crowd, this hot chocolate mixture can easily be doubled or tripled. Simply warm the milk in a large pot over medium heat, add the chocolate and syrup, then stir in your favorite liquor once it’s off the heat, and you have yourself a mug of spiked hot chocolate! Keep warm on the stove or slow cooker for guests to serve themselves.

The Best Liquors and Spirits for Spiked Hot Chocolate:

Irish cream
Coffee liqueur
Peppermint schnapps
Godiva chocolate liqueur
Vanilla vodka

Looking for more spiked hot chocolate recipes? Try my Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate along with Peppermint S’mores Bars for the ultimate cozy treat—get the full recipe here!

Why Torani Sugar Free Syrups?

If you’re cutting back on sugar but still want a rich, flavorful hot chocolate, Torani Sugar Free Syrups are the ultimate game changer. These syrups let you customize your cocoa experience with delicious flavors—minus the sugar overload.

Torani has an impressive lineup of options, including vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. And the best part is that they’re made without corn syrup solids or cane sugar, so you get all the flavor without the extra calories. Unlike some syrups that rely on soy lecithin or dipotassium phosphate as stabilizers, Torani keeps things clean with natural flavors and natural vanilla flavor, ensuring a smooth, perfectly blended taste in every sip.

Take your cocoa up a notch with these sugar-free syrup pairings:

Vanilla – Stir in a shot of Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup for a creamy, comforting cocoa that enhances the natural chocolatey goodness.
Caramel – A splash of Torani Sugar Free Caramel Syrup brings a smooth, caramelized vibe, adding just the right touch of richness.
Chocolate – Mix in Torani Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup for a decadent twist that takes your cocoa to the next level.

These syrups blend effortlessly into warm milk or hot water—whether you’re using whole milk powder for creaminess, heavy cream for indulgence, or coconut creamer for a lighter twist. Whether you’re going for a cozy classic or experimenting with flavors, Torani makes it easy to craft your perfect cup.

Indulge in that café-style hot chocolate experience at home, all without the extra sugar. Sounds like a win to me! nutrition information

Where to find Torani Syrups

Purchase your Torani Sugar Free Syrups online at torani.com and try this recipe. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this sugar free drink!

Torani.com also has a great store locator link to find a location near you. However, if you're like us, you're ordering nearly everything online these days! With two kids, it's hard to get organized enough to get out the door to run errands. Online ordering has been my best friend!

They also have tons of recipes as well to give you more inspiration about what you can create with Torani Sugar Free Syrups and Puremade Sauces. If you make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram! I'm always using my Torani syrups to create fun new recipes in the kitchen. They are the perfect go-to for a flavorful yet calorie-free addition to so many drinks and recipes. You can find more fun recipes on my Pinterestpage. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our little family does! It will be the perfect addition to a cozy winter night at home or even a family game night.

As you cozy up with a rich cup of cocoa this winter, I hope this French hot chocolate recipe becomes your new go-to for those chilly nights. Whether it’s your first time trying this fun recipe or you're a long-time fan of old-fashioned hot chocolate, the combination of a few simple ingredients will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of comfort. This simple yet creamy hot chocolate is perfect for anyone craving a warm, satisfying drink that’s rich in flavor. So, next time you’re in the mood for something special, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! This post may contain affiliate links.