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This Swig Nutcracker Copycat is a cozy recipe made with hot chocolate and a creamy blend of hazelnut and vanilla syrups. It’s rich, smooth, and topped with whipped cream, bringing the taste of the holidays straight to your mug.
Inspired by the popular Swig drive-thru drink, this Swig Nutcracker Hot Chocolate is a cozy, hazelnut-infused twist on classic hot cocoa. It’s rich, creamy, and layered with that signature vanilla-hazelnut flavor Swig fans love. You can make it right at home in five minutes.
Perfect for holiday movie nights and chilly mornings, this festive hazelnut hot chocolate feels indulgent but comes together with just a few pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 5-minute recipe: Quick, simple, and made with pantry staples.
- Hazelnut twist: Sweet, nutty flavor that elevates classic hot chocolate.
- Holiday vibes: Cozy, creamy, and perfect for the season.
- Serves 2: But easy to scale for a crowd.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this Swig nutcracker, including tips!
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Chocolate Mix | 6 Tablespoons (3 per mug) | Any rich cocoa mix works — milk-based blends add extra creaminess. |
| Hazelnut Syrup | 4 Tablespoons (2 per mug) | The signature Nutcracker flavor. Use Torani or Monin for the best balance. |
| Vanilla Creamer | 4 Tablespoons (2 per mug) | Adds that velvety sweetness Swig drinks are known for. |
| Hot Water | 2 ½ cups (1 ¼ cups per mug) | The base liquid; make sure it’s hot but not boiling. |
| Whipped Cream | For topping | Adds the perfect creamy finish — optional but highly recommended! |
How To Make a Swig Nutcracker
- Add 3 Tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to each mug.
- Pour 1 ¼ cups of hot water into each mug, then whisk or stir until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Stir in 2 Tablespoons of hazelnut syrup and 2 Tablespoons of vanilla creamer into each mug. Mix until creamy and fragrant.
- Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. Serve immediately and enjoy that perfect Swig-inspired cocoa at home.
Tips for the Best Swig Nutcracker Hot Chocolate
- Make it extra rich: Swap half of the water for steamed milk or half-and-half.
- Add texture: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
- Iced version: Cool the mixture and pour over ice for a cold Swig-style drink.
- Flavor twist: Add a splash of peppermint syrup for a festive touch.
- Iced Nutcracker: Chill the mixture and pour over ice for a refreshing twist.
- Extra indulgent: Use steamed milk instead of water for a richer, creamier drink.
Swig Nutcracker
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Mugs
- Spoon for stirring
- Kettle or saucepan
- whisk
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons hot chocolate
- 4 Tablespoons hazelnut syrup
- 4 Tablespoons vanilla creamer
- 2 ½ cups hot water
GARNISHES:
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Mix the hot chocolate
- Add 3 Tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to each mug.
- Pour 1 ¼ cups of hot water into each mug and whisk or stir until fully dissolved.
Add the flavor
- Stir in 2 Tablespoons of hazelnut syrup and 2 Tablespoons of vanilla creamer into each mug. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Top and serve
- Top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Swig Nutcracker Recipe FAQs
I have not tested it with cold water, but I believe it will work to stir in the same amount of hot water and serve it over ice. Please come back and let me know if it will work through Verizon.
Any store-bought hot chocolate will work. My favorite is Stephen’s.
Garnish with peppermints, chocolate shavings, or hazelnut syrup.
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