Santa’s Little Helper – a spiked low carb cocoa is the perfect way to unwind during the holiday rush. Creamy, sweet and only 3.8g net carbs, you can drink this with or without alcohol to relax and treat yourself this Christmas.
You might also like this low carb vodka chata drink!
These recipes were sponsored by Torani. All opinions are my own. Messaging below is intended for ages 21+.
I’ll be honest. I didn’t use to like Christmas very much. It was always a little too much of everything. But that all changed when I had Max. Anything I could do to give my son a happy and memorable Christmas was worth it.
However now Max is a teen and all the running around and preparing for the big day can be a bit daunting. So this year I’ve decided to treat myself with Santa’s Little Helper – a spiked low carb cocoa. On Christmas eve when everything is ready to go, I’m breaking out the low carb hot chocolate with my Torani sugar free syrups, whipped cream clouds and just a touch of vanilla vodka. I can’t wait!
Low carb cocktails and TOrani syrups
I think you all know what a fan I am of Torani sugar free syrups. They are the perfect way to make any holiday special. For instance I made a yummy low carb pumpkin pie cocktail for Thanksgiving (recipe here) and fun candy drinks for Halloween. The syrups are a great way to add flavor to any drink without the calories or carbs.
easy whipped cream clouds recipe
The whipped cream clouds are made from flavored heavy whipped cream piped on wax paper, frozen and then stored in a baggie. I used Torani S’mores syrup which gave it that sweet marshmallow taste. I keep these clouds in the freezer just to have on hand over the holidays. You can add them to coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet creamy touch. Here is a little video showing you how I do it.
spiked low carb cocoa
The low carb hot chocolate is simply almond milk and cocoa powder and your favorite Torani sugar free syrup. For this recipe I’ve used chocolate macadamia nut syrup in my hot chocolate but I have tried so many others such as salted caramel, coffee, peppermint, Irish cream, hazelnut and even raspberry. Just heat up cocoa powder and milk on the stove, then add the Torani syrup and top with a whipped cream cloud. And to spike it you can add vanilla vodka – perfection!
Well I hope you like this quick and easy recipe for spiked low carb cocoa. It’s a great little treat for you but I’m sure it would be a welcomed beverage for unexpected visitors stopping by or impromptu gatherings. Also it would be fun to:
Torani Special Offer
Torani has 35 sugar free flavors to choose from and for my readers just click on the graphic below to get 15% off and free shipping. I order all of my Torani syrups directly from them because it’s the best price and for me they come within the next day or two. My newest favorite flavor is Pumpkin Pie. Below are the more seasonal flavors in my collection. These are great with coffee and tea too!
Only part of my Sugar Free Torani collection!
To learn more about Torani and get some fun ideas for the holidays check out the website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram . Tag your Torani creations with #AToraniHoliday so I can see all the fun things you have made. The nutritional information for 1 serving with a whipped cream cloud is:
194 cals 18.3g fat/8.8g carbs / 5g fiber / 2.2g protein = 3.8g net carbs
Santa's Little Helper Low Carb Spiked Cocoa
Ingredients
- 8 oz almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons Torani sugar free syrup of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Torani S'mores sugar free syrup
- 1 oz vanilla vodka optional
Instructions
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To make whipped cream clouds, add the cream and S'mores syrup to a mixing bowl and whip until nice and thick, about 3-5 minutes.
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Lay a piece of parchment or wax paper on a cookie sheet and outline the mugs you will be using to act as a guide for your clouds.
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Spoon into an icing bag and pipe your whipped cream onto the circle guides.
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Freeze for at least and hour and then store in a baggie in the freezer.
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To make the cocoa, add almond mild and cocoa powder to a sauce pan and whisk until well combined. Bring to a simmer for 1 minute and the pour into cup. Add in 2 tablespoons of your favorite sugar free syrup and stir.
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If adding vodka, add now and mix well.
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Top with a whipped cream cloud.
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NOTE* This recipe makes 1 cup of cocoa and about 12 large whipped cream clouds.
Sara
I love those syrups! They add so much flavor to so many things!
Denise
I know! I use them for everything. I make a mock margarita with them using the lime syrup and lemon juice. Delicious!
Monica | Nourish & Fete
Love it! I always have some syrups around to perk up my morning latte (long live Nespresso..) so this would be easy and such a fun treat for Christmas Eve!
Denise
Those syrups are a life saver for me!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I’m going to have such a busy day today it’s going to leave me breathless. This will be the absolute perfect afternoon break for me. I love that topping! This will give me something to look forward to.
Denise
Thanks Marisa, it’s the perfect ending to a hectic day!
Carol Borchardt
Such a great idea for a nice little break this time of year! This sounds divine and so perfect to serve guests this holiday season!
Denise
yes, you can make the whipped cream clouds to have on hand. Young and old will like a good cup of hot cocoa!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
Those clouds are so fun! Love that you can make a big batch of them ahead of time to keep stashed in the freezer for whenever the mood strikes.
Denise
Yep. I had one yesterday… and the day before. 🙂
Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold
Those whipped cream clouds are so fun and adorable! I’m always looking for fun projects to do with my 9 year old to get her into the kitchen more, and I think this would be perfect! (Plus, she would love the excuse to drink the hot cocoa afterwards – and I would love the vanilla vodka addition!)
Denise
It is a fun little recipe to make with kids. Hope you both like it!
michele
these are great for the neighborhood cookie exchange! I can drink it without worrying about the sugar crash! I use this syrup brand often… great use for it!
Denise
Thanks Michele! They are great aren’t they!
Julie
That is the most perfect whipped cream swirl I’ve ever seen! (Spiked hot cocoa is ALWAYS a winner in my book!)
Denise
Oh my thank you. I do not have a deft hand at using a piping bag but I’m learning! The nice thing about these whipped cream clouds is that you can use different flavors of the sugar free Torani syrups.I used S’mores but next time I’m going to try salted caramel. Yum!
Kate
Oh my gosh…you are speaking my language here! This looks absolutely deeeeelicious!
Denise
Thanks for stopping by Kate!
Leslie
I love having Torani syrups around during the holidays to make things like this – looks delicious!
Denise
Thanks Leslie….I have so many of them I’m running out of room in my kitchen! Thanks for stopping by.
Veena Azmanov
We love hot cocoa in this weather and this santa’s little helper sounds just perfect. I love adding frozen whipped cream to my cocoa too! Love those flavors on the sugar free syrup! Must look for it.
Denise
Thanks Veena. I’ve been drinking hot cocoa almost every day and I like to switch up the flavors too with the Torani syrups.
Helene
I would not need any sweetener to enjoy this amazing looking cup of cocoa goodness. I have embarrassed almond milk years ago, so I know this low carb hot chocolate is a definite crowd pleaser as well. 🙂
Denise
Thanks Helene! I use almond milk all the time.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
What a great way to relax after all the busy activities of the holidays!! The frozen whipped cream is genius. I can certainly imagine enjoying this drink after a nice holiday meal. A Perfect ending.
Denise
When it’s cold outside, a nice sweet hot drink definitely is a good ending to a holiday meal.
Michelle
As good as it would be with or without alcohol, this is totally what I’m enjoying with alcohol this season!
Denise
Cheers!
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
Okay, hot cocoa that’s low carb AND boozy? This almost seems too good to be true.
Denise
Yep it’s low carb and boozy….thus it is Santa’s little helper. 🙂
Jolina
This is so perfect for the holidays! We drink our fair share of hot cocoa so we’d love to shake it up with a spiked version. And I love the frozen whipped cream too!
Denise
Thanks Jolina. WE drink a lot of cocoa in the winter too. This low carb version is really tasty because you can change the syrup to add different flavors with the chocolate. Yum!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
With all the stress of the holiday season, this would come in handy a few times for sure. Perfect to gift wrapping day!!
Denise
That is a very good idea Gloria!
Jacque
I love this! I have always added a little something to my evening hot chocolate.
Denise
I like that! This is a first for me.
Sarah
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever made spiked hot cocoa before. I need to change that ASAP!
Denise
Yes you should try it!
Ben Myhre
I hope you make Max dress up in the Christmas Story bunny suit. What teen boy wouldn’t think that is awesome?
Denise
Haha…..one of my favorite movies!
Lisa Huff
Spiked and low carb, love it! I could use a big cup right now!
Denise
I just had one….unspiked. 🙂
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C
You had me at whipped cream clouds! What a great idea to freeze them. I love a little somethin’ in my cocoa too!
Denise
You know it does come in handy and I use them in my coffee sometimes too.
Lisa Bynum
I agree, Christmas can seem like a little much. Once the kiddos are in bed on Christmas Eve, my husband and I usually treat ourselves to an adult beverage. Pinning this!
Denise
I know right? Sit by the fire, relax and sip on a little cocktail. Nice.
Ginny
That would certainly help out this Santa’s little helper. Those Torani flavors look fantastic. I want six of them right now.
Denise
They are really good. I think I have tried all 30+ flavors.