A plant-based chocolate drink that is not only vegan but also surprisingly velvety – if you prepare the oats correctly. No lumps, no floury taste, just pure chocolate notes with natural sweetness. Perfect for cold days or as a dessert in a glass. Those who wish can add a pinch of salt, which enhances the bitterness of the cocoa.
And here’s what you need for the chocolate oat drink
80 g oats (fine variety, not coarse)
1 litre water (filtered or still mineral water)
30 g unsweetened cocoa powder (at least 70 % cocoa content)
40 ml maple syrup (or 30 g finely ground raw cane sugar)
1 pinch sea salt (optional, but recommended)
1 tsp vanilla extract (or the seeds of half a vanilla pod)
This is what matters
The trick lies in pre-soaking the oats: Let them soak in cold water for only 5 minutes – no longer, otherwise a floury taste develops. When blending, do not beat the flakes too vigorously, otherwise the milk will become slimy. For an even creamier texture, you can mix in 1 tsp of neutral plant oil (e.g., rapeseed oil) – this binds the fats and makes the drink even silkier. Add the oil only in the final blending stage, otherwise it will separate.
Variations
- Chocolate-peanut oat drink — Mix 1 tbsp unsweetened peanut butter into the finished oat milk. Goes well with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Iced coffee oat drink — Mix 2 cl cold espresso and 1 cl sugar syrup into the cold version. Serve with ice cubes.
- Chocolate-chili oat drink — Stir in a pinch of chili powder or 1 cl ancho chili syrup. The heat reduces the sweetness and emphasizes the cocoa notes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare the drink without a blender?
Yes, but the texture will be coarser. Pour hot water over the oats, let them soak for 10 minutes, then blend with a stick blender. Strain through a fine cloth – the result will be less creamy but drinkable.
Why does my oat drink taste bitter?
Over-blending or pressing the oat residues too strongly in the sieve releases bitter substances. Cheap cocoa powder can also taste bitter – make sure to use high-quality cocoa with at least 70 % cocoa content.
Can I make the drink in advance?
Yes, but it will separate after 24 hours in the refrigerator. Shake well or briefly blend again before serving. Do not freeze – the texture will suffer.
