Drinking Chocolate (French Hot Chocolate)
why make this recipe
Drinking chocolate, or French hot chocolate, is a delightful and rich treat that warms the heart and soul. Unlike regular hot cocoa, this recipe uses real chocolate for a thick and creamy texture. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a sweet indulgence any time of the year. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the sweetness and flavor according to your taste.
how to make Drinking Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 ounces good-quality 70% dark chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar (lightly packed, more or less to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon instant espresso powder (use decaf if you want)
- 1 small pinch salt
Directions:
- Chop the chocolate. The more finely you chop the chocolate, the easier it is for it to melt into the milk.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is steaming.
- Whisk in the chocolate until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Continue to heat the mixture until it is steaming, whisking frequently, and then remove from the heat.
- Serve immediately. For a special treat, you can add a generous dollop of vanilla-flavored sweetened whipped cream on top to turn it into chocolat viennois.
how to serve Drinking Chocolate
Serve your drinking chocolate in a warm mug to enjoy it at its best. You can garnish it with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with cookies or pastries for a delightful afternoon snack.
how to store Drinking Chocolate
If you have any leftovers, let the drinking chocolate cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, whisking to combine.
tips to make Drinking Chocolate
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- For a sweeter drink, adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference.
- Blend in a bit of milk foam for a frothy texture if you have a milk frother.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or a splash of flavored syrup.
variation
You can make a spiced version by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon. For a lighter version, consider using almond milk or oat milk.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter and less intense flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
3. How can I make it sugar-free?
You can use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener to lower the sugar content.
Enjoy your homemade drinking chocolate for a cozy treat any time!
Drinking Chocolate
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the chocolate finely for easier melting.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Whisk in the chocolate until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Continue to heat the mixture until steaming, whisking frequently, then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately. Optionally, add whipped cream on top for a special treat.