French Hot Chocolate
why make this recipe
French Hot Chocolate is a delightful treat that warms the soul. Unlike typical hot cocoa, this rich and creamy beverage uses real chocolate, giving it an indulgent flavor. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want to pamper yourself. Making it at home is simple and allows you to adjust ingredients to your taste, making every cup unique.
how to make French Hot Chocolate
Ingredients :
- 300 ml (10 fl oz/ 1 ¼ cup) whole milk
- 100 g (3.5 oz/ ½ cup) dark, bittersweet chocolate (65-70% cocoa solids, broken into small pieces or chopped)
- Small pinch sea salt (fleur de sel)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (or powder)
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg (see NOTES on spice)
Directions :
- Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, taking care not to let it boil.
- Once the milk is warm, add the salt, vanilla, and nutmeg (if using).
- Gradually whisk in the chopped chocolate pieces until they melt into the milk. Use a hand whisk for best results.
- Keep gently whisking for at least 5 minutes. This will create a bit of foam and help thicken the mixture to your preferred consistency.
- When it is thick enough, pour the hot chocolate into little jugs or directly into cups. Serve immediately.
how to serve French Hot Chocolate
Serve French Hot Chocolate warm in a cup. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream on top or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. You can enjoy it alongside some croissants or cookies for a complete treat.
how to store French Hot Chocolate
If you have leftovers, let the hot chocolate cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
tips to make French Hot Chocolate
- Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a little sugar if desired.
- Whisking continuously helps create a smooth and creamy texture, so don’t skip this step.
- Try different types of milk, like almond or oat, for a dairy-free version.
variation
For a fun twist, add a splash of espresso for a mocha flavor or a hint of orange zest for a citrus note. You can also replace the nutmeg with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter hot chocolate. Adjust the amount of sugar if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate for a delicious vegan version.
What’s the best type of chocolate to use?
A dark chocolate with 65-70% cocoa solids offers a rich flavor without being too bitter. However, feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite!
French Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, taking care not to let it boil.
- Once the milk is warm, add the salt, vanilla, and nutmeg (if using).
- Gradually whisk in the chopped chocolate pieces until they melt into the milk.
- Keep gently whisking for at least 5 minutes to create foam and thicken the mixture.
- When the mixture is thick enough, pour the hot chocolate into cups or jugs. Serve immediately.