Description
French hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is a luxuriously rich and velvety drink made with dark chocolate, cream, and milk. Thick, smooth, and indulgent, it’s more like drinking a melted chocolate bar than a sweet cocoa mix.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2–3 tsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Pinch of sea salt
100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate bar (minimum 70% cocoa), finely chopped
Whipped cream, for serving
Optional add-ins: Pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon powder, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 shot espresso
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Add finely chopped dark chocolate. Whisk continuously until melted and smooth.
- Continue whisking gently over low heat until slightly thickened and glossy. Avoid overcooking to prevent a skin from forming.
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use milk chocolate or a blend of milk and dark chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Stir in 1 tbsp Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
- Replace some cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract for a festive flavor.
- Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish.
- Blend in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness.
- Add a shot of Baileys, Kahlua, or rum for an adult-friendly version.
- Stir in orange zest for a chocolate-orange flavor.
- Whip it in a blender after heating for a frothy café-style drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
