Parisian Hot Chocolate, otherwise known as “Chocolat au chaud” is a delightful Winter drink made with just two ingredients, melted chocolate and hot milk. For vegans, you can substitute a nondairy milk of your choice.
You can of course add a little sweetness if desired, and some further interest with flavors such as vanilla, a splash of expresso, nutmeg, or cinnamon. To top it off you could add whipped cream, (dairy or nondairy) marshmallows, or a dusting of cocoa on top. It’s a perfect treat, especially on a chilly day!
What type of Chocolate should be used for Parisian Hot Chocolate?
The type of chocolate you choose for your Parisian Hot Chocolate or Chocolat au Chaud depends on your personal preference and the level of richness you desire. Here are some common options:
- Dark Chocolate: With a higher cocoa content, dark chocolate adds a deep and intense flavor to your hot chocolate. It’s a great choice if you prefer a bolder and less sweet drink. It’s also excellent for a vegan option, I aim for a cocoa percentage of 70% or above to be sure it’s entirely vegan.
- Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate has a sweeter and creamier taste due to the added milk solids. This is a good option for those who prefer a milder and sweeter hot chocolate.
- Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: These types of chocolate fall between dark and milk chocolate in terms of sweetness. They are often used in baking and are a good compromise if you want a balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: If you have chocolate chips on hand, they work well for making Parisian hot chocolate. Choose your favorite type—dark, milk, or semisweet—and use them as a convenient option. There are also many vegan chocolate chips on the market. Here’s a great option.
- Cocoa Powder: At a pinch, you could use cocoa powder, which is unsweetened and adds a rich chocolatey flavor. Here’s a great brand, it’s dark, strong, and intensely chocolatey.
If you’re still not quite sure which chocolate to use, take a look here at Food 52’s post of 17 Best Cark Chocolate Brands.
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You may be wondering what the difference is between French and Italian hot chocolate! The answer is that Italians very often add cornstarch to thicken the drink even more.
Delightful Parisian Hot Chocolate
A delicious way to warm up on a chilly Winter’s day!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes!
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: beverage
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups milk (whole milk or any non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk)
4 ounces or 100 grams of your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or a combination)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for extra richness)
2 tablespoons sugar, maple syrup, or date syrup (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Grating or pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Chop the Chocolate:
Chop the chocolate into small pieces. This helps it melt more easily into the hot milk.
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Heat the Milk:
In a heavy saucepan, (this copper one is a pan of DREAMS!!) heat the milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scalding.
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Add Chocolate:
Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan. If you’re using cocoa powder, add it at this stage as well.
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Whisk:
Whisk the mixture continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and well combined with the milk. This creates a smooth, rich hot chocolate.
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Sweeten:
Add sugar or desired sweetener to taste, and continue to whisk until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
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Flavor (Optional):
If you like, add vanilla extract, or splash of expresso for extra flavor. Stir well.
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Serve:
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
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Garnish (Optional):
Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a decorative touch.
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Enjoy:
Serve immediately and savor your delicious homemade Chocolat au Chaud!
Looking for more delicious drinks to keep you warm and cozy? Try these 🙂
