This thick, luscious French hot chocolate (also known as Parisian hot chocolate or chocolat chaud), is made with only 3 ingredients! An rich, indulgent, creamy hot chocolate for whenever you crave some cozy comfort on a cold winter day. EASY - This recipe is very easy to make and great for beginners. US based cup, teaspoon, tablespoon measurements. Common Measurement Conversions. Weight measurements are recommended for accurate results.This recipe makes 3 - 6 servings (depending on the serving cup size)
115 - 125ggood quality bittersweet chocolate4 - 4.4 oz (at least 70% cocoa mass)
480mLwhole fat milk2 cups (OR evaporated milk. 2% milk is OK too, but not lower than that)
2tbspbrown sugaroptional (more or less to taste)
Pinchfine sea saltoptional
1tspcoffee extract or vanilla extract optional
To serve
Whipped creamor creme fraiche, double cream
Marshmallows
Instructions
French hot chocolate
Place the milk in a saucepan. Heat the milk over medium heat until it's very warm. Do not let it boil.
480 mL whole fat milk
Chop the bittersweet chocolate into smaller pieces, especially if you're using a block of chocolate, or larger chocolate chips.
115 - 125 g good quality bittersweet chocolate
Add the chocolate to the warm milk, and whisk to melt the chocolate.
115 - 125 g good quality bittersweet chocolate
Heat over medium heat, while constantly stirring, until the chocolate is melted and mixed in properly with the milk. The milk should turn a brown color with very little chocolate specks.
The milk should be at a low simmer. Lower the heat if the milk is starting to heat too much. Whisk the hot chocolate frequently to prevent the milk and chocolate from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
Simmer the milk mixture on medium low for about 3 - 5 minutes, until the milk starts to thicken. When the milk is starting to thicken, the French hot chocolate is ready to be served. The time will depend on the size of the pot and your stove.
OPTIONAL - Use a stick blender to blend the hot chocolate drink before serving.
Mix in the salt and sugar to your taste. If you like bittersweet chocolate, you will not need to add any sugar, but you can add sugar to your liking.
2 tbsp brown sugar, Pinch fine sea salt
Stir in coffee or vanilla extract at this stage, if you'd like to.
1 tsp coffee extract or vanilla extract
Serve in small serving cups such as demitasse cups or cappuccino cups. Or equivalent glasses.
Top with whipped cream or creme fraiche or double cream. Or even marshmallows (homemade vanilla marshmallows are perfect for this creamy hot chocolate).
Whipped cream, Marshmallows
Notes
Note about using evaporated milk instead of whole milk
Substitute the whole milk with evaporated milk. Once the chocolate is dissolved in the warm milk, use a stick blender or a whisk to mix the chocolate well with the milk for a homogenous drink with no chocolate flecks. When the hot chocolate is steaming, it's ready to serve. Evaporated milk does not need to be simmered for long because it's already thick.
Note about adding flavor
To give Parisian hot chocolate a little boozy kick, add 1 - 2 fl oz / 28 - 56 mL of whiskey (of your choice). I prefer bourbon. But you can also use other liquor such as brandy or rum as well.