French Hot Chocolate

Luxurious and refined, French hot chocolate tastes like stepping out of the cold and into a Parisian cafe. This is no mere hot chocolate recipe. Rich, creamy and made with real dark chocolate, this sweet sipper is more of a dessert than a drink. It’s perfect for a snowy afternoon, or served after a dinner with friends. The best part that is you probably have all of the supplies for this decadent treat in your kitchen right now.

What is French hot chocolate?

French hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is a far cry from the envelopes of powder you typically mix with hot water. The main difference is that it uses milk and heavy whipping cream as the base and adds high-quality dark chocolate, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar and some espresso powder. The texture is satiny, smooth and richer than most other hot chocolates. When you top this drink with a dollop of whipped cream and some shaved dark chocolate, it’s almost as unforgettable as a trip to the Louvre.

Ingredients for French Hot Chocolate

• Milk: Use 2% milk, which has the right texture and fat content for French hot chocolate. Whole milk can be too thick, especially since we also add heavy cream. But if that’s what you have, it’s the preferable substitute.
• Heavy whipping cream: Just the right amount of heavy whipping cream fattens up the hot chocolate’s texture, richness and flavor. If you are using whole milk as a base, you may want to reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half instead.
• Brown sugar: You can use either light or dark brown sugar, but dark brown sugar gives more molasses notes, which really complement the chocolate.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The fine texture of confectioners’ sugar creates a smooth consistency in the hot chocolate. Confectioners’ sugar sometimes contains cornstarch whereas powdered sugar doesn’t, but either works in this recipe.
• Instant espresso powder: Espresso powder balances out the drink’s sweet elements, enhancing the chocolate flavor. Instant coffee is a good substitute, but you can omit it altogether if you don’t like the taste of coffee.
• Dark chocolate bar: Dark chocolate with over 70% cacao is the best chocolate to use here. The higher the percentage, the more intense the bitter chocolate flavor, and the more it balances the sweetness. Chop some into small shards for the whisking step, then shave or grate the rest over the whipped cream as a garnish.
• Whipped cream: Use some of your heavy whipping cream to make whipped cream with your mixer. Canned whipped cream will work in a pinch. Try adding vanilla to your whipped cream to make what our French friends call Chantilly cream (that’s how the Parisians do it), or give it a more American flair and make bourbon whipped cream.

Directions

Step 1: Sweeten the milk

In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar and, if desired, espresso powder over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 2: Add the dark chocolate

Whisk in the dark chocolate until it’s melted. Serve the French hot chocolate in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

French Hot Chocolate Variations

• Try flavored syrups: Many flavored syrups (like the kind they pump into your coffee at your local cafe) taste amazing in French hot chocolate. Vanilla is excellent, but hazelnut or peppermint will take it to the next level.
• Add a shot of espresso: The instant powder works well, but if you have access to a freshly pulled espresso shot, give it a go. Reduce the amount of milk to half a cup and remove the instant powder to turn your hot chocolate into a high-end mocha.
• Spike it: An ounce of whiskey (not very French), Cognac (very French) or an orange liqueur like Cointreau (super French!) will give your hot chocolate an unexpected kick.

How to Store French Hot Chocolate

This drink tastes best when the chocolate has just melted, but if you have some extra, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. A mason jar is perfect for this job.

How long does French hot chocolate last?

If your milk is fresh, your French not-so-hot chocolate will last four days chilled in the refrigerator.

How do you reheat French hot chocolate?

Reheat your hot chocolate in a saucepan on the stove over low heat so the milk doesn’t burn.

French Hot Chocolate Tips

What dark chocolate brand is best for French hot chocolate?

Brands like Lindt, Godiva and Ghiradelli are all good options, but if you look a little harder, you might discover a smaller chocolatier that makes the really good stuff! Bars like Divine, Raaka or Pascha can be spendy but are worth it for their flavor, conscientious farming practices and allergy awareness. Avoid chocolate chips and milk chocolate; they have stabilizing ingredients that melt inconsistently.

How should you serve French hot chocolate?

The French drink chocolate chaud and certain types of coffee out of bowls. A coffee mug is terrific, but pulling out the vintage teacups and saucers for this drink is fun. You don’t need much of this luxurious treat, so a smaller cup is fine; even a demitasse or espresso cup might be the play if you want everyone at the party to have just a sip.

What do you serve with French hot chocolate?

Do as the French and serve hot chocolate with flaky, buttery pastries, bien sûr! Or think croissants and creme brulee, eclairs and macarons. Any of the best French desserts fit the bill.