The Best Hot Chocolate Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make hot chocolate even better? ›

The best type of milk for making hot chocolate is whole milk. This is because the higher fat content in whole milk creates a creamier and richer hot chocolate. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, almond milk or oat milk can also work well as they add a subtle nutty or oaty flavor to the hot chocolate.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

Best Overall: Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa

This cocoa has a huge, rounded chocolatey flavor without leaning too heavily on any bittersweet notes or getting too heavy or rich.

The secret ingredient commonly used in gourmet hot chocolate is often high-quality, finely ground chocolate. This can be in the form of cocoa powder or finely chopped chocolate, adding a rich and intense flavor to the drink.

Furthermore, water enables the hot chocolate powder to melt seamlessly into the liquid, dissolving more easily than it might with milk. This often results in a less clumpy hot chocolate.

Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

In terms of ranking, we agreed that the cocoa made with milk provided an ultra-smooth experience and was our favorite. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the water-based cocoa. While it wasn't as creamy as the milk, it had its benefits.

When it comes to hot chocolate, Starbucks is a personal favorite. While it might not have a blend of spices or be sourced from hard-to-reach locations, Starbucks' Double Hot Chocolate mix has a comforting familiarity while still being delicious.

What cocoa powder do professionals use? ›

Best Cocoa Powder to Splurge On: Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder

For a next-level cocoa powder, our Test Kitchen recommends Valrhona Pure Cocoa Powder. Valrhona is a favorite among our pro bakers for its amazing texture. This cocoa is velvety and has a nearly creamy mouthfeel when stirred into hot chocolate.

Sweet add-ins include marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, flavored spreads, and maple syrup. To transform cocoa into a co*cktail, add flavored liqueurs or traditional spirits. Other unique ways to liven up hot chocolate include adding coffee, spices, and extracts.

The review found that Swiss Miss milk chocolate flavor hot cocoa mix and Ghirardelli premium hot cocoa mix were safer to drink than the others.

Massachusetts is not alone in their number one selection, as hot cocoa was the most common favorite drink in the country, coming in first place in 17 states including New York, California, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island.

Sugar, creamer powder, spices (possibly brought from home), whatever pleases you - and some of which might already be present for doctoring coffee. Any of these options should add some flavor, changing the taste but perhaps not badly.

Hot Chocolate Flavor Variations

Here's a few fun and delicious ideas. Peppermint: Add one drop of peppermint extract into each cup. Boozy: Pour in a bit of bourbon or brandy for an extra fun night in. Salted Caramel: Dollop whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream) and drizzle salted caramel sauce over it.

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg or Vanilla extract: A 1/4 teaspoon of any of these always adds zip. Orange Zest: Carve three 2-inch long strips of orange rind (the skin) and let them steep in your drink for a while before tasting. That citrus flavor is a delight.