A simple hot chocolate recipe can be made by adding chocolate to steaming milk, flavored with vanilla extract and sugar. If you want to get creative, try different types of chocolate and use a couple whole spices. Hot chocolate has been made in many different ways around the world, some simpler than others. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Chai-spiced hot chocolate –
As the name implies, this is a hot chocolate recipe from India. The differences are that you use white chocolate and a bunch of whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Ginger and black peppercorns give a nice kick to the drink too. This recipe makes enough for two people, so make sure that you have someone to drink it with!
Chocolate caliente –
Made using chocolate de mesa (table chocolate), this Mexican drink is served with sweet bread or white bread. Sugar is the sweetening agent but you can experiment with brown sugar, honey or Mexican vanilla extract. This recipe is just made with milk and chocolate but you can add a pinch of powdered chile powder for a bit of heat.
Chinese spice hot chocolate –
For this recipe, you can make your own hot chocolate mix or buy a quality one from a store. Whisk the mix together with a teaspoon of Chinese 5 Spice Powder and add it to a cup of steaming milk.
Chocolate chaud –
This French hot chocolate recipe is basically velvet chocolate in a cup. Heat up a blend of cream and milk using powdered sugar as a sweetener and stir in chopped chocolate until melted. Adding a bit of espresso powder in the first step can intensify the chocolate flavor. Serve it with a good dollop of whipped cream on top.
Tsokolate –
This Filipino recipe is different from the ones we have covered so far. Instead of using chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, tsokolate uses tablea. Tablea is dried and roasted cacao beans made into a paste and then molded into discs. Basically, it is a small block of cacao. These are dissolved in steaming milk and then a batidor is used to create froth; a milk frother works just as well.
Cioccolata calda –
Fair warning; this Italian drink is the definition of decadent. Have you ever had a hot chocolate that was a cross between a drink and a pudding? The cornstarch gives this drink its thick consistency, so you feel like you’re drinking pudding. Heavy cream and dark chocolate add to the richness. If you really want to warm up, add half a tablespoon of liquor once you have taken it off the heat.
Moroccan hot chocolate –
We have tried spices and pure cacao in our drinks so far. How about we infuse fruity flavors? Inspired by Moroccan recipes, this hot chocolate is spiced up with cardamom, cinnamon and an orange peel. Combined with bittersweet chocolate and vanilla extract, this drink is sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.
El submarino –
This Argentinian treat is a cup of steaming milk with a bar of chocolate in it. Like the name implies, the chocolate is the “submarine” which slowly “sinks” into the milk. It’s simple, it’s fun and you’re greeted with a small puddle of melted chocolate once you finish your drink.
