When it comes to hot chocolate, it seriously doesn’t get any better than French-style Parisian Hot Chocolate. All chocolate aficionados would absolutely adore a good cup of Parisian Hot Chocolate because it’s chocolate in its richest and most glorious form. It is lusciously thick, rich, and creamy, and features the most luxurious mouthfeel. Any chocolate lover would make sure to stop at Angelina and/or Carette when visiting Paris because enjoying this decadent drink is a bucket list experience of its own.
Can’t go to Paris right now? Don’t worry, you’d be delighted to learn that it’s actually super easy to create a cup of indulgent Parisian Hot Chocolate at home! Give it about 10 minutes, serve it with a bowl of fresh whipped cream on the side (just like those Parisian cafes), and you’ll be transported to Paris in no time.
What is Parisian Hot Chocolate
Parisian hot chocolate, a.k.a Parisian Chocolat Chaud, is the definition of classic French indulgence. It truly stands out from regular hot chocolate with its deeply rich flavour and ultra-velvety texture. The chocolate itself takes centre stage in Parisian hot chocolate, rather than any watered-down or sweetened cocoa powder-based hot chocolates.
Dark chocolate is typically used, usually 70%, to achieve that deep and rich flavour. If you’re not the biggest fan of high-percentage dark chocolate, I’d recommend trying 54% chocolates. The chocolate is then melted in a mix of both cream and milk to give that thick and lusciously velvety texture. As you will see in the full recipe below, I also like to add a touch of vanilla and sea salt to enhance the flavours. It’s a decadent treat that will swoon every chocolate lover. To serve, Parisian hot chocolates are usually served with whipped cream on the side for you to mix into your drink.
How to make French-Style Paris Hot Chocolate at home
Ingredients to Make Parisian Hot Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate – 54% or 70%
- Double Cream – you’ll need it for both making the hot chocolate and the whipped cream for serving
- Whole Milk
- Vanilla Extract
- Sugar
- Sea Salt – helps to perk up the chocolate flavours a little
Recipe Tips & Notes
- This recipe makes 2 small cups of hot chocolate. The chocolate will be quite rich, so you don’t need a massive mug for it.
- You will need a small pot or a milk pan for this recipe
- The quality of the chocolate matters. So, ideally, get your hands on good-quality chocolate to achieve the best flavours. I usually use Lindt chocolates or Knoops’ chocolate flakes.
- I don’t usually add sugar, but everyone has their own taste – you can add sugar to adjust the sweetness of your hot chocolate.
- Don’t use chocolate chips for this. Chocolate chips are harder to melt as they are made to hold their shape. Think about chocolate chip cookies – the chips are meant to retain their shape instead of completely melting off.
- Always keep it at a medium-low heat when making the hot chocolate. The last thing you want is to burn the chocolate. If you overheat and burn the chocolate, the chocolate will turn out split and lumpy – i.e. not the silky velvety texture Parisian hot chocolate should have!
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Easy Parisian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
- 100 g Dark Chocolate 54% or 70%
- ½ cup Double Cream
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- Small pinch of Sea Salt
- Sugar (optional) for extra sweetness if you like
For the Whipped Cream (to serve)
- ½ cup Double Cream
- 1 tsp White Sugar
Instructions
- Add all the hot chocolate ingredients into a small pot or milk pan.100 g Dark Chocolate, ½ cup Double Cream, 2 cups Whole Milk, ½ tsp Vanilla Extract, Small pinch of Sea Salt, Sugar (optional)
- Heat the pot over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until the chocolate has melted & thickened. Keep stirring to avoid the chocolate from getting burnt.
- Once ready, pour the hot chocolate into your serving cups.
Making the whipped cream
- Whisk together double cream and sugar until stiffened.½ cup Double Cream, 1 tsp White Sugar
- Serve the whipped cream in a separate bowl together with the hot chocolate. Enjoy!
Notes
- A Parisian hot chocolate is quite rich to taste, so you don’t need a large serving. This recipe makes 2 small cups.
- The quality of the chocolate matters in the final taste of this recipe. Good quality chocolates, such as Lindt, are ideal for making this hot chocolate. Or I personally love using Knoops’ chocolate flakes.
- Don’t use chocolate chips for this. Chocolate chips are harder to melt as they are made to hold their shape instead of completely melting off.
- Always keep it at a medium-low/low heat when making the hot chocolate to prevent the chocolate from burning. If you overheat and burn the chocolate, the chocolate will turn out split and lumpy.
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