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% or above, to achieve that flavour depth. It’s 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 List
- Dark Chocolate – 70% or above
- 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 for 2 small cups or 1 large cup. The chocolate will be quite rich. If you prefer, you can water down it a little bit to make it up into 2 large cups. Simply divide the hot chocolate mixture into 2 cups, fill up the remaining cup with hot water and mix till combined. It may not be traditional but don’t worry, it’ll still taste indulgent & amazing!
- The quality of the chocolate matters. So, ideally, get your hands on good quality chocolate to achieve the best flavours. We recommend Lindt chocolates.
- 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 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!
Looking for more chocolate drink recipes? Check these out too:
Easy Parisian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 100 g Dark Chocolate (56% or 70%)
- ½ cup Double Cream
- ½ cup Whole Milk
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- Small pinch of Sea Salt
Whipped Cream to serve
- ¼ cup Double Cream
- ½ tsp White Sugar
Instructions
- Using a small pot, heat the chocolate, double cream and milk over low heat for about 10 minutes until melted & thickened. Keep stirring to avoid the chocolate from getting burnt.100 g Dark Chocolate (56% or 70%), ½ cup Double Cream, ½ cup Whole Milk
- Stir in Vanilla Essence and add in the pinch of sea salt. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes and pour into your serving cup.½ tsp Vanilla Extract, Small pinch of Sea Salt
Making the whipped cream
- Whisk together double cream and sugar until stiffened.¼ cup Double Cream, ½ tsp White Sugar
- Serve the whipped cream in a separate bowl together with the hot chocolate. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe makes for 2 small cups or 1 large cup. The chocolate will be quite rich. If you prefer, you can water down it a little bit to make it up into 2 large cups. Simply divide the hot chocolate mixture into 2 cups, fill up the remaining cup with hot water and mix till combined. It’ll still taste indulgent & amazing!
- The quality of the chocolate matters. Ideally, if you can, get your hands on good quality chocolate to achieve the best flavours. We recommend Lindt chocolates.
- 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 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 would turn out split and lumpy.
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