A Beginner's Guide To Making The Perfect Hot Chocolate From Scratch

Amid chilly weather, hot chocolate is one of the most popular beverages all over the world. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cup of hot chocolate from scratch for yourself.

Winter is reaching its peak, and, in this season, we crave for some warm and comforting beverages that will protect us from the chilly breeze. Besides mulled wine, tea and coffee, hot chocolate is another crowd-pleasing beverage that is relished all over the world. Packed with delicious taste and rich flavor, it is loved by both children and adults.

Believed to have originated in Mexico during 500 BC, the Mayans used to drink chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water. However, it was always hot and sweet like we drink today. Nowadays, there are many variations of hot chocolate like Kahlua hot chocolate, chocolate hot buttered rum, malted milk hot chocolate, vanilla mocha hot cocoa, peanut butter hot chocolate, white hot chocolate and the list goes on.

Made with milk, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla essence as the main ingredients, this yummy creamy delight is perfect to drink at any time of the day during winter. Traditionally hot chocolate is garnished with whipped cream, chopped chocolate, marshmallows and candy canes but you can also give it an interesting twist by flavoring it with cinnamon, orange zest, gingerbread and caramel.

The store-bought hot chocolates look very elegant and luxurious that makes us feel it impossible to create the same at home. However, with just a little guidance and some simple tricks, you can make yourself a perfect cup of hot chocolate that can give a competition to the restaurant’s one.

Follow these simple steps to prepare hot chocolate at home and elevate your winter game:

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk
• 4 oz bittersweet baking chocolate bar chopped
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

• Chop the chocolate bar into small pieces.
• Heat up milk in a sauce pot, over medium heat, until hot (do not simmer).
• Use a fine strainer or a mesh sugar shaker to sift in the cocoa powder, this helps to ensure that there are no clumps in the powder.
• Whisk in the cocoa powder and add chocolate, sugar, and vanilla extract. Slowly continue whisking until the chocolate melts and incorporates into milk.
• When milk starts to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for some more minutes. Do not forget to stir slowly from time to time.
• Take off heat and serve.

For serving:Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with whipped cream. You can also add a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon powder for a depth in flavor.

Storage:The leftover drink can be cooled and kept covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop until warm before serving.

Points To Remember While Picking Ingredients

• Always choose a good-quality cocoa powder to get a rich and deep chocolate flavor. For best results, we recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder as it gives you control over the sweetness of your drink.
• You can choose any milk such as whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. However, the fat present in whole milk contributes to a creamier texture and alternative milks will give a unique flavor profile.
• For sweeteners you can also replace granulated sugar with honey, or maple syrup. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Use pure vanilla extract in your hot chocolate for the best results.

Tips To Make Rich And Creamy Hot Chocolate At Home

• The best way to combine ingredients with warm milk is with a good whisk. Whisking vigorously, ensures chocolate melts evenly and there are no clumps.
• Feel free to experiment with flavors. You can add fruits, spices and herbs to perk up your hot chocolate. You can surprise your taste buds with peppermint, orange, lavender, bay leaf, star anise, chai spice, chilli pepper and cinnamon.
• All the ingredients must be of top-quality or else your hot chocolate will not have the desired taste.
• Adding a generous amount of whipped cream while garnishing is recommended for a luxurious experience.