After three decades in Paris, I've discovered the French secret to real hot chocolate. Unlike ordinary hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, this Paris recipe uses dark chocolate melted into milk for a rich, velvety cup. How do the French make their hot chocolate so special? Here's how to bring the Parisian classic home with le chocolat chaud (pronounced 'sho-ko-lah show').
I fixed this hot chocolate last night for my husband and myself. It was fabulous. He could not stop talking about the flavor. I had added the vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt. The flavor went on forever. This is a treat for us. I have had the hot chocolate at Angelina's in Paris. Comparable. Thanks Jill. - Marilyn
What Kind of Chocolate is Best for Hot Chocolate?
Cafés, the best Parisian tearooms and chocolate shops use only good quality chocolate for that famous velvety texture. The higher the cocoa content, the less sweet and more intense the flavour is.
The best kind of chocolate to use is one with 65-70% cocoa solids. I like to use Barry, Ghirardelli, Guittard or Valhrona dark chocolate (noir), all rather expensive, I know. But from the supermarket, Nestlé have a good Corsé one at 65% and now an Absolut at 70% - both are ideal for this recipe. Of course, if you prefer milk chocolate, then use the best you can but it will be sweeter, with less of a rich flavor.
Do the French Drink Hot Chocolate From a Bowl?
There are two types of our favourite Parisian hot chocolates: the rich and creamy afternoon treat served from a jug with cup and saucer (or these days, a mug); and the much lighter version with more milk we drink from a bowl at breakfast.
As my French children were growing up, they loved starting the day off with chocolat chaud for breakfast. In France, we drink out of oversized bowls - for either coffee or hot chocolate.
In fact, the bigger the bowl, the more chance we have to dunk in a wedge of fluffy brioche or a simple tartine, a buttered slice of fresh baguette. Needless to say, it gets deliciously messy so I've spared you a photo of this one!
Famous French Hot Chocolate in Paris
When most people think of Paris, they generally think of one or two establishments, such as les Deux Magots and Angelina with their famous Chocolat Africain with a creamy texture so rich, it could be a chocolate fondue!
However, there are so many more to choose from, that I have compiled this personal (unsponsored) list of the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris to help you out on your next chocolate craving. Many serve theirs with a side of whipped cream, the ultimate luxury.
French Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients
For this authentic recipe of a typical hot chocolate in Paris, it requires just 4 ingredients. That is, good quality chocolate (dark, bittersweet chocolate), whole milk (not half and half or any skinny versions), vanilla extract or powder, and a pinch of salt.
Hang back on any sugar to recreate the authentic experience; the vanilla does all the sweet work (forget any brown sugar!). If you like yours with a hint of nutmeg or other spice, then I've added this option in the recipe card below. Of course, if you've a sweet tooth, add a little to your taste at the end - but for the real thing, do try without.
How to Make the Ultimate French Hot Chocolate
Once you've assembled the simple ingredients, it's so quick to make.
The secret is to heat the milk first with the vanilla, salt and spice, if using - without letting it boil over a medium-low heat. Whisk in the dark chocolate pieces and continue to whisk for at least 5 minutes. The longer you whisk, the thicker the result will be, just like the ones in Paris.
Troubleshooting - How to Make French Hot Chocolate like in Paris
How do the French make their hot chocolate? Follow these tips for the perfect sip:
- Be careful not to boil the milk. Avoid a skin forming so remember to stir or whisk.
- Unlike a typical French chocolate mousse where a little coffee is added to bring out the intensity of the chocolate, for the drink we normally add a little vanilla or spices. What's more, both recipes are intense and rich but don't contain any heavy cream.
- Sweetening with vanilla: avoid vanilla essence, as the flavour is usually synthetic. Either use a good quality vanilla extract, vanilla powder - or the best, a sticky vanilla bean/pod (read how to store vanilla pods at their best).
- No need to add any sugar. With the naturally sweet addition of vanilla, you'll discover that this is just like the ones we enjoy in Paris and is sweet enough to enjoy the quality of the hot chocolate.
How to Serve
As this is so rich and thick, serve your hot chocolate simply on its own, like we do in Paris - with a spoon. So many of the salons in Paris serve this in little porcelain milk jugs, which is easy to find in Parisian stores and so cheap too! Feeling gourmande? Add a little bowl of whipped cream on the side, so you can recreate the Parisian ambiance at home at a fraction of the price.
However, if you a partial to an extra treat, that quelque-chose to go with it, enjoy with a salted caramel macaron, a coconut macaroon, financier or a tuile cookie or two.
French Hot Chocolate
Video
Ingredients
- 300 ml (10 fl oz/ 1 ¼ cup) whole milk
- 100 g (3.5oz/ ½ cup) dark, bittersweet chocolate 65-70% cocoa solids, broken into small pieces or chopped
- small pinch sea salt fleur de sel
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or powder
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg see NOTES on spice
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a medium saucepan, being careful not to boil it. Add the salt, vanilla and nutmeg, if using, and gently whisk in the chopped chocolate pieces to melt using a hand whisk over a gentle, slow simmer.
- Once the chocolate has melted, as you whisk, the consistency will still be liquid. So carry on whisking gently, creating a little foam, for at least 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- As soon as the thickness is to your liking, pour into little jugs or directly into cups and serve immediately.
Carlotta
Ciao,potrei avere la ricetta della cioccolata che si beve a colazione ,quella più liquida,grazie
Jill Colonna
Ciao Carlotta,
Good idea - yes, I'll try to make time and post our more liquid breakfast hot chocolate with cocoa powder soon!