Seductively Gourmet Hot Chocolate Recipe

Our twist on a gourmet hot chocolate recipe that's guaranteed to turn heads and make you lick your lips in delight. This gourmet hot chocolate recipe features both usual and non-traditional ingredients to enrich the depth of flavor.

Traditionally, hot chocolate is a pretty basic drink right? Go to the cabinet, get the powdered mix, add water, stir and microwave right? WRONG!

When you have that deep craving to enjoy the best gourmet hot chocolate, spending a little more time, and money on the best quality ingredients will make all the difference in the world when you're ready to indulge your taste buds in rich chocolaty, creamy, gourmet hot chocolate recipe goodness. Hot chocolate should be one of those treats where you curl up with your sweetheart by the fire and share a fluffy warm blanket, that's fresh out of the dryer. The beverage should be something special and treasured, thick & creamy, indulgently rich chocolate flavors, and a decadently velvety mouthfeel that leaves you wanting just one more sip after it's gone.

Table Of Contents

Gourmet Hot Chocolate Recipe

Gourmet Hot Chocolate Recipe

With 5 simple ingredients, this gourmet hot chocolate recipe is easy to prepare in just a few minutes!

Yield: Approximately 3-4 Servings
Cooking Time: Under 10 minutes
Skill Level: Easy Peasy!

Ingredients Needed For Making Hot Chocolate:

1 & 1/2 Cups Half & Half or Whole Milk
1 & 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream (40%+ Fat)
4 ounces Dark Mexican Chocolate, (at least 75%) chopped
4.5 ounces Taza 50% Dark Vanilla Mexican Chocolate, chopped
1 TBSP Light Brown Sugar

How To Make Hot Chocolate:

When you're chopping up the chocolate, grab a serrated knife to avoid a big mess. Save about half an ounce of that vanilla chocolate to sprinkle on top later. Now, grab a medium saucepan with high sides, toss in both dark chocolates, milk, and a cup of heavy cream.

Heat things up over medium-low heat, and don't forget to give it a good whisk every 30 seconds. Keep at it until the chocolate is all melted, and the mix hits around 140-150 degrees on your instant-read thermometer. This way, you get that silky smooth chocolate without risking any burnt bits.

Important: DO NOT boil the mixture!! chocolate burns at 200 degrees F and milk scorches and boils over rapidly.

gourmet hot chocolate being whisked in a pan

As the mixture is happily simmering away in the saucepan, let's add another layer of flavor complexity. Take that reserved half cup of heavy cream and add a tablespoon of light brown sugar. Now, grab a mixer or a trusty wire whisk, and whip that combo on high until it forms some nice stiff peaks. Just a heads-up: watch out not to overwhip unless you're in the mood for accidentally some brown sugar butter (which by the way goes amazing on your morning french toast, pancakes or waffles!) Once you've hit those sweet stiff peaks, set the whipped cream aside.

Once your hot chocolate hits that perfect temperature and the chocolate has melted, it's time for the blender magic. Carefully pour the hot liquid into your blender, and make sure to scrape out every last bit from the saucepan using a rubber spatula.

Now, here's a nifty tip for blending hot liquids: pop out the center plug from your blender lid. This prevents any pressure from building up when you're blending warm liquids. Cover the now-open center hole with a thickly folded kitchen towel or a pad of paper towels, and let the blending begin! Blend away until everything is beautifully combined and frothy. The whole blending process usually takes about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it, as the time might vary depending on how powerful your blender is.

To Finish: Find your favorite mug, pour blended frothy hot chocolate into your mug, dallop with a generous amount of your brown sugar whipped cream, and top with remaining chopped Taza 50% Dark Vanilla Mexican Chocolate.

Boozy Add Ons:

For a decadent adult-centric twist on this gourmet hot chocolate recipe, try adding a 1/2oz of your favorite liquor, such as Frangellico Hazlenut, Amaretto (DiSarono), Gran Marnier, Kahlua, or Patron XO Cafe!

Garnishes:

A micro-pinch of grated cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove for added depth of flavor to this hot chocolate recipe.

Check out our other recipes, tips & tricks for Easy, Effortless Entertaining from AWG Private Chefs!

About the Author: Certified Master Chef, Sommelier & Wine Educator, Sean Andrade is the executive chef/owner of AWG Private Chefs, named the #1 Private Chef company in California. Chef Sean has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industries worldwide for more than 25 years. His company AWG Private Chefs offers highly custom-tailored, bespoke private chef dining experiences, and private event catering in over 30 countries around the globe.