Famous Paris Hot Chocolate Recipe
Experience the elegance of Paris in every sip with this Famous Paris Hot Chocolate Recipe — a rich, velvety drink made from real dark chocolate, warm milk, and cream. This authentic French-style chocolat chaud is luxuriously thick, deeply flavorful, and the ultimate cozy indulgence for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups 480 ml whole milk
- 1/4 cup 60 ml heavy cream
- 4 oz 113 g high-quality dark chocolate (64–72%), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp 7 g Dutch-process cocoa powder (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 –2 tbsp 12–24 g granulated sugar, to taste
- 1 tsp 3 g cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold milk (optional, for thickness)
- 1/2 tsp 2.5 ml vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Whipped cream or grated chocolate for topping optional
Instructions
- Warm the Milk & Cream: In a heavy saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium-low until steaming (about 175°F / 80°C). Don’t let it boil.
- Add Cocoa & Sugar: Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chopped dark chocolate until completely melted and glossy.
- Thicken (Optional): Stir in cornstarch slurry, return to low heat, and whisk until slightly thickened and velvety (1–2 minutes).
- Finish & Serve: Add vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt. Whisk well, strain for smoothness if desired, and pour into warmed cups.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream, grated chocolate, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if too thick.
- Vegan Version: Use oat or almond milk and dairy-free dark chocolate; replace cream with coconut cream.
- Flavor Variations: Add a hint of orange zest, cinnamon, or a dash of espresso for a café-style twist.
- Texture Tip: For ultra-smooth consistency, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.