The Best Parisian Hot Chocolate~Chocolat Chaud

Looking for a thick, rich, velvety hot chocolate recipe? Look no further than this Parisian hot chocolate. 

Parisian Hot Chocolate

Parisian hot chocolate is not your average hot cocoa, nor does it taste anything like the powdered stuff in the little packets. This thick, decadent drink uses real chocolate instead of cocoa powder to create a drink that looks more like dessert than a comforting drink. The recipe is surprisingly simple, but the results are over the top delicious. It is one of my favorite indulgences. I promise you will be hooked on your first sip.

I should note that this is not your typical hot chocolate, it is not overly sweet like the cocoa you get from hot chocolate powder. It is basically melted chocolate in a cup and it is a drink for true chocolate lovers.

Why You Will Love This Parisian Hot Chocolate

• This recipe turns ordinary pantry ingredients into an extraordinary chocolate experience. The thick, pudding like consistency sets Parisian hot chocolate apart from anything else you have tried, unless you have enjoyed a cup in Paris, Italy or Spain.
• You use real chocolate instead of cocoa powder, which creates intense flavor and incredible richness.
• This recipe scales easily for entertaining but can also be made for one.The ingredient list is short but delivers maximum flavor, making it a treat for anyone who loves chocolate. Make some this holiday season and treat your guests to a small cup of real hot chocolate.
• Small servings of this Parisian-style drink are one of the best ways to introduce friends and family to best hot chocolate they have ever had.

Parisian hot chocolate traces its roots to the 17th century when chocolate arrived in France from Spain. The French elite transformed this bitter drink into something sweeter and more luxurious.

The Birth of French Hot Chocolate

French chocolatiers developed their own style making it distinct from Spanish and Italian chocolate. This drink became known as chocolat chaud in France.

Angelina cafe on Rue de Rivoli in Paris made this drink famous in 1903. Their version, called L’Africain, became legendary for its thickness and intensity, it uses three kinds of chocolate. People would and still do line up for hours to experience this extraordinary hot chocolate. It is indeed a treat if you find yourself in Paris with a taste for chocolate on a cold Fall or Winter day.

If you don’t want to wait,  Cafe de Flor and les Deux Magots serve hot delicious chocolate as well, as do many other charming cafes across Paris.

Today, Parisian hot chocolate is the “gold standard” in the hot chocolate world. Many chocolatiers and specialty cafes now offer their interpretation of this classic.

One of my favorite places to enjoy it, Un Dimanche à Paris, sadly closed a few years ago, it was in a small passage just down from the oldest cafe in Paris, Le Precope. Although I recently read it may be reopening. This shop and cafe was a destination and it served chocolat chaud in a white porcelain pot with a wood molinet, just like the one I used in this post.

What you need to make Parisian Hot Chocolate

The recipe has stayed the same for decades, it only requires just a few simple ingredients, good quality chocolate, milk and vanilla. Be sure to use the best chocolate that you can find.

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup 65-70% dark bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Parisian Hot Chocolate

• In a medium saucepan heat the milk and the vanilla over medium-low heat. Do not let the milk boil, as you do not want a skin to form on the milk.
• Then turn the heat to low and add the chopped chocolate to the hot milk.. Whisk the mixture over a gentle simmer until the chocolate is melted and you achieve the desired consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
• Don’t rush the process.

Variations & Notes

Chocolat chaud or French hot chocolate is typically made with just chocolate and milk, however if you wanted to add additional flavoring here are a few suggestions.

• If you do not eat dairy you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The texture will be a little different but the taste will be the same.
• Some recipes add heavy cream or double cream along with the milk. You can but it is not needed to get delicious hot chocolate.
• Milk chocolate can replace dark chocolate for a sweeter version of this French hot chocolate recipe. The texture remains similar, but the intensity isn’t the same.
• If the chocolate is too strong for you you can add a little brown sugar.
• A pinch salt on top amplifies the chocolate flavor and brings out the sweetness. Use Maldon or fleur de sel for the best results.
• Add a little spice to the milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg is a delicious addition for the holidays. You can steep a cinnamon stick in the warm milk and remove it when you add the chopped chocolate.
• Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper is great for a little heat. This is how I make mine in the morning.
• Use vanilla paste in place of vanilla extract. Use half a teaspoon of paste or a quarter teaspoon of pure extract. Do not use imitation vanilla.
• A tablespoon of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier creates an elegant chocolate-orange combination.
• Peppermint extract transforms this into a sophisticated mint chocolate experience. Use just two to three drops since peppermint extract is very concentrated.
• Espresso powder intensifies chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. A quarter teaspoon is all you need.

What to Serve with Parisian Hot Chocolate

• Parisian hot chocolate is rich and delicious, almost a dessert on its own. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl on the side.
• Buttery croissants or pain au chocolat maybe a morning bun.
• Madelines or biscotti.
• Fresh fruit.

How to Store French Hot Chocolate

I typically make hot chocolate for one but if you make a large batch and find yourself with leftovers, let it cool and store it in a glass container. The mixture will thicken considerably when cold, becoming almost like chocolate pudding. This is normal.

To reheat, pour hot chocolate into a saucepan and heat over low heat while whisking constantly. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. The mixture will thin as it warms and should return to its original consistency.

Need more chocolate recipes?

Try Condensed Milk Brownies, Dulce de Leche Brownies, Outrageous Brownies, Fleur de Sel Truffles, Edible Brownie Pinecones, Ghirardelli Seven Layer Brownie Bar Recipe, and Chocolate Almond Dragees.

That’s All for Now

Making authentic Parisian hot chocolate is easier than it looks. If you can melt chocolate and heat milk, you can master this recipe. Don’t worry if your first attempt is not perfect. Even imperfect Parisian hot chocolate tastes better than most regular hot cocoa. The key is starting with good ingredients, finding the chocolate that suits your taste and taking your time while making it. Treat yourself to this rich velvety drink and satisfy your chocolate craving. You have earned it, the holidays can be a little stressful.

Take care and thank you for spending part of your day with me. I will see you tomorrow for Friday Favorites. 

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On My Radar~Hot Chocolate

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The Best Parisian Hot Chocolate~Chocolat Chaud

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Looking for a thick, rich, velvety hot chocolate recipe? Look no further than this Parisian hot chocolate. 

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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2 1/2 cups whole milk

1 cup 65-70% dark bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

How to Make Parisian Hot Chocolate

In a medium saucepan heat the milk and the vanilla over medium-low heat. Do not let the milk boil, as you do not want a skin to form on the milk.

Then turn the heat to low and add the chopped chocolate to the hot milk. Whisk the mixture over a gentle simmer until the chocolate is melted and you achieve the desired consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Don’t rush the process.

• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-5 minutes