Name: Mocha Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups reduced fat 2% milk (or whole milk works too); 5 tbsp extra dark chocolate chips (or dark chocolate / bittersweet chocolate); 1 tsp instant espresso powder (or instant coffee); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 tbsp dollop of whipped cream; dusting of cocoa powder; chocolate shavings

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Creamy, rich, dark, smooth, thick chocolatey Mocha Hot Chocolate made with real dark chocolate. It's so good that you don't even need extra sugar.

Where did I have the BEST Hot Chocolate?

Do you know the first time where I experienced the most amazing liquid velvety Hot Chocolate? Guess! You are probably thinking New York, nope, it was in London, at Paul. My friend who is a local in London insisted I try this divine Hot Chocolate. I was totally expecting frothy milk with some cocoa powder, but to my surprise I experienced the most unreal hot chocolate for just £3.50.

Here in the USA, it's hard to find liquidy dark hot chocolate (no Starbucks please). The best hot chocolate I've had in the States is at No Chewing Allowed - they're all over the NYC Holiday Markets this time of year and I highly recommend you check it out.

What is Mocha Hot Chocolate?

Mocha Hot Chocolate is essentially hot chocolate with a hint of coffee. It's so good and takes away from some of the sweetness in hot chocolate. In an attempt to replicate the best hot chocolate I had in both London and New York City, I came up with this recipe that uses real chocolate, no cocoa powder, and reduced-fat milk instead of whole milk. Additionally, I did not add any sugar since I used dark chocolate which already consists of enough sugar.

Can I make this recipe vegan, gluten-free?

Hot Chocolate is already gluten-free.

For a vegan option, this recipe would pair well with either oat milk or coconut milk since they both tend to be creamier and richer. Additionally, you may use vegan chocolate for this recipe.

What kind of milk should I use for this recipe?

I made this recipe with 2% reduced-fat milk and it was perfect. I prefer just the right amount of thickness in my beverages, and thus I find whole milk too heavy for me. Feel free to use 2% or whole milk. I don't recommend using 1% low-fat or skim milk.

What kind of chocolate can I use in this recipe?

I prefer dark chocolate over semi-sweet because I don't like overly sugary drinks. For this recipe, I used extra dark chocolate chips, but feel free to use either extra dark, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate for this recipe. Additionally, I don't recommend using milk chocolate because you'll end up with super sweet hot chocolate.

Lastly, I recommend using good quality chocolate such as Guittard, Scharffen Berger, and at the very least Ghirardelli.

What if I want to make another flavor of hot chocolate?

No problem!

for peppermint hot chocolate: simply swap the vanilla extract for peppermint extract.

for orange hot chocolate: use orange extract instead of vanilla extract.

Tips on making Mocha Hot Chocolate:

Heat up the milk first, once it's hot, add chocolate.
Use dark chocolate - that's just my preference. If you prefer sweeter hot chocolate, opt for semi-sweet, but please don't add any sugar because you don't need it.
Add instant espresso powder - this is the brand I like.
Also, add a touch of vanilla.
Don't overboil the hot chocolate, once it's hot without boiling, turn off the stove.

Ingredients you’ll need for Mocha Hot Chocolate:

Milk: I recommend using either reduced-fat 2% milk or whole milk. I prefer 2% since I don't need too much richness.

Chocolate: For this recipe, I used bittersweet dark chocolate chips. You may use semi-sweet if you prefer sweeter hot chocolate.

Espresso Powder: I used this espresso powder, however you may always use instant coffee.

Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla extract.

Whipped Cream: I love whipped cream with hot chocolate.

Cocoa Powder: A dusting of cocoa powder as garnish.

Chocolate Shavings: Can be used as a garnish.

Mocha Hot Chocolate is:

Creamy
Chocolatey
Rich
Indulgent
Comforting
Perfect for the holidays
Gluten-free

How to make Mocha Hot Chocolate recipe step by step?

1. Add milk to a small pot. Heat up for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add chocolate.
3. Use a whisk and the chocolate will melt. This will take about 2 minutes.
4. Add espresso powder (or instant coffee works).
5. Add vanilla extract.
6. Whisk. Let the hot chocolate heat up for a couple of minutes, but it shouldn't reach a boiling point. Notice, the hot chocolate will darken in color.

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