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This Paris Hot Chocolate is the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. Its rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor will transport you straight to the heart of Paris.
Top it off with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder for that luxurious finishing touch. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cold winter evening or sharing it with loved ones, this drink promises warmth and joy in every sip.
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Full Recipe:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to steam.
- Add the dark chocolate to the saucepan and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Taste the mixture and add sugar if desired. Stir until dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, and top with whipped cream.
- Dust the whipped cream with cocoa powder for an extra touch of indulgence.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
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Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Paris Hot Chocolate: A Taste of Parisian Elegance
Paris Hot Chocolate, inspired by the famous Angelina Café in Paris, is a luxurious and indulgent beverage that is unlike anything most people are used to when it comes to hot chocolate. This rich and creamy drink is thicker and more decadent than your average hot chocolate, often described as “a dessert in a cup.” Perfect for those who love the deep, intense flavor of chocolate, this drink is both comforting and sophisticated.
The Story Behind Paris Hot Chocolate
It’s hard to overstate the reputation of Angelina Café when it comes to its hot chocolate. Located in the heart of Paris, Angelina has been a favorite for both locals and tourists for over a century. Its famous “Chocolat Chaud” (Hot Chocolate) has become a symbol of the luxurious French café experience. Upon visiting this iconic spot, one cannot help but be drawn into the warmth of its decadent chocolate drinks, especially when paired with a freshly baked, flaky croissant.
Many who try the Hot Chocolate at Angelina for the first time are taken aback by its consistency. Unlike the watery versions most people are familiar with, Angelina’s hot chocolate is thick, creamy, and rich — almost like drinking molten chocolate. The smoothness of the drink coats the tongue and lingers in the most delightful way, with just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness from the high-quality dark chocolate used.
The experience of sipping this Parisian delicacy is an unforgettable one, and after having it, many visitors feel the urge to recreate it back home. So, after my own trip to Paris, I set out to perfect this indulgent drink so that anyone could experience the luxury of this French café staple, no matter where they are in the world.
The Key to Making Paris Hot Chocolate at Home
While making this thick and luscious hot chocolate is surprisingly simple, the secret lies in the ingredients and their careful balance. At the core of this recipe is high-quality dark chocolate. This is essential to achieving the deep, intense chocolate flavor that defines Paris Hot Chocolate. The best chocolate to use for this recipe has a cocoa content of 60-70%. A premium brand like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Valrhona is ideal because they melt smoothly and give the drink a rich texture.
One of the key ingredients that elevates the flavor of the hot chocolate is espresso powder. It’s subtle, but it enhances the richness of the chocolate without overpowering it. Just a small amount helps to bring out the deep cocoa flavor, making the hot chocolate taste even more complex. If you don’t have espresso powder on hand, you can substitute it with a pinch of instant coffee, but the espresso powder truly makes a difference.
The other essential ingredients include milk and heavy cream. Together, they create a luxurious base for the chocolate, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. The ratio of cream to milk in this recipe ensures the hot chocolate is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still smooth enough to drink. Powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, but it’s the richness of the cream and the dark chocolate that make this drink so special.
Once the ingredients are combined and gently heated, the result is a thick, velvety hot chocolate that is rich in flavor and comforting in every sip. This version of Paris Hot Chocolate is not something you drink quickly — it’s meant to be savored slowly, like a luxurious dessert.
Adjusting the Thickness to Your Preference
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is that it can be easily adjusted to suit your personal taste and desired consistency. If you prefer your hot chocolate to be a bit thinner, you can add more milk. This will dilute the richness slightly and give you a drink that’s closer to what many people expect from a traditional hot chocolate. On the other hand, if you love a really thick hot chocolate, as served at Angelina, stick to the original recipe.
The thick texture is one of the defining characteristics of this drink, and it truly sets it apart from other hot chocolate recipes. It’s important to let the ingredients melt together slowly, stirring continuously to ensure that the chocolate completely dissolves into the milk and cream mixture. This creates the signature smoothness that makes Paris Hot Chocolate so delightful.
Serving Paris Hot Chocolate the Parisian Way
The best way to serve this hot chocolate is in a simple mug or cup, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cream adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the hot chocolate and lightens the drink just enough to keep it from feeling too heavy. You can also serve it alongside a fresh, buttery croissant for the ultimate Parisian experience. The combination of the warm, thick chocolate with a flaky, buttery pastry is pure indulgence.
This hot chocolate is also perfect for special occasions or a cozy winter treat. Its richness makes it ideal for sipping on cold evenings or when you need a moment of indulgence. Whether you’re having a quiet moment at home, hosting a gathering with friends, or celebrating a holiday, Paris Hot Chocolate adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any occasion.
A Dessert in a Cup
In conclusion, Paris Hot Chocolate is more than just a warm beverage — it’s an experience. This rich, thick, and creamy drink embodies the essence of indulgence, transporting you to a Parisian café with each sip. With its deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor and velvety texture, it’s a perfect way to treat yourself or impress guests. And the best part is, you don’t need to hop on a plane to Paris to enjoy it. By following this simple recipe, you can recreate the magic of Angelina Café in the comfort of your own home.
So, whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon, celebrating with friends, or simply in the mood for a treat, Paris Hot Chocolate is the ultimate comfort drink. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a little time, you can sip your way to Paris and enjoy a moment of pure bliss. Treat yourself to the luxury of this thick, creamy, and sinfully chocolatey drink, and you’ll soon understand why it’s become such a beloved tradition in Paris.
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Paris Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
This Paris Hot Chocolate is the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. Its rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor will transport you straight to the heart of Paris.
Top it off with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder for that luxurious finishing touch. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cold winter evening or sharing it with loved ones, this drink promises warmth and joy in every sip.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to steam.
- Add the dark chocolate to the saucepan and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Taste the mixture and add sugar if desired. Stir until dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, and top with whipped cream.
- Dust the whipped cream with cocoa powder for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes