This Decadent Dark Hot Chocolate for Two is a rich, bittersweet mug you can whip up before curling up with a blanket during the cold winter months.
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
I’m glad you asked, because I looked this up before naming this post!
Historically, hot chocolate is made with real chocolate (thus making it richer due to the fat content). It’s less sweet than hot cocoa, which uses cocoa powder, and hot chocolatiers pride themselves on making a thick, bittersweet mug of deliciousness.
I am priding myself on this thick, bittersweet mug of hot chocolate, topped with lots of whipped cream and cinnamon. Ground cinnamon adds a layer to hot chocolate you didn’t know you were missing, and chopping up a bar of dark chocolate is how to make this decadent instead of a basic hot chocolate mix.
While I didn’t take this to the extra-spiced level of a Mayan hot chocolate, you could easily do so with extra cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- 1.75 ounces of 72% dark chocolate (47 grams)
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream for serving
- Chop up ~1.75 ounces of a small chocolate bar into small pieces.
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and heat on medium, whisking while it heats to incorporate the chocolate and spices. Once chocolate is melted and the mixture is lightly simmering, take it off the heat.
- Divide into two mugs and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.
I use the Trader Joe's 72% small bars for this, which is the perfect amount for this recipe. Alternatively, estimate 1.5-2 ounces of your favorite chocolate based on the amount in the package.
P.S. Looking for a last minute gift idea? I have a DIY Hot Chocolate Mix in jars recipe that combines semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder for a simple and thoughtful gift.
Have a happily holiday weekend and I’ll talk to you all next week!
Marisa
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Ohhh this sounds amazing! I love that it’s perfect for two. I’ll have to whip up a mug for my boyfriend and I!
Marisa says
Hope it was decadent and delicious, Christine!