Real French Hot Chocolate

Featured in Sip in Style.

Savor an intensely rich French hot chocolate, made with bittersweet chocolate gently melted into whole milk and cream, enhanced by a touch of vanilla. This classic Parisian-style beverage is famously thick and luxurious, served warm in small cups for a truly indulgent treat. Whipped cream and a splash of sparkling water are suggested accompaniments, offering a balance to its sumptuous texture and flavor. For best results, choose high-quality dark chocolate, avoid boiling the mixture, and whisk until perfectly smooth. Reheat any leftovers gently for another divine chocolate indulgence.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 15 Jun 2025 12:56:56 GMT
A cup of coffee with a gold rim. Pin it
A cup of coffee with a gold rim. | gracefulflavors.com

This luxurious French hot chocolate has become my favorite way to satisfy chocolate cravings on a chilly day in the coziest and most elegant fashion possible. Every sip is intense and rich a true treat for anyone who adores pure chocolate flavor in every cup.

I first made this after returning from Paris and nothing store bought has ever come close It is now my go to for impressing guests or turning an ordinary afternoon into something special

Ingredients

  • Whole milk: helps create the luscious smooth base go for an organic version for best taste
  • Heavy cream: makes each sip extra rich and creamy choose one without added thickeners if possible
  • Bittersweet chocolate: gives deep complex flavor look for bars with 60 to 70 percent cacao content and minimal ingredients
  • Vanilla extract: rounds out the chocolate flavor pure vanilla adds a subtle fragrance that elevates the entire drink

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm the Dairy:
In a medium saucepan combine whole milk heavy cream and pure vanilla extract Use medium heat and stir frequently until steaming hot but do not let the mixture reach a boil This keeps the finished chocolate silky
Melt in the Chocolate:
Remove the pan from the heat Break bittersweet chocolate into small pieces Add to the hot milk and cream Whisk thoroughly The heat should gently melt the chocolate Whisk until completely smooth and no solid pieces remain If needed set the pan back on very low heat whisking constantly until fully melted
Serve with Flair:
Pour the hot chocolate into demitasse espresso or other small cups Swirl with whipped cream for a traditional touch and serve immediately For an extra elegant experience offer a little sparkling water on the side
A cup of chocolate is on a table. Pin it
A cup of chocolate is on a table. | gracefulflavors.com

My most vivid memory is making this together as a family on a snowy night The scent of melting chocolate lingered all evening and now my kids request this every winter

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely then refrigerate covered for up to three days The chocolate will thicken as it chills but will return to a pourable state when gently reheated on very low heat or in the microwave Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version swap the milk and cream for full fat coconut milk This keeps the drink just as creamy Avoid using water for this chocolate as it loses richness If you want a sweeter cup stir in a spoonful of your favorite sugar or substitute a portion of the bittersweet chocolate with a higher milk content chocolate

A cup of chocolate with gold trim. Pin it
A cup of chocolate with gold trim. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent chocolate in small espresso or demitasse cups to match its intensity For a Parisian café effect add a swirl of barely sweetened whipped cream and a few dark chocolate shavings on top Small almond cookies or a slice of brioche are perfect companions

A Little French History

French sipping chocolate or chocolat chaud has a long tradition among Parisian cafés The style is meant to be thicker richer and more intense than American style hot cocoa Sip it slowly for the full experience It is a treat meant for lingering and savoring not gulping down

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of chocolate works best for French hot chocolate?

Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate with 60 to 70% cacao for a deep, intense flavor and smooth texture. Avoid regular chocolate chips as they may not melt as well.

→ Can I make this lactose-free?

Yes, substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a similarly creamy texture while still enjoying the richness of this French drink.

→ How do I achieve a thicker consistency?

Let the melted chocolate mixture cool briefly before pouring it into cups. This creates a denser, more luxurious texture typical of French style.

→ Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely! Add sugar to taste during preparation, or use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet for a sweeter drink.

→ What’s the best way to serve French hot chocolate?

Serve warm in small espresso or demitasse cups, topped with whipped cream. Pair with sparkling water for a perfect balance.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Cool to room temperature, refrigerate in an airtight container, and gently reheat in the microwave or saucepan over low heat when ready to enjoy again.

Real French Hot Chocolate

Decadent French chocolate drink with bittersweet chocolate and cream, ideal for cozy moments or dessert.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Minutes
Total Time
8 Minutes
By: Barbara


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (Four 1/2-cup servings or eight espresso-cup servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Hot Chocolate Base

01 1 cup whole milk
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60% to 70% cacao), finely chopped
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Combine whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming but not boiling.

Step 02

Remove saucepan from heat. Add chopped bittersweet chocolate and whisk until melted and fully smooth. If needed, return saucepan to low heat briefly to ensure the chocolate is completely melted.

Step 03

Pour hot chocolate into demitasse or espresso cups. Serve immediately, optionally topped with whipped cream, and provide sparkling water on the side if desired.

Notes

  1. Use high-quality chocolate with 60% to 70% cacao for best texture and flavor. Avoid chocolate chips unless using premium brands, as stabilizers may affect melting.
  2. For a dairy-free option, substitute full-fat coconut milk for whole milk and cream. Do not use water.
  3. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheated before serving.
  4. To sweeten, add sugar or use milk chocolate. For a thicker result, allow hot chocolate to cool slightly before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Demitasse or espresso cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and may contain traces of soy if present in chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 6 g