This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jason Tsoi. Find him on Instagram at @jason.tsoi. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
As the winter solstice approaches, it’s almost that time of the year to bring out your mugs to make one of the most popular hot drinks: hot chocolate. The classic drink is a staple during the winter months, warming people up after spending time in the cold weather. It’s also a holiday favorite that is able to lift the spirits of many who drink it. In terms of hot chocolate, there are many different types of hot chocolate recipes. Here are a selection of four recipes with hot cocoa mix and chocolate to try this winter.
Classic Hot Chocolate
Classic hot chocolate is one of the most popular recipes for its quick and simple preparations. This traditional version of hot chocolate is a fantastic drink to make if you’re in a hurry or exhausted after shoveling snow. There are two ways to make classic hot chocolate: using store bought hot cocoa mix or making the mix yourself.
For store bought hot cocoa mix, consider using Swiss Miss’ Milk Chocolate flavor hot cocoa mix. You can purchase the cocoa mix in packets or canisters. First, add the packet or three tablespoons of the cocoa mix into a mug. Then, measure one cup of water or milk, and heat it up in a microwave or stove until it’s hot. I recommend using milk as it enhances the flavor. After heating up your water or milk to your liking, pour it into the mug and stir it in with the cocoa mix.
However, if you’re looking to make classic hot chocolate homemade, there’s a couple of more steps to follow. In order to make the hot cocoa mix, you will need to combine three ingredients: two cups of confectioners’ sugar, one cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and two cups of powdered milk. After combining the ingredients together, add the mixture into a mug and pour hot water or milk into it. To top it off, you can add whipped cream or marshmallows on top of the drink.
French Hot Chocolate
French hot chocolate, also referred to as chocolat chaude, was a social media viral sensation last year and during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. While dining at Carette, a popular Parisian café, many TikTokers filmed themselves trying their famous hot chocolate. This type of hot chocolate is known for its creamy and thick consistency while maintaining the rich flavor of chocolate. So, how do you achieve the creamy consistency?
In order to make the delectable hot drink, you will need four ingredients: 1 ½ cups of whole milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, two teaspoons of powdered sugar, and two bars of dark chocolate. When it comes to dark chocolate, I usually use 70% cocoa. First, chop your dark chocolate into small pieces. Then, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, heavy cream and powdered sugar together, and stir it until you see small bubbles form. Afterwards, move the saucepan from the heat, add your chopped dark chocolate and stir until it’s all melted. Once the chocolate has melted, you can begin serving it.
To replicate the experience of Carette’s iconic French hot chocolate, you can add a large scoop of whipped cream on top and eat a croissant with it. The flaky crust of the pastry, dipped in thick chocolate, makes for a delicious afternoon snack or dessert.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Since Christmas is right around the corner, what’s better than a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate? This recipe is a perfect drink to enjoy while relaxing by a fireplace. Instead of buying the hot drink from Starbucks or using store bought packets, you can make your own peppermint hot chocolate at home. It’s simple and easy to make.
To make the minty drink, you need three ingredients: 1 cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and a packet of hot cocoa mix. Similar to the classic hot chocolate recipe, you can make your own hot cocoa mix at home instead of using store bought packets. First, combine the milk and peppermint extract in a saucepan over medium heat for two minutes. Then, add your hot cocoa mix and stir it in until the mixture dissolves. When you’re satisfied with the mixture, you can serve the hot chocolate in a mug.
In addition to your peppermint hot chocolate, you can add whipped cream on top with crushed peppermint. Another way to make the hot drink more minty, you can put a candy cane in it.
Chai Hot Chocolate
This next type of hot chocolate contains a combination of sweet and spicy flavors that is guaranteed to satisfy your needs. It’s not the kind of spicy heat that leaves you sweating and your mouth burning. This hot drink is similar to a chai latte, but with chocolate. Here is how to make this tasty drink.
This recipe requires seven ingredients: 1 ½ cups of whole milk, two teaspoons of chai spice, ¼ cup of heavy cream, one tablespoon of cocoa powder, four ounces of dark chocolate pieces, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and one teaspoon of cornstarch. First, in a saucepan on medium heat, combine the milk and cornstarch together and stir until there’s no lumps. Then, add your heavy cream, cocoa powder and chai spice into the saucepan, and stir. Let the mixture continue heating until small bubbles start to form. Once you begin to see bubbles forming, remove the saucepan from the heat and add in your dark chocolate. Lastly, stir in the chocolate until it fully melts, add the vanilla extract and serve when you’re ready. To top it off, you can add whipped cream or marshmallows.
Now that you know about these recipes, you can try them yourself or prepare them for other people. These recipes will not only keep you quenched, but it will also keep you warm during this winter.
Will you try any of these hot chocolate recipes? Let us know in the comments.
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