Three Ways To Make Drinking Chocolate At Home

There's something uniquely comforting about a warm mug of drinking chocolate. Whether you call it hot chocolate, cocoa, or a richer chocolat chaud, it’s a timeless treat that evokes cozy evenings, celebratory moments, and simple pleasures. Forget the powdered mixes; making truly delicious drinking chocolate from scratch is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the quality and depth of flavor.

At Blue Valley Chocolate, we believe in the power of pure, high-quality cacao. These three easy methods will help you create delightful drinking chocolate right in your own kitchen, transforming a basic ingredient into a luxurious experience. Get ready to elevate your mug!

Method 1: The Classic Comfort (with Cocoa Powder)

This is the quintessential hot chocolate, quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for a daily indulgence or when you need a comforting hug in a mug. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is key here to achieve a rich chocolate flavor without excessive sweetness.

What You'll Need (for 1 serving):

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, your preference)

• 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (adjust to your desired chocolate intensity)

• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or your preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)

• A pinch of salt (optional, but enhances chocolate flavor)

• A small saucepan or microwave-safe mug

• A whisk

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe mug), whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and pinch of salt. It's helpful to combine them dry first to prevent lumps.

2. Create a Paste: Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the milk to the dry ingredients and whisk vigorously until a smooth, thick paste forms. This crucial step ensures a lump-free hot chocolate.

3. Add Remaining Milk & Heat: Gradually whisk in the rest of the milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot and steaming. Do not let it boil vigorously.

4. Serve: Pour into your favorite mug. Add your desired toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a dusting of extra cocoa powder.

Method 2: The Decadent Dream (with a Chocolate Bar)

For an incredibly rich, velvety, and truly indulgent drinking chocolate, opt for melting down a solid chocolate bar. This method yields a thicker, more luxurious drink, akin to the famous French hot chocolates. The quality of your chocolate bar will directly impact the final taste, so choose wisely! Blue Valley's dark chocolate bars (like our 70% or 85%) are excellent for this.

What You'll Need (for 1 serving):

• 1 cup milk (whole milk or a rich non-dairy alternative like oat or cashew milk works best)

• 1.5 - 2 ounces (about 40-55g) of your favorite Blue Valley Chocolate bar, chopped into small pieces (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)

• 1-2 teaspoons sugar or sweetener (optional, depending on chocolate sweetness and preference)

• A pinch of salt

• A small saucepan or double boiler

• A whisk

Instructions:

1. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat until it's warm and steaming, but not boiling.

2. Melt the Chocolate: Add the chopped chocolate pieces and pinch of salt to the warm milk. Stir constantly with a whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate in the top bowl first, then gradually whisk in the warmed milk.

3. Sweeten (Optional): Taste and add sugar if desired, whisking until dissolved.

4. Serve Immediately: Pour into a mug and enjoy the rich, creamy texture. This type of drinking chocolate is often best unadorned, but a dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a welcome addition.

Method 3: The Dairy Free Delight (Dairy Free or “Parve” Drinking Chocolate)

Making a delicious dairy-free drinking chocolate is simpler than you might think! The key is choosing a creamy plant-based milk and, if using a bar, ensuring it's dairy-free. This method celebrates the pure flavor of cacao.

What You'll Need (for 1 serving):

• 1 cup creamy plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy milk work wonderfully)

• 1.5 - 2 ounces (about 40-55g) of your favorite Blue Valley Chocolate bar, chopped into small pieces (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) OR 1.5 tablespoons raw cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar (or other vegan sweetener to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

• Optional: 1 ounce vegan chocolate bar, chopped (for extra richness)

• A small saucepan

• A whisk

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk, chocolate pieces/cacao/cocoa powder, maple syrup (or chosen sweetener), vanilla extract, and salt. If using a chocolate bar, ensure the pieces are melted.

2. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is hot and steaming, and any chocolate bar pieces have fully melted. Ensure no lumps remain from the powder. Avoid a rolling boil.

3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the drinking chocolate and add more sweetener if desired.

4. Serve: Pour into your mug. Top with dairy-free whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.

No matter which method you choose, making your own simple drinking chocolate at home is a rewarding experience. It's a chance to experiment with different cacao percentages, explore various milk alternatives, and customize the sweetness to your exact preference. So grab your whisk, choose your chocolate, and prepare to sip on pure bliss!