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The Ultimate Hot Chocolate

Published: Jan 4, 2019 · Modified: Jan 18, 2025 by Jacqueline Bellefontaine ·

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mug of hot chocolate with text overlay

Is there anything more comforting on a cold winter's day than a steaming cup of hot chocolate?

My ultimate hot chocolate is made with real dark plain chocolate and topped with marshmallows. 

Man holding a mug of hot chocolate

I rarely use the words "The best " or "The Ultimate" in front of my recipe titles because it's so subjective and if used too often becomes meaningless. For example, how can all The best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes out there (and there are a lot) really be the best recipe? Says who? So when I do use the words in front of a recipe then its because I really believe that they are the best or at least one of the best.

Mug of hot chocolate with spoon marshmallows and chocolate buttons in front.

This is the recipe for my Ultimate Hot Chocolate.  I don't drink hot chocolate too often. Partly because as someone who has always had to watch my weight it would not be advisable to see it as more than the occasional treat. So when I do it I want it to be good.  Not too sweet,  hot and very chocolaty, drinking this on a cold day is on par with a having a great big hug. 

I don't like my hot chocolate overly sweet and so do not add any sugar to it. The marshmallows on top add just enough sweetness for me.  I consider myself to have a sweet tooth so try it without any sugar first,  you may be surprised, but add a little if you really want. This is all about being your ultimate hot chocolate too.

To make it even more indulgent  I like to add a little brandy, even though I don't like the taste of brandy on its own as a drink. You could also try it with a dash of rum but it is perfectly good without either.

So go on next time you have a mug of hot chocolate, make it the ultimate hot chocolate!

Two mugs of hot chocolate

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Step by Step

hot milk in pan
Heat the milk until bubbles appear around the edge of the pan.
chopped chocolate on board being added to hot milk
Add the chopped chocolate.
pan of hot chocolate.
Heat stirring until combined.
adding brandy to pan of hot chocolate.
Add brandy if using.
Two mugs of hot chocolate
Pour into mugs and serve topped with marshmallows.
mug of hot chocolate

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate

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A cup of steaming hot chocolate is perfect for on chilly winter day and you can not beat the real thing.
This recipe is enough to serve two large mugs or 3 cups of hot chocolate.
Course Drinks
Cuisine British
Keyword chocolate
Skill Level very easy
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 2 – 3
Calories 354
Author Jacqueline Bellefontaine

Ingredients

  • 100 g plain chocolate preferably with 70% cocoa solids
  • 600 ml whole milk
  • sugar to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoon brandy (optional)
  • a few mini marshmallows
metric - US cups

Instructions

  • Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
  • Place the milk in a small pan and heat gently until bubbles appear around the edge of the pan.
  • Add the chocolate and continue to heat stirring constantly until the chocolate has melted and is blended with the milk.
  • Add the brandy if using. Pour into mugs and sweeten to taste. Serve topped with a few marshmallows.

Notes

You will find chocolate with a high cocoa solid contents with the baking ingredients in most supermarkets. Regular plain chocolate does not have such an intense flavour and is sweeter. 
Nutrition information is calculated using an online nutrition database - is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.  Sugar not included

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 2.1mg
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About Jacqueline Bellefontaine

Jacqueline is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and has been a cookery writer and food stylist for over 25 years. She has written over 15 cookery books, in addition to writing for several major magazines. She likes to champion good basic home cooking and as the daughter of a master baker, she is passionate about home baking.

Comments

    5 from 4 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Maurits Kalff says

    February 16, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    This version of hot chocolate is seeing me through a long, dark lockdown winter. It’s totally heavenly.

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Bellefontaine says

      February 17, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      Maurits so pleased that you are enjoying the hot chocolate. I agree it is such a lovely indulgent and comforting treat which is just perfect to help us through these long dark days and difficult times.

      Reply
  2. Kat (The Baking Explorer) says

    January 11, 2019 at 11:29 am

    5 stars
    You just can't beat a cosy cup of hot choc this tme of year!

    Reply
  3. Geetha Priyanka says

    January 08, 2019 at 5:25 pm

    5 stars
    Hot chocolate with marshmallow topping is a double delight for chocolate lovers like me. Perfect drink to enjoy in this chilly weather.

    Reply
    • Jacqui Bellefontaine says

      January 10, 2019 at 11:12 pm

      It sure is. I'm drinking mint tea at the moment and it's just not the same!

      Reply
  4. Monika Dabrowski says

    January 07, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, this is some seriously good hot chocolate, I love the brandy in it!

    Reply
    • Jacqui Bellefontaine says

      January 08, 2019 at 1:13 pm

      Umm do do I!!!

      Reply
  5. Eb Gargano says

    January 05, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my - I'm not surprised you call this ultimate hot chocolate - adding brandy?! #gamechanger 😀 Eb x

    Reply
Jacqueline Bellefontaine.

Hello I'm Jacqui
I believe that great tasting home cooking need not be hard work, so I like to write and cook recipes that are as easy as they can be. But I won't compromise on taste!

More about me →

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