Rich velvety chocolate drink (Printable)
A rich, smooth chocolate drink served in small glasses for a luxurious indulgence.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chocolate Base
01 - 3.5 oz high-quality dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa), finely chopped
02 - 7 fl oz whole milk
03 - 1.7 fl oz heavy cream
04 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
→ Flavorings
05 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of sea salt
# Steps:
01 - Combine whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm until steaming without reaching a boil.
02 - Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute before whisking gently until smooth and fully melted.
03 - Incorporate vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt into the chocolate mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
04 - Distribute the hot chocolate evenly into shot glasses or small espresso cups and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes indulgent but comes together faster than you can heat milk.
- The salt hits at just the right moment, making the chocolate taste deeper and more complex than it has any right to.
- You can dress it up or down depending on who's watching and what you have in your cupboard.
02 -
- If your chocolate seizes (clumps up) instead of melting smoothly, you've either gotten water in the pan or the heat was too high—start over, because there's no rescue once it happens.
- Whisking gently is non-negotiable; aggressive stirring introduces air bubbles and breaks the silky emulsion you're creating.
03 -
- Chopping the chocolate finely is what gives you that instant, smooth melt—don't skip it by using chocolate chips, which have stabilizers that prevent full smoothness.
- If you're serving this at a gathering, warm your shot glasses under hot tap water first and dry them just before pouring; cold glass steals heat and breaks that velvety texture.