Winter is fast approaching and it has us putting away the iced coffee and reaching for the hot chocolate instead…
The days are getting shorter, nights longer and weather much colder. Winter is well and truly on its way! While this might feel like a gloomy time of year, it doesn’t need to. Especially when a comforting mug of hot chocolate is just moments away. While most of us drink this cold-weater beverage, not all of us know the best way to enjoy it. This is why we’ve put together our top tips to create the perfect hot chocolate time after time…
Get the temperature right
According to Jens Knoops – founder of Knoops chocolate drinks, the temperature is an important element for creating a perfect hot chocolate. “Getting the temperature of the milk correct is vital. Nutrients like Vitamin D and B12, which are important for calcium absorption, are sensitive to heat and you can end up destroying these and burning the sugars – creating a bitter taste. We find with our chocolate flakes, heating to 65- 70°C is perfect.”
Use high quality chocolate
The better quality the chocolate you use in your hot chocolate, the better the taste will be. Try to forego powder hot chocolate mixes and instead opt for brands that use real chocolate flakes that melt into the milk. You will have a much more authentic, flavoursome and creamy finish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavours
Just because the traditional hot chocolate is made from plain chocolate, doesn’t mean yours has to be! Don’t be afraid to mix it up by adding different flavours to your drink. You could add in spices from your cupboards such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or why not add in fresh mint, a splash of Baileys or a caramel syrup? Experiment to see what works best for you.
Think about the milk you use
The milk you use can impact the quality of your hot chocolate. The more fat there is in your milk, the more creamy it will taste – you could even consider adding a dash of cream for extra indulgence! If you don’t drink dairy, plant-based alternatives work well too! We’d recommend oat milk as your top option as this provides the creamiest result, but soy and almond milk are great choices too.
Take care in the process
While it can be tempting to heat your milk up in a microwave for both convenience and less washing up, this is the worst way to make hot chocolate. The reason for this is that you can’t control the temperature and can often end up with milk that is either not hot enough or that has burnt. Instead, heat the milk slowly on a stove with a whisk or use something such as a velvetiser or milk frother to get the perfect temperature. Think about what you will also finish your hot chocolate with – will you top it with whipped cream and marshmallows? Or sprinkle on a few chocolate flakes? The choice is yours!
