There’s something magical about a cup of truly exceptional hot chocolate on a cold day. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxuriously rich and velvety drink that’s worlds away from the powdered stuff. Using real bittersweet chocolate and a touch of brown sugar, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sophisticated. It’s incredibly easy to make yet feels utterly indulgent—perfect for cozy evenings at home or impressing guests at a winter gathering.
Photography by Betsy Haley ( https://www.instagram.com/betsylife/ )
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- One cup whole milk
- One cup half and half
- Five ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- Three tablespoons dark brown sugar
- Pinch of Kosher salt
Hot Chocolate Method
Heat the milk and half and half together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches a bare simmer, with tiny bubbles just beginning to form around the edges.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Stir in the dark brown sugar and a generous pinch of kosher salt, whisking until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. If the hot chocolate seems too thick, simply whisk in a splash more milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
Pour into mugs and serve immediately while warm.
Recipe Notes: This hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated on the stovetop if needed. For an extra special touch, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. You can use your milk of choice for this recipe—if using plant-based milk, swap the half and half for barista plant milk, coconut cream, or oat cream for the best creamy texture.
Super Decadent Hot Chocolate For 2
2
servingsWarm up your coldest afternoons with a cup of pure liquid comfort. This isn’t your average hot cocoa; it’s a rich, silky transformation of real chocolate and warm brown sugar. It strikes that elusive balance between sweet nostalgia and grown-up elegance. Though it takes just minutes to make, the result feels like a true luxury—ideal for sharing with friends or savoring during a quiet evening by the fire.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 cup half and half
5 oz high-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 tbsps dark brown sugar
Pinch of Kosher salt
Directions
- Heat the milk and half and half together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches a bare simmer, with tiny bubbles just beginning to form around the edges.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the dark brown sugar and a generous pinch of kosher salt, whisking until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. If the hot chocolate seems too thick, simply whisk in a splash more milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Recipe Notes: This hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated on the stovetop if needed. For an extra special touch, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. You can use your milk of choice for this recipe—if using plant-based milk, swap the half and half for barista plant milk, coconut cream, or oat cream for the best creamy texture.
Looking For More Recipes?
Check out Salt & Honey’s Youtube channel for more recipe, meal prep, and even a behind-the-scenes look of S&H!
Warm up this winter with a cozy Beef Bourguignon!
Meal Prep Guides
Not only do we empower your recipe bank with gems like the Hot Cocoa and Beef Bourguignon but we have also developed a monthly meal prep guide. We utilize seasonal ingredients and the entire guide is centered around dishes with similar components.
Through the use of batch cooking, we want to make cooking easy, delicious and affordable. You can create the entire meal prep guide to plan your whole week or simply pick and choose which dishes resonate with you!
Make sure to check out our Youtube to find which we meal prep guide dishes we’re cooking for the week! Our latest meal prep guide is January.
Additional Resources
Pinterest Board: Check out our mood board designed to provide even more inspiration for hors d’oeuvres. Here you can find more photos and videos covering our wide range of catering and event planning expertise. Whether you’re searching for food inspiration, food recipes, homemade decor, wedding planning ideas, and more, our mood boards will have your creativity soaring!
Instagram: Our feed provides a plethora of photo inspiration as well as DIY’s and tutorials on projects you can embark on at home. Whether it’s food recipes or even home decor, we will have what you’re searching for!Posted onAuthor
Substack: Monthly notes on slow living and seasonal flavors from Salt & Honey Catering and Events. Discover the recipes, garden tasks, and hosting tips that define our own event production. Here we will provide exclusive recipes, tips, and tricks only available on our free Substack!
Youtube Vlog: Ever wonder what the Catering and Event Production side of world looks like? Our “Beyond The Banquet” vlog series provides a peak through the curtain! We drop monthly short videos of the chaos and serenity behind the business. Come check it out now!
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