Let's explore the world of hot chocolate to uncover the mystery behind hot cocoa so that we can indulge in the finest chocolate beverage. As chocolate connoisseurs we have tried many different recipes of hot chocolate and most of the leading brands and so we will be sharing our reviews to point you in the right direction of the best instant hot chocolate brands, flavours, toppings, some hot chocolates too avoid, as well as some popular fresh hot chocolate from various countries around the world.
Italian Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate stands out for its rich, thick texture and indulgent chocolate flavor, distinguishing it from other hot chocolate varieties. Made with cornflour, it can be enjoyed as a hot beverage or refrigerated to turn into a delicious chocolate mousse the next day. This versatile drink is perfect for cold days, offering a satisfying taste without being overly sweet. Serve it in a glass with whipped cream or traditionally in a bowl with an Italian cornet pastry for breakfast.
Ingredients to make Italian Hot chocolate
- Double cream (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (25g)
- Dark chocolate finely chopped (118g)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
- Whole milk, divided (1 cup)
- Cornstarch (1 tsp)
How to make Italian hot chocolate?
- Grab a medium saucepan and place on medium heat; Mix 3/4 cup milk, sugar and cream. Heat and mix well until it starts to bubble around the sides.
- Get a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup milk and cornstarch until they are well combined. Add this to the bubbling milk mixture and whisk until all heated together; this should take 1 minute.
- Turn the heat down to low. Add in chocolate; mix until thick enough to coat the spoon.
- Turn the heat off and pour the hot chocolate into cups; garnish with cream and chocolate shavings if you like. Serve straight away as the drink will thicken the longer it is left.
Mexican hot chocolate
This one is special but it is not for everyone, chilli with chocolate is a great combination but only if you enjoy spice. This one is not thick like the Italian hot chocolate as it is made without cream but traditional Mexican hot chocolate has cinnamon and cayenne and is made with the use of a molinillo whisk which is essential to achieve the frothy foam. This is the perfect winter warmer hot choc, our traditional Mexican hot chocolate recipe is delightful!
West African hot chocolate
Made from milk, dark chocolate broken into pieces, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and 30ml of dark rum
Jamaican hot chocolate
Made primarily of chocolate, water, grated nutmeg, cinnamon, condensed milk and coconut sugar.
Polish LaFesta Hot Chocolate (Review Video)
As a hot chocolate lover, I have tried various hot chocolate mixes from around the world, including Mexican and Italian hot chocolate. Recently, I tried an instant Polish hot chocolate mix that comes in small sachets. After frothing up the milk in our coffee machine, I noticed that the colour of the hot chocolate did not match the advertised image on the packaging. However, the taste was surprisingly decent for an instant mix. It was sweet and sugary, but lacked a rich chocolate flavour.
Although I enjoyed the mix, I found it to be overly sweet and would not serve it to guests. Instead, I plan to use it as cocoa powder to sprinkle on top of coffee or mix with dark cocoa powder. If you're looking for a high-quality instant hot chocolate mix, I recommend Green and Black's hot chocolate mix. It's rich and delicious, but also expensive. While the Polish hot chocolate mix was a good price, it lacked the richness and flavour I desired. Although instant hot chocolate mixes can be convenient, they often lack the depth and richness of freshly made hot chocolate. If you're a hot chocolate lover like me, take the time to create a homemade mix or invest in a high-quality hot chocolate mix.
Starbucks Instant Hot Chocolate (Review)
Have you ever been excited to try a new product, only to find out it's terrible? This is exactly what happened to Ryan who recently purchased Starbucks hot chocolate. After reading the label on the back of the tin, he discovered that Starbucks had licensed their logo to Nestle. Meaning, the product was not even made by Starbucks, but rather by Nestle, and sold for £4.50 per tin.
The hot chocolate mix on the back of the tin instructs to use five teaspoons for one drink, equating to your whole daily sugar intake. How can a company expect you to consume your entire daily sugar intake in one drink? This is not only unhealthy but is also a terrible price. Upon opening the tin, the mix had a grey colour and smelled like cheap, instant hot chocolate. After mixing it with warm milk, the taste was very average, lacking any real chocolate flavour. It simply tasted like milk and sugar.
While the packaging was nicer than your standard instant mix, it's clear that they were trying to pretend that it was made by Starbucks. It's frustrating to be ripped off by a company that you trust, and it's important to voice your opinion. If it says Starbucks, it should be made by Starbucks, not Nestle. Ryan recommends that you don't waste your money on the Starbucks hot chocolate mix because in his opinion, you would be better off making your own healthier version at home that tastes better. This experience was a lesson that it is essential to read the label before purchasing any product.
Costa Instant hot chocolate
This hot chocolate mix is unique because it is vegan, containing no milk powder, and is made of 35% cocoa. The packaging is nice and cheaper than the Starbucks hot chocolate mix, but is it worth the hype? The instructions on the tin recommend using three to four teaspoons of the mix. As someone who doesn't like too much sugar, the taster opted for three teaspoons. The mix smells better than the Starbucks hot chocolate mix and even has visible sugar on the top.
Ryan used barista oat milk to make the hot chocolate. After mixing the hot chocolate mix and milk, the result was thick and foamy, but unfortunately, the mix did not dissolve well. Despite the mix not dissolving well, the taste was fantastic. Compared to the Starbucks hot chocolate mix, this one was much better. It was rich, had a nice texture, and was not too sweet. It didn't dissolve well, the taste was fantastic, and the mix is vegan, making it accessible to everyone. If you're looking for a delicious hot chocolate mix, give Costa Hot Chocolate a try.
Popular toppings for hot chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Mini eggs (at easter!)
- Toffee
- Sea salt
- Truffles
- Cinnamon stick
- Cayenne pepper
- Candy cane
- Sprinkles
- Crushed meringue
- Cookie crumbs
- Wafer
Hot chocolate: Frequently asked questions
What's the history of hot chocolate?
Italy was among one of the first places to be introduced to hot chocolate. The first Italian version of hot chocolate was born in Turin around 1560.
What country is the most famous for hot chocolate?
Mexico is the most popular country for hot chocolate as the mayans were the first to make a drink from chocolate. With that being said, my three favourite hot chocolates ever is Mexican, French and Italian hot chocolate.
What toppings should I put on hot chocolate?
You can put any toppings you like on top of the hot chocolate, some great options include: marshmallow, grated chocolate, extra cocoa or squirty cream. You can even dunk Spanish churros into it, (don't worry we won't tell anyone!)
Is hot chocolate healthy?
Hot chocolate is a sweet treat that can satisfy your chocolate craving and chocolate can lower blood pressure and reduces your chance of blood clots, however Italian hot chocolate contains lots of cream and sugar so it should only be had as an occasional treat. If you would like you could use less sugar to make it healthier.
Can diabetics drink hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate are not typically recommended for diabetics due to the high sugar and fat content. If you was to prepare the drink with an unsweetened bitter chocolate and use a sweetener it would make it more suitable however we wouldn't be able to recommend it if you do have a health condition.
What is the best branded hot chocolate?
We have tried quite a few different branded hot chooclate and the best one so far has got to be either the green and blacks organic hot chocolate or the Naturrya superfood hot chocolate blend.
What makes dark chocolate different?
Dark chocolate, which contains at least 30% cocoa solids, is known for its richer, less sweet taste compared to milk chocolate. It is considered healthier due to higher levels of iron and antioxidants. Higher cocoa content generally means less sugar and better quality, though not all dark chocolates are equally good—look for smooth textures and complex flavors.
Why is Fairtrade chocolate important?
Fairtrade chocolate ensures that cocoa farmers receive fair wages and work under better conditions, eliminating exploitation and poor working conditions. By choosing Fairtrade products, you support fair labor practices and contribute to sustainable farming.
What are the benefits of cocoa?
Cocoa is rich in nutrients such as fiber, iron, and magnesium and contains antioxidants that may help reduce disease risk. It can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and provide some protection from the sun.
Does chocolate contain caffeine?
Yes, cocoa solids contain caffeine, which can affect sleep if consumed in large amounts. However, dark chocolate can also help promote relaxation and boost serotonin levels, potentially aiding sleep.
What are the best dark chocolate brands?
Montezuma’s is a favourite for its quality and organic ingredients, offering smooth, enjoyable chocolate. Lindt is also a good choice, known for its rich flavors and consistent quality.
How can chocolate be enjoyed?
Chocolate can be enjoyed in various forms, including hot chocolate, milkshakes, and as a flavoring for baked goods and coffee. Different cultures add unique ingredients like cayenne pepper in Mexico or heavy cream in France.
What pairs well with chocolate?
Chocolate pairs well with sweet fruits, nuts, coffee, and spices like cinnamon. Popular combinations include strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts like hazelnuts or almonds, and chocolate-flavored coffee or tiramisu.
Is organic chocolate better?
Organic chocolate uses ingredients grown without conventional pesticides or fertilizers, making it more natural and potentially healthier. However, it can be more expensive due to lower yields and higher production costs.
How much chocolate should we eat daily?
The recommended daily intake is between 30g-60g (1-2 ounces). Moderation is key, as excessive consumption of either milk or dark chocolate can lead to health issues like high sugar intake or excess calories.
Should children eat chocolate at Easter?
Children should be cautious with chocolate consumption, especially around Easter when sugar intake can exceed healthy limits. Opting for dark chocolate with lower sugar content and limiting portions can help manage intake while still enjoying the holiday.
How is chocolate made?
Chocolate is made by processing cocoa beans through cleaning, roasting, and shell removal, followed by grinding the nibs into cocoa liquor, which is then pressed to extract cocoa solids and butter. These are combined, refined, conched for smoothness, and tempered before molding and packaging.
White chocolate, while classified as chocolate due to its cocoa butter content, contains no cocoa solids and is primarily made of sugar and milk, making it less healthy. Milk chocolate, with less than 30% cocoa solids, includes cocoa butter, sugar, and sometimes emulsifiers, and is loved for its sweetness but can lead to health issues if consumed excessively due to its high sugar content.
