Different Types of Drinking Chocolates and How to Make Them at Home

Drinking chocolate is more than just a winter treat; it’s a delightful beverage that can be enjoyed year-round. This article explores the various types of drinking chocolate and provides step-by-step instructions on how to make them at home, enhancing your chocolate experience.

1. What is Drinking Chocolate?

Drinking chocolate is a rich, velvety beverage made from chocolate, milk, and sometimes other flavorings. Unlike hot chocolate, which is typically made from cocoa powder and sugar, drinking chocolate often uses real chocolate to create a more intense flavor and luxurious texture. It’s a comforting drink served both warm and cold, perfect for any chocolate lover.

2. Different Types of Drinking Chocolates

There are several styles of drinking chocolate across various cultures, each with unique recipes and flavors. Here are some popular types of drinking chocolates:

• Mexican Chocolate: Known for its rich flavors and spices, Mexican drinking chocolate often contains cinnamon and sometimes chili. It’s traditionally enjoyed as a thick beverage and is often whisked to create foam.
• European Drinking Chocolate: This style tends to be thicker than the American version and is usually made with heavy cream or whole milk. It’s common in countries like France and Italy, where high-quality chocolate is blended into a luxurious drink.
• American Hot Chocolate: This sweet version usually includes cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It’s often garnished with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings, making it a favorite for casual sipping.
• Belgian Chocolate: Renowned for its quality, Belgian drinking chocolate is often decadent and rich. It can contain a blend of milk and dark chocolates, providing a smooth finish.
• Vegan Drinking Chocolate: Made without dairy, vegan varieties often replace milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Dark chocolate is favored for a rich taste without animal products.

Each type has a unique twist, ensuring everyone’s taste preferences are catered to.

3. How to Make Drinking Chocolate at Home

Making drinking chocolate at home is easy and allows you to customize flavors according to your preferences. Here are a few popular recipes based on the types of drinking chocolate outlined above:

3.1 Mexican Drinking Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk)
• 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp sugar (to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling.
2. Add cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and sugar to the warming milk.
3. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to the milk mixture.
4. Whisk vigorously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is frothy.
5. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

3.2 European Drinking Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 150g high-quality dark chocolate (65% or higher)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the cream and milk, heating gently to avoid boiling.
2. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to the warm milk mixture.
3. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
4. Add vanilla and sugar, adjusting sweetness to preference.
5. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

3.3 American Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (or milk alternative)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk in around 2 tbsp of milk until smooth, creating a paste.
3. Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously over medium heat.
4. Once hot, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Serve topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.

3.4 Vegan Drinking Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond, oat, or coconut milk
• 100g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat without boiling.
2. Add chopped dark chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cacao nibs or a sprinkle of sea salt.

4. Tips for Creating the Perfect Drinking Chocolate

To elevate your homemade drinking chocolate experience, consider the following tips:

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and milk for the best flavor.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add flavors like lavender, orange zest, or espresso to customize your drink.
• Milks and Dairy Alternatives: Experiment with different types of milk to find your favorite combination.
• Presentation: Serve your drinking chocolate in beautiful mugs and add garnishes like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or spices.

Conclusion

Drinking chocolate is a versatile and delightful beverage that can be customized in a multitude of ways. By incorporating unique flavors, trying different chocolate types, and experimenting with various milk alternatives, you can craft the perfect cup of drinking chocolate right in your kitchen. This winter, or any time of the year, enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavor that only homemade drinking chocolate can bring.