Yahoo Lifestyle The British Way to Make Hot Chocolate 10x Better
On a chilly, gray day, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a warm, fuzzy blanket. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a hug in a mug.
I'm sure many of us grew up on Swiss Miss hot chocolate packets our moms would get at the grocery store. But what if your childhood favorite got an upgrade with a touch of grown-up sophistication? Instagram creator Hailee Catalano (@haileecatalano) has perfected a British-inspired hot chocolate concept and it's the perfect drink for right now.
This delicious mash-up of tea-time elegance and hot cocoa comfort isn't one to skip—and was a recipe I knew I needed to try ASAP. Read on to find out how it went when I added some British flair to my hot chocolate by adding Earl Grey tea.
Why You Should Add Earl Grey to Hot Chocolate
Adding Earl Grey tea to hot chocolate infuses the rich cocoa with the tea's subtle citrus and floral flavors, creating a lightly aromatic twist on the classic winter drink. Catalano also adds a honey whipped cream on top, which brings the whole drink together.
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Ingredients for Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with Honey Whipped Cream
To make this delightfully posh beverage, you’ll need milk (whatever type you like), vanilla extract, brown sugar, salt, one Earl Grey tea bag, a bar of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, heavy cream and honey.
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How to Make Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with Honey Whipped Cream
Start by combining the milk, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt in a small pot. Heat the mixture gently on low until it starts to simmer, then add the Earl Grey tea bag. Let the tea steep in the milk for about five minutes. Remove the tea bag, turn the heat back on, and whisk in the cocoa powder and finely chopped dark chocolate until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
To make the honey whipped cream, add a bit of honey to a bowl along with the cream, a touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt. Whip it until soft peaks form. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a bit of shaved chocolate.
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My Honest Thoughts on the Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with Honey Whipped Cream
As a non-tea drinker, I approached this recipe with some skepticism. But surprisingly, as with other tea-based recipes I’ve tried, I found myself converted (do I...like tea?). That first sip was a revelation with its delicate bergamot and floral notes complementing the richness of the chocolate without overwhelming it. The Earl Grey flavor is subtle yet transformative, adding bright, slightly floral, and citrusy notes and a reminder that chocolate and orange are a delicious combination.
I hesitated at the idea of adding an entire chocolate bar to the pot, but the balance of richness and lightness was spot-on. Without a doubt, this hot chocolate is more indulgent than a packet of Swiss Miss but not as heavy as a glossy sipping chocolate. The honey whipped cream was the perfect finishing touch.
This is a wonderful treat when you have a little time to rest and relax. The cozy fanciness of the drink makes it the perfect antidote for a gray, wintry Wednesday afternoon—or any afternoon.
Related: How to Order Mexican Hot Chocolate at Starbucks
Tips for Making Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with Honey Whipped Cream
Quality is king. For hot chocolate, French pastry chef and master chocolatier Jacques Torres recommends only using high-quality dark chocolate with a cacao content between 60% and 72%, preferably from South America.
Boiling is best. To achieve a velvety consistency for hot chocolate, Torres says to bring your milk to a boil while constantly whisking. Add your chocolate while you whisk the milk to prevent the chocolate from sticking together and burning.
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