Ina Garten’s Secret Ingredient for the Best-Ever Hot Chocolate

I’ve made and consumed my fair share of homemade hot chocolate. You’d think it’s hard to mess up such an indulgent elixir—after all, it’s chocolate. How bad could it be? But if you’re not attentive, even with a good recipe, hot chocolate can fall flat. It might be bland, watery, or worst of all, completely devoid of rich, chocolatey flavor.

Luckily, there’s a one-ingredient hack that ensures a luxuriously decadent cup of hot chocolate every time, and you probably have it in your kitchen right now.

Thanks to culinary queen Ina Garten, we know that the secret to the best hot chocolate is a little instant espresso or coffee powder.

Related: The Starbucks Hot Chocolate Ordering Trick We Wish We'd Known About Sooner

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Why Ina Garten Adds Instant Espresso to Hot Chocolate

If you’re like me, you might already have instant espresso powder in your cabinet for your morning coffee. When dissolved in hot water, these granules create a strong and concentrated coffee flavor that will wake you right up. While instant espresso is great with milk and sugar in a coffee beverage like iced coffee, good coffee powder can shine on its own. Coffee has the power to intensify chocolate flavor in treats like chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, or, in this case, hot chocolate. Just a little bit of coffee makes chocolate taste, well, more chocolatey.

Though it only calls for 1 teaspoon, the addition of instant espresso powder here is essential. In Ina Garten’s recipe, it complements the blend of milk chocolate and bittersweet chocolate, creating a nuanced, ultra-rich hot chocolate unlike any other. And if you're not a coffee fan, don't worry. Your hot chocolate won't taste like coffee.

Related: Best Hot Chocolate Mixes (Blind Taste Test of 12 Different)

How to Make Ina Garten's Hot Chocolate

To make Ina’s classic hot chocolate, heat whole milk and half-and-half in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove the pan from the heat, then add bittersweet and milk chocolate, stirring until melted. Stir in sugar, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder, whisking the mixture vigorously. Gently reheat if needed and serve immediately.

Related: Bobby Flay's Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Other Unexpected Ways to Flavor Hot Chocolate

You'd be surprised how simple pantry ingredients can make hot chocolate even tastier. And no, we're not just talking about marshmallows. Here are few more one-ingredient upgrades to consider if you want to have some fun with your hot chocolate.

• A creamy spread: Add a spoonful of Nutella, cookie butter or peanut butter.

• A different sweetener: Instead of granulated sugar, try maple syrup, honey or brown sugar.

• A dash of a warm baking spice: Try a shake of cinnamon, nutmeg, chai spice or pumpkin spice.

• A flavored extract: A dash of almond, peppermint or orange extract is a fun addition.

• A splash of booze: Warm things up further with some bourbon, whiskey or your favorite liquor.

Related: Stay Warm With This Beer-Based Hot Chocolate

More Genius Ina Garten Recipes

Our love for Ina recipes knows no bounds. Here are three great ones to try.

• The Easy Pasta Dish Ina Garten Loves to Make After a Busy Day of Recipe Testing

• The Simple But Fancy Pasta Dish Ina Garten Loves to Serve for the Holidays

• How to Make the Best-Ever Pigs in a Blanket, According to Ina Garten

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