What Makes A Good Hot Cocoa?

This is the time of year when a good hot chocolate is greatly appreciated. It revives us after a hard day at work. It's the perfect pick me up after hours holiday shopping. It's soothing heat after a frigid afternoon outside. As much as we love and need hot cocoa, we unfortunately don't make the best. Most people tend to stick with the instant kind where you just add water and get a pale version of the real thing. The best hot cocoa is the old fashioned kind - with real cocoa , milk and some sweet topping.

The first ingredient to consider is what kind of cocoa to use. I like the Dutch brand Droste. This is a bitter sugar free one - not unlike coffee. I simmer mine with warm milk and then add a teaspoon or two of sugar. This kind of hot chocolate reminds of the ones I used to drink in Paris. Not too sweet, with a slight edge . Served with a buttery croissant it's the perfect breakfast. Some people make a variation of this mix by adding sugar and a dash of vanilla flavoring to the cocoa powder. This is good too. You can also meld in other flavors simply by adding a dash of cinnamon or peppermint oil. If you want more of a mocha flavor then whip in a small 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso.For a truly original hot cocoa, add some chili pepper to give it a bite The taste will be similar to the kind the ancient Aztecs made when they first drank it.

Sometimes hot cocoa needs flourishes. Home made whipped cream is the best. It gives an added richness and creaminess to the drink. Some true addicts go over the top by sprinkling bitter chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candies on top of huge whipped cream blobs. This is fine if you want a liquid version of cake. Some prefer to scatter a heap of mini marshmallows on the hot chocolate's surface. This is good and gives it more sweetness.but it looks messy. A better way is to stick with one or two homemade marshmallows floating on top.


Nothing beats true hot chocolate on a cold winter's day. Treat yourself to the real kind and enjoy it;s soothing warm and rich goodness. It's the perfect antidote to this stressful holiday madness.