Why French press is a great option for making hot chocolate
If you love hot chocolate, you probably don’t want to settle for those instant mixes. Ideally, you want to use high-quality chocolate, melt it with milk, and then froth it up to get a rich and smooth hot chocolate. While there are many options for making hot chocolate, using a French press can be a game-changer. French press is traditionally used for brewing coffee, but it can also be repurposed for other beverages such as tea and even hot chocolate.
Gather your ingredients and tools
The first step towards making hot chocolate in a French press is to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here is what you will need for four servings:
- 4 cups of milk
- 8 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped or grated)
- 2 tbsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. of sugar
- 1/4 tsp. of salt
- French press (at least 8 cups capacity)
Prepare the hot chocolate mixture
After gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools, the next step is to prepare the hot chocolate mixture. Start by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam. Then, add the finely chopped or grated chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and the chocolate is completely melted. Don’t let the mixture boil.
Froth the hot chocolate using a French press
Once the hot chocolate mixture is ready, pour it into the French press and make sure it is at least 1/3 full. Place the lid on top but don’t press down the plunger yet. Hold the French press handle firmly and carefully plunge up and down for about 30 seconds. The heat of the hot chocolate mixture will create steam, which will froth the mixture and give it a velvety texture. Repeat the plunging process until the hot chocolate is frothy enough to your liking.
Serve and enjoy the hot chocolate
Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy the hot chocolate. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs or cups, top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired, and serve immediately. The hot chocolate will stay warm in the French press for a while, but it’s best to serve it right away while it’s still frothy and hot.
