{"id":2078859,"date":"2024-11-12T17:28:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T16:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&#038;p=2078859"},"modified":"2025-02-20T10:20:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T16:20:52","slug":"italian-hot-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-hot-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"Italian Hot Chocolate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The first time I had Italian hot chocolate was in a cafe overlooking Lago di Garda, right outside of Verona, Italy. My host family and I gathered around a small table outside on a cold April evening, the lake&#8217;s air swirling on our cheeks. Someone ordered five <em>cioccolato caldo<\/em>. I was ready to sip on something warm.<\/p>\n<p>The server brought out five mugs, each with its own spoon. Intrigued, I picked up my spoon, dove it into the Italian hot chocolate drink, and was met with a viscosity that was a little thinner than hot fudge and much thicker than the hot chocolate I was used to.<\/p>\n<p>I picked up the mug, tipped it into my mouth and let the warm chocolate coat my tongue. The drink was thick, creamy and wonderfully satiating, with noticeably pronounced hints of bitter chocolate\u2014the real stuff. I had never had anything like Italian hot chocolate, and I was mesmerized. The memory has stuck with me more than 10 years later and, admittedly, has ruined a tiny bit the version of hot chocolate I grew up with. This drink is downright decadent.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate<\/h2>\n<p>When learning how to make the best Italian hot chocolate drink, start by bringing whole milk to a simmer, then add cocoa powder, sugar and a touch of salt. Whisk it all together, then whisk in dark baking chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate has melted.<\/p>\n<p>On the side, in a separate bowl, you\u2019ll want to make a cornstarch slurry\u2014the thickener for this hot chocolate. Whisk together cornstarch and a bit of milk, then add it to the hot chocolate. Keep cooking the hot chocolate until the cornstarch has activated and the entire contents of the pot become thick and viscous. Divide it evenly among four glasses and serve this Italian hot chocolate recipe with dollops of sweetened whipped cream.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Italian Hot Chocolate<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Whole milk:<\/strong> While you can use almost any milk in this Italian hot chocolate recipe, whole milk will create the richest and creamiest outcome.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Baking cocoa:<\/strong> Between their cars, fashion and food, everything in Italy is of the highest quality. To mimic true Italian hot chocolate at home, splurge on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-cocoa-powder\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-cocoa-powder\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">best cocoa powder<\/a>\u00a0if you can.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sugar:<\/strong> This hot chocolate has both very dark chocolate and bitter baking cocoa, so we need a little sugar to sweeten things up.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dark chocolate:<\/strong> Chop 4 ounces dark baking chocolate. Even if you\u2019re not usually a fan of dark chocolate, buy it for your Italian hot chocolate. The whole milk, sugar and whipped cream will break up the bitterness you don&#8217;t usually enjoy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vanilla extract:<\/strong> If you\u2019re an avid cook or baker, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-vanilla-extract\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-vanilla-extract\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">best vanilla extract<\/a> is always worth the extravagance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cornstarch:<\/strong> This is Italian hot chocolate\u2019s secret ingredient to getting its thick viscosity. We whisk the cornstarch with a bit of whole milk to create a slurry\u2014you can\u2019t add pure cornstarch straight into a big pot of liquid or else it will clump up.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Whipped cream:<\/strong> While optional, Italian hot chocolate is traditionally served with big dollops of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/sweetened-whipped-cream\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/sweetened-whipped-cream\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">sweetened whipped cream<\/a>. No marshmallows here!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Melt the chocolate into the milk<\/h3>\n<p>Pour 3\/4 cup whole milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until heated through, two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.<\/p>\n<p>In a small bowl, whisk together the baking cocoa, sugar and salt. Whisk the cocoa mixture into the saucepan with the milk and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Finally, whisk in the dark chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate has melted.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> Keep an eye on your milk and make sure it never comes to a boil\u2014the milk will boil over and out of the saucepan.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Add the cornstarch slurry<\/h3>\n<p>In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1\/4 cup milk and the cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the mixture has thickened, one to two minutes.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Serve the hot chocolate<\/h3>\n<p>Pour the hot chocolate into four espresso glasses or tea cups. If desired, dollop with sweetened whipped cream. Enjoy!<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em>\u00a0As the hot chocolate gets colder, it will thicken up too much. Make sure to enjoy Italian hot chocolate while it\u2019s warm.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2117157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_01.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Top view of four cups of chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream, arranged on a light marble surface. A bowl filled with more whipped cream and a jar of toppings are nearby, with two spoons beside the cups.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Swap in your preferred milk:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t mind thinning out your Italian hot chocolate a bit, you can use 2% milk or skim milk. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/non-dairy-milk-alternatives\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/non-dairy-milk-alternatives\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">nondairy milk alternative<\/a> can be used, too, but it will thin the drink a lot.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make a riff on Mexican hot chocolate:<\/strong> Italian hot chocolate meets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mexican-hot-chocolate\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mexican-hot-chocolate\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Mexican hot chocolate<\/a> by adding a little bit of a kick! Add a bit of cinnamon, a tiny pinch of chili or cayenne powder, and cloves and nutmeg.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add a shot of liquor:<\/strong> For the 21+ crowd, add a splash of Kahlua or Irish cream. Keep in mind, though, that this will thin out the consistency a bit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Store Italian Hot Chocolate<\/h2>\n<p>To store any leftovers, let your Italian hot chocolate drink cool completely to room temperature. Either cover the glass with storage wrap or transfer the drink to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you make Italian hot chocolate ahead of time?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can make Italian hot chocolate up to two days ahead of time. When you\u2019re ready to enjoy it, reheat it in a saucepan with an extra splash of milk to make it creamy again.<\/p>\n<h2>Italian Hot Chocolate Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2117158\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_02.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Four cups of chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream are arranged on a table. Two spoons lie in front of the cups. A jar with cocoa powder and a small plate with whipped cream are in the background.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How should you serve Italian hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n<p>The most traditional way to serve Italian hot chocolate is with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. You can add chocolate shavings on top as a garnish too. Serve the drinks with biscotti or other small, crispy cookies.<\/p>\n<h3>What\u2019s the difference between hot cocoa, hot chocolate and Italian hot chocolate?<\/h3>\n<p>The difference between hot cocoa, hot chocolate and Italian hot chocolate lies in their ingredients. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-hot-cocoa\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-hot-cocoa\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Hot cocoa<\/a> is made with cocoa powder, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/rich-hot-chocolate\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/rich-hot-chocolate\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">hot chocolate<\/a> is made with real chocolate (and sometimes cocoa powder too). Hot chocolate and Italian hot chocolate are almost exactly the same, except Italian hot chocolate contains cornstarch so the liquid can thicken a bit into a satiating, viscous beverage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Italian hot chocolate is hot cocoa\u2019s sophisticated cousin. This version is extremely chocolaty and completely satiating with its thick viscosity. Every sip will warm you right to your very bones.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7955,"featured_media":2116875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[305513,306980,306989,304423,304328,307018,306993,305487,304338,303966,305003,304988,304408,304368,305524,303887,306848,304458,304350,324623,304016,304388,304005,303883,307609,304403],"categories-v2":[310840,310014,310031,308821,308988,308984,308481,310059,310039,310796,308992,308495,308949,308935,308813,308745,310855,308478,309603,308865,309001,309177,308579,308752,308549,308476,310587,308812],"coauthors":[342012],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Italian Hot Dish","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-hot-dish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Italian-Hot-Dish_EXPS_HCK19_31288_B08_24_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Chocolate Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-chocolate-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/EXPS_TOHD24_242525_NicolePerry_4.jpg"},{"post_title":"French Hot Chocolate","post_link":"\/recipes\/french-hot-chocolate\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Parisian-Sipping-Chocolate_EXPS_RC20_253968_E08_26_15b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Rainbow Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-rainbow-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Italian-Rainbow-Cookies_EXPS_HCBZ22_115080_P1onP2_MD_06_03_8b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Cocoa","post_link":"\/recipes\/homemade-hot-cocoa\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Homemade-Hot-Cocoa_EXPS_FT24_4205_ST_0305_2-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Espresso Martini","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-espresso-martini\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Chocolate-Espresso-Martini_EXPS_FT23_163824_ST_3_01_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-chocolate-spice-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Italian-Chocolate-Spice-Cookies_EXPS_TOHCAJ19_220682_C03_12_5b_rms-4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mexican Hot Chocolate","post_link":"\/recipes\/mexican-hot-chocolate\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mexican-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD24_3372_LauraScherb_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Holiday Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-holiday-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Italian-Holiday-Cookies_EXPS_TOHCA23_6787_P2_MD_10_25_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Chicken Soup","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-chicken-soup\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Italian-Chicken-Soup_exps16866_HWS133216C07_12_2b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Italian Patties","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-italian-patties\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps11870_QC10096C31A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Rich Hot Chocolate","post_link":"\/recipes\/rich-hot-chocolate\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rich-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHVP24_199879_JH_03_06_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Chili","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-chili\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps29935_SD990853D43A-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Chocolate Dip","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-chocolate-dip\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/EXPS_TOHD24_278564_NancyMock_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps42056_TH1443685D69B-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Chocolate Souffles","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-chocolate-souffles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps37529_HC1154010B03_22_4b.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_03.jpg"},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-hot-chocolate\/","name":"Italian Hot Chocolate","datePublished":"2024-11-12","dateModified":"2025-02-20","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT10M","totalTime":"PT20M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_03.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":"","description":"Italian hot chocolate is hot cocoa\u2019s sophisticated cousin. This version is extremely chocolaty and completely satiating with its thick viscosity. Every sip will warm you right to your very bones.","recipeIngredient":["1 cup whole milk, divided","1 tablespoon baking cocoa","1 tablespoon sugar","1\/8 teaspoon salt","4 ounces dark baking chocolate","1\/2 teaspoon vanilla extract","1-1\/2 teaspoons cornstarch","Whipped cream, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Melt the chocolate into the milk","text":"Pour 3\/4 cup whole milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until heated through, two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together the baking cocoa, sugar and salt. Whisk the cocoa mixture into the saucepan with the milk and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Finally, whisk in the dark chocolate and vanilla extract until the chocolate has melted. Editor\u2019s Tip: Keep an eye on your milk and make sure it never comes to a boil\u2014the milk will boil over and out of the saucepan."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the cornstarch slurry","text":"In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1\/4 cup milk and the cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the mixture has thickened, one to two minutes."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Serve the hot chocolate","text":"Pour the hot chocolate into four espresso glasses or tea cups. If desired, dollop with sweetened whipped cream. Enjoy! Editor\u2019s Tip: As the hot chocolate gets colder, it will thicken up too much. Make sure to enjoy Italian hot chocolate while it\u2019s warm.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_01.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"4 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Val Goodrich"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 200 calories","fatContent":"12g fat (7g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"6mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"100mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"24g carbohydrate (18g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"4g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"reviewCount":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2025-05-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"gina.kapfhamer"},"reviewBody":"<p>Cornstarch - who knew?? Delicious version of a classic, very creamy. When it says \"four servings\" it means four servings in tiny espresso glasses - which, is what the directions say, but, I definitely made two batches of this to fill up a couple of regular sized mugs instead! <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"278614","romance_copy_dek":"Italian hot chocolate is hot cocoa\u2019s sophisticated cousin. This version is extremely chocolaty and completely satiating with its thick viscosity. Every sip will warm you right to your very bones.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Italian Hot Chocolate","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup whole milk, divided","IngredientText":"1 cup whole milk, divided"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon baking cocoa","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon baking cocoa"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon sugar","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/8 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/8 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 ounces dark baking chocolate","IngredientText":"4 ounces dark baking chocolate"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon vanilla extract","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon vanilla extract"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 teaspoons cornstarch","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 teaspoons cornstarch"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Whipped cream, optional","IngredientText":"Whipped cream, optional"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Italian-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_03.jpg","RecipeId":278614,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Italian-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_03.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Margaret","Lastname":"Knoebel","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 20 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":4,"MaximumServingQuantity":4,"Yield":"4 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Italian Hot Chocolate","SubmittedTitle":"Italian Hot Chocolate","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":5,"WebPublishedDate":"11\/12\/2024 5:28:34 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHD25_278614_JonathanMelendez_01.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":10,"TotalTimeInMinutes":20,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Italian Hot Chocolate","OriginalSourceProject":"Italian Hot Chocolate","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"Italian hot chocolate is thicker, creamier and chocolatier than your average, thanks to a bit of cornstarch and real chocolate. 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