Signature Milk & Dark Recipe
Make Signature Milk & Dark Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Milk Chocolate Base
Dark Chocolate Layer / Drizzle
Optional Garnishes
Method
Milk Chocolate Base
- 1
Combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Whisk briefly to dissolve the cocoa and sugar so there are no dry clumps.
- 2
Heat mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is hot but not boiling and small steam wisps appear (about 4–6 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- 3
- 4
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of fine sea salt. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding up to 1 teaspoon more sugar if desired.
- 5
Keep Warm
Keep the milk chocolate base warm over the lowest heat or transfer to a thermal carafe if not serving immediately. Stir occasionally to maintain a uniform texture.
Dark Chocolate Layer / Drizzle
- 6
Place the chopped dark chocolate and butter in a small heatproof bowl.
- 7
Microwave in 15–20 second bursts, stirring between bursts, until fully melted and smooth (about 30–45 seconds total). Alternatively, melt over a double boiler, stirring until glossy.
- 8
If using as a thin drizzle, let the melted dark chocolate cool for 1–2 minutes so it thickens slightly before drizzling. If you prefer a darker layer inside the drink, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted dark chocolate into the bottom of the serving cup and swirl to coat.
Assembly & Serving
- 9
If you added dark chocolate to the cup, pour the warm milk-chocolate base (about 2 cups total prepared) over the dark chocolate coating, pouring slowly to combine the layers. Otherwise, pour the milk-chocolate base directly into your serving cup(s). This recipe yields roughly two 8-ounce servings; adjust pour accordingly.
- 10
Top each cup with microfoam or steamed milk (about 2 tablespoons per cup) or a dollop of lightly whipped cream, if using.
- 11
Drizzle the remaining melted dark chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle cacao nibs or shaved chocolate for texture if desired.
- 12
Serve immediately while hot. Stir before drinking to blend the milk and dark chocolate layers if you prefer a uniform flavor.