Special Grand Lux Hot Chocolate™ Recipe
Make Special Grand Lux Hot Chocolate™ Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hot Chocolate Base
Flavor Enhancements (optional but recommended)
Toppings
Method
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1
Warm dairy
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm gently until small bubbles form at the edges and the mixture is steaming but not boiling, about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- 2
Mix cocoa and sugar
In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until there are no lumps. This helps the cocoa incorporate smoothly into the milk.
- 3
- 4
Melt chocolate
Reduce heat to low. Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the saucepan and stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth, about 2–4 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil.
- 5
Finish base
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (add up to 1 tablespoon more sugar if desired). Keep warm on the lowest heat while you prepare flavor enhancements and toppings.
Flavor Enhancements (optional)
- 6
For a deeper flavor, stir in 1/2 cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee into the warm chocolate mixture. If using alcohol, add 2 teaspoons of dark rum or bourbon off the heat and stir to combine. To add brightness, fold in the orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and taste; adjust components to preference.
Toppings & Serving
- 7
- 8
Top
Generously top each mug with whipped cream, then sprinkle mini marshmallows over the cream. Dust lightly with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder and finish with chopped toasted hazelnuts or chocolate curls if using.
- 9
