Nopa Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Nopa 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.
Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with NOPA HOT CHOCOLATE
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
Flavoring & Finishing
Optional: Marshmallows
Method
Hot Chocolate Base
Warm the dairy
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 4 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium-low heat until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges (do not let it boil), about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Bloom cocoa and sugar
Whisk 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 teaspoons granulated sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of the warmed milk in a small bowl to form a smooth paste. This prevents lumps and brings out the cocoa flavor.
Combine chocolate and cocoa
Reduce heat to low. Add the cocoa paste back into the saucepan and whisk to incorporate. Add 8 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and a pinch of fine sea salt. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 2–4 minutes. Keep temperature low — the goal is an emulsion, not a boil.
Finish base
If using, stir in 1 ounce brewed espresso for extra depth and a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness — add up to 1–2 additional teaspoons sugar if desired.
Serve & Garnish
Ladle the hot chocolate into four warmed mugs (about 1 cup each). Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream (use about 2 tablespoons per mug, roughly 0.5 cup total for four).
Garnish with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder (about 1 teaspoon). If desired, add mini marshmallows on top and briefly torch the marshmallows for a toasted finish (optional).
Serve immediately while hot.