Italian Hot Chocolate

Throughout Italy, when the weather turns cold, hands are warmed with small cups of rich, velvety, and creamy Cioccolato Caldo, or Italian Hot Chocolate. Drinking chocolate is common all over the Mediterranean (and the world), but here’s what makes Italian hot chocolate so special:

• Texture: It’s made with real chopped chocolate and a bit of cornstarch, giving it a silky, almost molten texture without the heavy cream.
• Deeper flavor: Uses real dark chocolate, so the flavor more sophisticated—less sweet, more complex. Italian Hot Chocolate is, hands down, the drink for the true chocolate lover!

Just like you might enjoy spiced chocolate with churros in Spain, all this Italian dessert needs is a biscotti on the side for dipping. It’s the perfect after-dinner treat—who am I kidding, an anytime treat!

What is in Italian Hot Chocolate?

The ingredients are pretty basic and you might have most of them in your pantry. Italian-style hot chocolate consists of: 

• Bittersweet chocolate adds body and a deep, smooth chocolate flavor.
• Cocoa powder boosts the chocolate intensity and adds a slightly bitter, roasted note that keeps the drink from being too sweet.
• Milk: I use 2 percent because it has body but not too much fat. Whole milk also works.
• Sugar: Sweetens the hot cocoa just enough.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors.
• Cornstarch: Gives the hot chocolate its signature rich and velvety texture.
• Toppings (optional): You don’t typically see marshmallows like an American hot cocoa, however, it is common to finish with freshly whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings. 

How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

Cioccolato Caldo is much richer, and enjoyed in smaller quantities than American-style hot cocoa. It’s so deeply satisfying that a little goes a long way—you will not down a whole coffee mug of this! Here are the steps:

• Get ready: In a small bowl, combine 6 ounces finely chopped dark chocolate, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and a small pinch of salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup of 2% milk.
• Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, bring 1 3/4 cups of milk to a simmer (watch for bubbles forming around the edges). Add the cocoa mixture into the simmering milk. Stir with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 4 minutes.
• Add the slurry: Whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until the chocolate has thickened, about 1 minute.
• Let cool: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. If any skin starts to appear on the surface, whisk the mixture.
• Serve: Pour into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Ways to Mix it Up

Try these variations to make a Cioccolato Caldo your own:

• Add spice: A 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a quick grating of nutmeg will add warmth. Add these at the dry ingredient stage.
• Flavorings: Try a 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or a 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (this works well alongside the spices too!).
• For adults only: A splash of spiced rum, brandy, or even whiskey all will accompany the rich, chocolatey taste. Keep in mind that the additional liquid may may make the hot cocoa a little thinner.

How to Serve Italian Hot Chocolate

Italian hot chocolate is traditionally served with a small cookie. Here are some delicious Italian cookies to try alongside. For a fun and festive holiday party, try a whole Italian cookie spread with hot chocolate for sipping!

• Biscotti: This is the most traditional, as the crunchy texture and long shape makes them perfect for dipping.
• Pizzicati: Jam-filled pinch cookies.
• Pignoli: Pine nut cookies.
• Baci Di Dama: Chocolate hazelnut cookies. No one has ever complained about double chocolate!