Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate Recipe: A Decadent Winter Treat

Transport your tastebuds to the luxurious tea rooms of Paris with this decadent hot chocolate recipe. Inspired by the famous Angelina café in Paris, this Parisian-style drinking chocolate is rich, velvety, and infused with bittersweet chocolate.

The result is a mug of thick and indulgent hot chocolate that is almost a molten chocolate dessert in a cup! This elevated hot chocolate is easy to prepare at home, made with just a few simple ingredients like milk, heavy cream and cocoa powder.

Topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder, this cozy winter drink will make you feel like you’re sipping away in a chic French salon. Read on for the easy recipe and tips to create the perfect cup of Parisian hot chocolate.

What is Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate?

Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate, also known as L’Africain, is a legendary drink served at the historic Angelina tearoom in Paris since 1903. Unlike ordinary hot cocoa, it’s made with a high percentage of dark chocolate, giving it a thick, velvety texture and an intensely rich flavor.

Often described as “drinking chocolate,” it’s served in a small pitcher alongside a bowl of whipped cream, allowing you to customize each sip. This decadent treat has become a Parisian icon, beloved by locals and travelers alike for its luxurious taste and timeless charm.

Ingredients

Angelina’s Paris hot chocolate is all about indulgence—using rich, high‑quality chocolate and simple ingredients to create a drink that feels like pure luxury.

For the Hot Chocolate:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 3.5 oz (100g) high‑quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa content or more), finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

With these ingredients, you’ll capture the essence of Paris in a cup—silky, decadent, and finished with a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Step‑by‑Step Directions

Making Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate at home is easier than you might think. With just a few tools and quality ingredients, you can recreate the same velvety richness that has made this drink a Parisian icon for over a century.

1. Prepare Your Equipment: Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following ready:
   • A medium‑sized saucepan
   • A whisk
   • Two serving cups or mugs
   • A hand mixer or a whisk for whipping the cream
2. Heat the Milk: Pour the 2 cups of whole milk into the saucepan. Place it over medium‑low heat. Heat the milk gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling. You want it to reach a temperature of about 150°F (65°C). This step is crucial to achieve the smooth texture of Angelina’s hot chocolate.
3. Mix in the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat once the milk is warmed, and add the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Sweeten the Deal: Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the chocolate milk mixture. Return the saucepan to low heat and whisk continuously until the sugar and cocoa dissolve fully. This will take about 2–3 minutes. Keep the mixture hot but not boiling.
5. Whip the Cream: Prepare the whipped cream topping in a separate bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This should take 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve Your Angelina’s Hot Chocolate: Pour the silky hot chocolate into your serving cups or mugs, leaving some space for the whipped cream at the top.
7. Top with Whipped Cream: Spoon a generous dollop of the freshly whipped cream onto each cup of hot chocolate. The contrast between the hot, decadent chocolate and the cold, airy cream is heavenly.
8. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, dust your Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate.
9. Enjoy! Serve your homemade Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate immediately while it’s still hot, and the whipped cream is fluffy. Sip slowly and savor every luxurious mouthful.

From start to finish, this recipe is all about balance—rich chocolate, silky milk, and airy cream coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a simple process with a truly decadent reward, making it the ultimate winter indulgence.

Nutrition Facts of Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate Recipe

Even a decadent drink like Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate can be broken down into simple nutrition values, giving you a clear picture of what’s in each serving.

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	200
Calories from Fat	150
Total Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Cholesterol	30 mg
Sodium	61 mg
Potassium	67 mg
Total Carbohydrates	19 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g

These numbers highlight the richness of the recipe—higher in fats for that creamy texture, yet balanced enough to enjoy as an occasional indulgence.

🍮 8 Amazing Serving Ideas of Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate Recipe

Angelina’s Paris Hot Chocolate is indulgent on its own, but it also doubles as a versatile base for creative desserts. With just a few tweaks, you can transform this classic drink into something entirely new and exciting.

• Use this hot chocolate recipe to prepare a delicious parfait.
• Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream and some candied orange peel for the ultimate flavour sensation.
• This rich and creamy hot chocolate can create a delicious sundae.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fruit slices for the ultimate flavour sensation.
• Use this recipe in preparing some delicious mouthwatering waffles. Add some whipped cream to give your dish its final touch of perfection.
• Pair this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate flavour sensation.
• Mix your favourite chocolate ice cream and this hot chocolate recipe to create a unique flavour to make perfect hot chocolate.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate flavour sensation.

From parfaits to sundaes, waffles to ice cream pairings, this recipe proves that hot chocolate isn’t just for sipping—it’s a foundation for endless dessert creativity. Try one idea at a time, or mix and match for a truly decadent experience.

What is the best way to drink hot chocolate?

Pour the hot chocolate into a glass and add whole milk, peppermint tea, ice cream, and cocoa powder. Stir until the temperature is tempered.

You can also put pieces of dark chocolate into your hot chocolate recipe, giving it a wonderful flavour. When you make hot chocolate for yourself, add some marshmallows, whipped cream, and vanilla extract for a perfect treat.

Is hot chocolate good for you?

This is good for you. This is because it is rich in antioxidants. This can help boost your immune system and soothe a sore throat. It helps keep your body warm and protects against infections, especially during the flu season.

This hot chocolate recipe can be made quickly with simple and essential ingredients that are easy to find. You may already have most of them in your pantry or kitchen cupboard.