Few drinks capture the feeling of pure indulgence quite like Max Brenner’s famous hot chocolate. Known for its velvety texture and rich, chocolate‑forward flavor, it’s more than just a beverage — it’s an experience.
With just a handful of quality ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this signature hot chocolate right in your own kitchen.
What is Max Brenner Hot Chocolate?
Max Brenner hot chocolate is the signature drink of the international chocolate café brand, famous for turning chocolate into a full sensory experience.
Unlike ordinary cocoa made with powder, this version is crafted from real chocolate melted into warm milk and cream, creating a drink that’s thick, smooth, and intensely flavorful.
What sets it apart is the presentation as much as the taste. Traditionally served in the brand’s rounded “hug mugs,” the hot chocolate is meant to be held with both hands, adding warmth and comfort to every sip.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Creating Max Brenner–style hot chocolate at home starts with choosing the right ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 200 g (7 oz) good-quality chocolate (milk, dark, or a mix; chopped or chips)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
- Toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, marshmallows, or a pinch of cinnamon
Using real chocolate instead of cocoa powder makes all the difference, giving the drink its signature richness and silky texture.
Instructions for Making Max Brenner Hot Chocolate
Recreating Max Brenner–style hot chocolate at home is easier than it looks. With just a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare a drink that’s every bit as indulgent as the café version.
Step 1: Heat the base In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream together until steaming. Do not let it boil.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour about half of the hot milk‑cream mixture over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Return the melted chocolate mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk‑cream. Add vanilla extract (if using) and whisk until silky and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Serve Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or marshmallows.
Once prepared, serve the hot chocolate immediately while it’s warm and smooth. This ensures the best texture and flavor, and allows the toppings to melt slightly into the drink for the perfect finish.
Notes & Variations – Max Brenner Hot Chocolate
Even though the classic recipe is already indulgent, there are plenty of ways to adjust it to your taste or dietary needs. Small tweaks in chocolate type, milk choice, or toppings can completely change the flavor and texture.
- Chocolate choice matters: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for balance.
- Texture control: Reduce milk slightly for a thicker, “drinking chocolate” style, or add more milk for a lighter version.
- Flavor twists: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, or peppermint extract for seasonal flair.
- Dairy‑free option: Swap in oat or almond milk with coconut cream and dairy‑free chocolate.
- Mocha style: Stir in a shot of espresso for a coffee‑chocolate blend.
- Presentation tip: Serve in wide mugs or “hug mugs” for the authentic Max Brenner feel.
These variations make the recipe versatile and fun, so you can enjoy a different version each time without losing the signature richness of Max Brenner hot chocolate.
Nutrition Facts – Max Brenner Hot Chocolate
When enjoying a rich drink like Max Brenner–style hot chocolate, it’s helpful to know the nutritional breakdown. The values below are estimated per serving when the recipe is made with semi‑sweet chocolate, whole milk, and cream.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Caffeine | 20–40 mg |
These numbers are approximate and will vary depending on the type of chocolate and dairy you use. Keep in mind that toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or extra chocolate shavings will add more calories and sugar, so you can adjust based on your preferences.
Decadent Max Brenner–Style Hot Chocolate (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Whisk (or silicone spatula)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board (if using chocolate bars instead of chips)
- Serving mugs (wide “hug mugs” if you want the Max Brenner vibe)
- Optional: milk frother (for extra foam)
Ingredients
- 200 g chocolate (milk, dark, or a mix; chopped or chips)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the base: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream together until steaming (do not boil).
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.Pour about half of the hot milk-cream mixture over the chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Combine: Return the melted chocolate mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk-cream.Add vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until silky and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Pour into mugs.Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or marshmallows.
