Rich and Delicious: A Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
©Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm Drinks · François de Mélogue · Provencal Recipes · TasteWhile winter in Provence is nothing like what we experience in Vermont, there are plenty of cold mornings. The small ski hill on Mont Ventoux briefly opens during the cold months. The Southern Alps are a destination for family-friendly skiing and other snow activities during long weekends and vacances scolaire. Après, the outdoor fun, warm up with a mug of this French-style hot chocolate. Enjoy my recipe below.

Homemade Hot Chocolate
Sipping a warm mug of this homemade hot chocolate feels indulgent, like a cozy escape into pure comfort and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1/2 lb bittersweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 tsp piment d’Espelette
- big pinch saffron
Instructions
- Combine everything and bring to a boil periodically, stirring well. Strain, then serve in small cups. The hot chocolate will be thicker and richer than store-bought powdered hot chocolate.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Other Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try
Lavender Hot Chocolate
Deliciously rich and delicately floral, lavender hot chocolate is easy to make and delightful, especially when topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Check out this recipe
Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Chef Eric Fraudeau’s warm (and slightly decadent) remedy for those cold winter days.
Check out this recipe
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
3 Romantic Dinner Menus from Provence to Try
February 1, 2024
While there is no reason to wait until February 14th to show your affection, not acknowledging Valentine’s Day might not be a good love strategy. In France, la fête de Saint Valentin has historical and religious roots. In the middle ages, the belief was that birds started mating in the middle of February. The card …
I’ve found my chocolate heaven in Provence!
December 5, 2016
Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: I make no bones about it – I love chocolate & last night sat with a glass of wine & my latest purchase from the wonderful ‘Chocolatier’ La Cour aux Saveurs in l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Back in February I was staying there (in the town that is, not …
Gin Cocktails: Try an Elderflower Rosemary Fizz
February 28, 2025
Mandy Miller Simmonds @simplyfoodbymandy shared, “I’ve been a @maisonmirabeau fan for some time now. Not just because I adore their entire range but because I love their story. Stephen and Jeany are literally living my dream, if I’m honest. Their journey started as a dream, and today many people around the world are enjoying their …
Cocktail Hack: What to do with Leftover Rosé?
September 12, 2023
In the unlikely event of leftover rosé in your fridge, we have some great recipes! These rosé ice cubes are the perfect addition to a summer cocktail or to cool down your rosé during a hot summer day without watering it down. They look so pretty too. Continue reading here for details on Mirabeau Wine …
No Comment