This decadent Earl Grey Hot Chocolate recipe combines the best of both worlds; creamy hot chocolate with the delicious flavor of Earl Grey tea. A quick and easy recipe that will get you through these cold winter days.
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❤️Why you will love this recipe
For the undecided seeking the perfect blend of flavors, this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate recipe offers a harmonious fusion that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Here's why you'll adore it:
- Unique Fusion: Indulge in the best of both worlds as you savor the creamy richness of hot chocolate with the subtle, aromatic twist of Earl Grey tea.
- Soothing Comfort: Experience the comforting warmth of this beverage, perfect for cozying up during cold winter days and enjoying quality time with loved ones. It's the perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings and events, ensuring everyone stays cozy and content.
- Subtle Caffeine Boost: The infusion of black tea in Earl Grey provides a gentle caffeine kick, offering a bit of energy to help you power through your day.
- Simple and Memorable: With a straightforward preparation process, this recipe is easy to make, making it a great choice for a relaxing family treat or a personal indulgence.
- Winter Wonderland: Picture yourself wrapped in a blanket, sipping this heartwarming concoction as you embrace the enchantment of winter. It's the perfect way to make your cold days a little warmer and cozier.
If you can't decide between tea or hot chocolate during these cold winter days, then this is your solution! This is a perfectly creamy hot chocolate elevated with the subtle Earl Grey flavor. As this recipe uses a black tea the caffeine will give you the energy needed to get through your day.
Enjoy this heartwarming drink on a cold Winter Day, snuggled up on the couch with your family.
If you enjoy this earl grey hot chocolate recipe, then you should be trying one of my other versions like this cinnamon hot chocolate.
🥣Equipment
You will need a few simple tools to prepare this recipe:
- Small Pot: A small saucepan or pot is essential for heating the milk and heavy cream to a simmer.
- Whisk: You'll need a whisk to thoroughly mix and melt the chocolate into the hot milk mixture, ensuring a velvety smooth texture.
- Measuring Cups: Measuring cups are crucial for accurately portioning out the ingredients to maintain the recipe's balance.
- Tea Bags or Infuser: To infuse the Earl Grey flavor, you'll require either Earl Grey tea bags or a tea infuser, which allows you to steep the tea in the milk and cream.
- Cup or Mug: Choose a favorite cup or mug for serving your delectable hot chocolate.
📝The Ingredients
This recipe only needs a few simple ingredients which you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Milk: Any kind of milk will work here no matter your diet
- Heavy Cream: This recipe uses heavy whippy cream for a super thick and creamy hot chocolate. Half and half can be used as an alternative which makes a less creamy version.
- Chocolate: The chocolate of your choice (semi-sweet chocolate is my personal favorite). Both chocolate bars or chips work as long as there are no added ingredients like nuts.
- Earl Grey: Loose leaf or in tea bags
👩🏻🍳How to make Earl Grey Hot Chocolate
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Simmer the Milk and Cream: Heat the milk and heavy cream in a small pot until it simmers.
- Infuse with Earl Grey: Remove from heat, add Earl Grey tea bags, and let them steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove Tea and Reheat: Remove the tea bags, return the pot to low heat, and add chocolate. Whisk until melted.
- Pour and Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a cup.
- Optional Frothy Topping: Froth milk if desired and add it to the top of your hot chocolate.
🍴Serving suggestions
My suggestion is to use frothed milk as a topping, as it is simple and allows the Earl Grey flavor to stand out. However, if frothed milk isn't your preference, here are some more ideas:
- Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: Top your steaming cup of Earl Grey Hot Chocolate with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.
- Lavender Infused Whipped Cream: Elevate your hot chocolate with a dollop of lavender-infused whipped cream. The floral notes complement the Earl Grey tea's fragrant profile beautifully.
- Marshmallow Bliss: Float a few fluffy marshmallows on top of your hot chocolate and watch them melt into gooey, sweet goodness. Perfect for a cozy winter's day.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the citrusy notes of Earl Grey by garnishing with a touch of orange or lemon zest. The zesty aroma and flavor complement the tea's fragrant profile beautifully.
- Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Stir your hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick, allowing the warm, spicy notes to infuse into your beverage for a comforting twist.
- Almond or Hazelnut Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts on top for a nutty, crunchy element that complements the creamy richness.
- Cookie Pairing: Enjoy this hot drink alongside a selection of your favorite cookies. The combination of warm, soothing hot chocolate and the satisfying crunch of cookies is a match made in heaven.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the visual appeal of your Earl Grey Hot Chocolate but also add layers of flavor and texture, turning a simple cup of cocoa into a luxurious and memorable treat. Enjoy experimenting with these options to find your perfect combination!
Make it in the crockpot
You can prepare your hot chocolate in the crockpot. This method is perfect for when you have guests over or your family can't get enough of hot chocolate and you want it readily available all day long.
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding all the ingredients, except the tea, into your crockpot.
- High Heat: Set your crockpot to high heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, giving it an occasional stir for even distribution.
- Rest Period: After the initial 30 minutes, let the mixture rest for an additional half-hour.
- Low Heat: Reduce the heat setting to low.
- Tea Infusion: Introduce the Earl Grey tea bags and let them steep in the hot chocolate for about 10 minutes to infuse that distinctive flavor.
- Remove Tea Bags: Once the tea has steeped to your desired strength, carefully remove the tea bags.
- Keep Warm: Adjust your crockpot to the warm setting, ensuring a continuous supply of warm and inviting Earl Grey Hot Chocolate throughout the day.
This method makes serving hot chocolate a breeze, especially for gatherings or when you simply can't resist the comforting allure of this delightful beverage.
🥄Storage
To store any remaining hot chocolate, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the hot chocolate on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it's warm.
For those planning to make this drink ahead for events or gatherings, follow the recipe and let the mixture cool after steeping the tea. Then refrigerate until your event. On the day of the gathering, reheat the Earl Grey Hot Chocolate and keep it warm in the crockpot or on the stovetop, especially recommended for larger crowds. This approach ensures an easy way to serve your hot chocolate, providing a constant supply for your guests.
💭Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make hot chocolate with other teas?
A: You can infuse your hot chocolate with other teas. However, I recommend using unflavored teas and to stick to black teas. An English Breakfast tea for example would be a great choice or my personal favorite is masala chai.
Q: Can hot chocolate be made for a crowd?
A: Yes! Please refer to the storage or the crock pot section in the post above.
Q: Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I substitute it with something else?
A: Heavy cream adds richness to the hot chocolate, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half.
Q: Is there a way to make this hot chocolate less sweet?
A: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by using darker chocolate with a higher cocoa content, or simply reduce the amount of chocolate added to the recipe.
Q: What type of chocolate is best for this recipe – milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
A: The choice of chocolate largely depends on your preference. Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter and creamier hot chocolate, while dark chocolate will provide a more intense cocoa flavor. You can also mix both types for a balanced taste.
More recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Earl Grey Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 dl Milk plus additional milk for the topping
- 1 dl Heavy Cream
- 100 g Chocolate
- 3 bags Earl Grey Tea (or 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- In a small pot bring the milk and heavy cream to a simmer.
- Turn off the heat and add the tea. Let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes (depending on how strong you want the earl grey flavor). Be careful to not let it steep any longer as the tea will start to get bitter.
- Remove the tea and turn the stove back on on low.
- Add the chocolate and whisk till it is completely melted.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a cup.
- Froth your milk (if using) and top off your chocolate with it.
Notes
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding all the ingredients, except the tea, into your crockpot.
- High Heat: Set your crockpot to high heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, giving it an occasional stir for even distribution.
- Rest Period: After the initial 30 minutes, let the mixture rest for an additional half-hour.
- Low Heat: Reduce the heat setting to low.
- Tea Infusion: Introduce the Earl Grey tea bags and let them steep in the hot chocolate for about 10 minutes to infuse that distinctive flavor.
- Remove Tea Bags: Once the tea has steeped to your desired strength, carefully remove the tea bags.
- Keep Warm: Adjust your crockpot to the warm setting, ensuring a continuous supply of warm and inviting Earl Grey Hot Chocolate throughout the day.
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Your Notes
Nutrition
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nancy says
that subtle taste of earl grey is lovely. i really enjoyed this recipe
Shelby says
The flavor combo of this hot chocolate is so comforting!
Jess says
This is perfect for the winter
Sage Scott says
Oooooh, this sounds like a London Fog, hot chocolate style. I'm soooo going to have to give it a try. Since I have to be careful with dairy thanks to a tick bite (stupid alpha-gal syndrome), I appreciate that you've got notes about using plant-based alternatives.
Bianca says
I am so happy that this is helpful for you 🙂 With my family having different restrictions I always want to make sure that my recipes can be adapted for different diets so everyone can enjoy my treats 🙂
tiannaskitchen says
this was amazing two of my favorite things combined together earl grey and hot chocolate
Dexter says
bookmarked!!, I really like your site!
Kimberly says
Gave this a try when it was really cold and I really enjoyed it! The Earl grey tea was a delicious compliment to the chocolate flavor. This was a rich and creamy treat and I’ll be sure to make it again on the next chilly day.
Bianca says
hi Kimberly,
Thank you so much for trying this earl grey hot chocolate recipe! I am so happy you loved it 🙂