Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk 4 cups milk with 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and ¼ cup granulated sugar until the cocoa dissolves and the milk is steaming — don't let it boil hard or a skin forms and the bottom scorches.

2. 2

   Add 4 oz finely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. Whisk until fully melted and the drink looks smooth and glossy, 1–2 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in a pinch of salt and ½ teaspoon vanilla if using. Keep whisking until the surface looks lightly frothy, another minute or so.

4. 4

   Taste. If it's too intense, splash in a little more milk. Ladle into mugs and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. You want a rich, hot chocolate that tastes deep and cocoa-forward — not thin chocolate milk or a grainy, undissolved cocoa sludge.