Millions of Brits enjoy a warming hot chocolate during the festive season, especially at Christmas markets
12:03, 15 Dec 2025Updated 12:04, 15 Dec 2025
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One simple ingredient can transform your Christmas hot chocolate into a cafe-quality treat, rivalling those from high-end Italian eateries. Millions of Brits look forward to a warming hot chocolate as the festive season approaches, particularly when wandering the Christmas markets that pop up across the country.
For many, a rich, creamy hot chocolate is the ultimate comfort during the busy run-up to Christmas. Yet time pressures mean some resort to instant sachets that lack depth, or end up paying over the odds at coffee shops and seasonal stalls, missing out on the indulgent experience of a truly luxurious drink.
According to whipped cream canister supplier QuickWhip, the secret to creating cafe-quality indulgence at home comes down to one simple ingredient: corn starch.
Jonathan, from QuickWhip, explains: “Using real dark chocolate rather than powder makes all the difference too, but for thickness cornstarch really helps without being overly sweet. The corn starch slurry gives your hot chocolate that thick, luxurious texture you’d expect from a high-end Italian café or Christmas market. It’s simple, yet transformative.”
Here’s how to nail Italian-style hot chocolate at home this Christmas.
How to Make Italian-Style Hot ChocolateHeat milk: Warm 240ml milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.Add chocolate: Stir in 100g chopped dark chocolate until fully melted.Prepare corn starch slurry: Whisk 118ml cold milk with 2 teaspoons corn starch.Combine: Pour the slurry into the pan and stir continuously over low to medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.Serve: Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.Jonathan also highlights common mistakes to avoid when making hot chocolate at homeUsing powder instead of real chocolate: “Don’t skimp on the chocolate; it’s the key to richness.”Skipping the corn starch slurry: Without it, the drink will be thin and lack that velvety texture.Overheating milk: Burnt milk can ruin the flavour, so keep the heat low and stir constantly.Neglecting toppings: “A dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings adds that café-worthy finishing touch.”
By following these tips, even the busiest festive schedules can accommodate a luxurious homemade treat.
Corn starch transforms a simple hot chocolate into a thick, indulgent drink, while dark chocolate ensures a deep, satisfying flavour.
Whether served at home or enjoyed while wrapping presents, this approach allows everyone to savour a Christmas-market-quality hot chocolate without leaving the kitchen, making it a festive favourite year after year.
With its simple ingredients and clear steps, this festive recipe proves that a decadent hot chocolate is within reach, combining indulgence with convenience during the busiest time of the year.
It creates the perfect seasonal treat for family and friends alike.
Dining and Cooking