Equipment
Ingredients
Base Liquids & Sweetener
- 400 ml full-fat canned coconut milk
- 30 ml maple syrup
- 5 ml vanilla extract
Chocolate Elements
- 100 g dairy-free dark chocolate, chopped
- 20 g dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 g flaky sea salt
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Finely chop the dairy-free dark chocolate to ensure it melts rapidly and uniformly when introduced to the hot liquid.
In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sifted cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Heat over medium-low, whisking occasionally to dissolve the cocoa, until the mixture is steaming heavily but not boiling, reaching approximately 80 degrees Celsius or 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the saucepan from the heat completely. Immediately add the chopped dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 1 minute.
Whisk the resting mixture vigorously until all the chocolate has melted and the liquid emulsifies into a thick, glossy, and highly cohesive consistency.
Pour the fudgy drinking chocolate into warmed, appropriately sized mugs and serve immediately.
Chef's Notes
- Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a deep, earthy chocolate profile with mellow acidity, which compliments the natural richness of the coconut milk far better than natural cocoa powder.
- Full-fat canned coconut milk is mandatory for this recipe. Carton coconut milk contains too much water and will result in a thin, watery beverage rather than the signature fudgy texture.
- The pinch of salt is crucial; it does not make the drink salty, but rather suppresses the perception of extreme bitterness from the high cacao percentage while elevating the sweetness.
- For an aromatic twist, try infusing the coconut milk with a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, or a pinch of chili powder during the initial heating phase, removing them before adding the chopped chocolate.
Storage
Refrigerator: 5 days — Will solidify into a pudding-like texture when cold. Reheat gently to restore drinkable consistency.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly until smooth and steaming.
