Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate is a sweet yet delicate blend of frothy milk, white chocolate and Indian spices. It is indulgent and warming and makes the perfect drink now the chillier days of Autumn are emerging.
When I was growing up I’d occasionally end up on a day trip, just me and my Mum, to our nearest city (Nottingham) for a bit of shopping. Back then, there was not a Starbucks or a Costa on every street corner. Instead there were independent cafes, even in some of the department stores. It was bliss, even if I didn’t realise it at the time. If I was lucky (which was 99.9% of the time) we would have time to stop off for a drink. And you’ve guessed it, I had a favourite place to go based on the quality of hot chocolate I could slurp there. It came topped with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and a chocolate flake. It was my childhood self’s dream come true.
Perhaps it’s due to these trips with my mother, that I’ve always had a nostalgic affection for hot chocolate. It makes me feel better if I’m down and positively buzzing if I’m already happy.
Since I’ve got older, I have turned into a bit of a hot chocolate snob though and rarely drink it away from home for fear that the quality will not live up to my expectations. Quite simply, I like to be in charge of the ingredients that go into my chocolate.
Despite my snobbery, my fond memories of drinking hot chocolate with my mother means I’ve been happily handing down this tradition to my own kids since they were little. We have a regular Friday night slot for replacing the suppertime milk with a homemade hot chocolate. Often I serve up a straight hot chocolate or a white hot chocolate. But occasionally I like to surprise my girls with something a little different.
Just recently, I’ve been experimenting with hot chocolate and my Masala Chai Syrup. The result is this handsome Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate. It’s a sweet drink with hints of creamy white chocolate and a delectable bunch of Indian spices more commonly paired with black tea in the classic Chai Tea Latte.
Unsurprisingly, my girls have given it the big thumbs up.
I find that the spices marry particularly well with white chocolate. White chocolate is sweeter than regular chocolate and doesn’t over-power the delicate spices. The result is a rather sweet, indulgent hot chocolate drink with a twist. I like to serve this Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate simply with a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. But if you want to splurge, a dollop of whipped cream works very nicely indeed.
Are you a sucker for an indulgent warming drink? Me too. Lucky for you I have a stash of ideas to tempt you with:
Chai Spiced White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 180 ml/ 3/4 cup Whole milk
- 20 g/ 3/4 oz White chocolate
- 20 ml/ 4 tsp Masala Chai Syrup
To serve
- Whipped cream
- Freshly grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan until scalding
- Chop the white chocolate and add to the hot milk. Stir until melted
- Pour the chocolate milk and the syrup into a blender with a heatproof jug and blitz for 30 seconds
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream (if using), a scattering of freshly grated nutmeg or some ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick
- Serve immediately
I need to hurry up and make the syrup! These drinks sound awesome for fall weather!!!
Haha, Mimi, yes do that. It’ll see you happy all through autumn.
Jane, you gave me such a great big smile when you shared memories walking around town with your mom. It must’ve been such a wonderful time–especially when hot chocolate was involved! 🙂 Well, I’m quite glad that you became a hot chocolate snob. If not for that, we probably wouldn’t be enjoying this amazing recipe right now. Love that you added in your masala chai syrup. I can only imagine how fantastic this hot chocolate must taste! Simply amazing, Jane! 🙂
Thankyou Demeter. It’s often the little things that stick in your mind as the special times isn’t it. I also recall my Mum absolutely loving the Danish pastries from that cafe whilst I was content with my hot chocolate. And so true – we often turn to homemade to get things just so. (Confession: I’m a little bit obsessed by that Masala Chai Syrup right now)
I would love to make this! I love chai and white hot chocolate!
It’s a special combination – thankyou Miranda
OMG, I had never even thought to add chai spice to non chai tea. You are my hero. Seriously.
You are most welcome Cakespy – enjoy it.
The combination of chai and white chocolate is such a wonderful idea! I love both so much!
Thanks Miranda