If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent twist on your usual cocoa, let me introduce you to the Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe. This comforting drink blends the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with rich, velvety hot chocolate, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want to treat yourself. I love making it when I want something a little special but still super easy to whip up at home.
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In the Kitchen
This Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe is a joyful fusion of two classic comforts: tea and chocolate. The gentle bergamot aroma of Earl Grey elevates the rich chocolate, while the creamy texture helps you unwind after a busy day.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Brewing the tea directly in the warm milk allows the aromatic oils of the bergamot to infuse the drink fully, creating layers of flavor.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The touch of salt and sugar balances the bitterness of dark chocolate perfectly, making every sip smooth and indulgent.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You only need a handful of quality ingredients, but together they create a luxuriously comforting treat.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: It’s quick enough for a casual evening but elegant enough to impress guests without fuss.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing the right ingredients makes a world of difference in this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe. Freshly chopped dark chocolate and loose-leaf Earl Grey or good-quality sachets really shine here, so prioritize quality over quantity for the best result.
- Milk: Whole milk brings creaminess that balances the strong tea flavor beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Adds rich silkiness to the drink and creates the perfect whipped topping.
- Dark chocolate: Use finely chopped pieces for quick melting and rich cocoa flavor that isn’t too sweet.
- Earl Grey tea sachets: Choose a fragrant, high-quality brand to get that signature citrus and floral tone.
- Sugar: Just a touch sweetens the chocolate without overpowering the tea's nuances.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts any bitterness.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1 — Warm and Steep the Tea in Milk
Start by gently heating the milk and ½ cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. You want to see tiny bubbles forming along the edges—avoid boiling. Then, remove the pan from heat, add your Earl Grey tea sachets, and let them steep for about 10 minutes. The warm milk extracts those lovely bergamot oils without becoming bitter, so don't rush this part. Once steeped, fish out the tea bags to keep your drink smooth.
Step 2 — Melt in Chocolate and Sweeten
Return the infused milk mixture to low heat. Stir in finely chopped dark chocolate, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring gently until the chocolate has completely melted into a glossy, silky liquid. This step is where the magic happens, so be patient and don’t turn the heat up too high—it can cause the chocolate to seize or the milk to scorch.
Step 3 — Whip Cream for a Light, Toppy Finish
While the chocolate gently warms, whip together ⅓ cup of heavy cream with ½ teaspoon sugar until soft and billowy but not stiff. I like to use a handheld milk frother—it’s fast and creates just the right silky texture. This topping lightens up the richness and adds a lovely contrast with a subtle sweetness you’ll appreciate.
Step 4 — Assemble and Garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs, then gently spoon or dollop that whipped cream on top. For the final flourish, grate a little extra dark chocolate over the cream. The result is a drink that looks as good as it tastes—rich, textured, and absolutely inviting.
Things to Remember
Once you’ve made this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe a couple of times, you’ll find a rhythm. Here are some helpful pointers from my own prep and sips to keep yours perfect every time.
- Doneness Cue: Stop heating when bubbles form at the edges—not a rolling boil—to preserve milk and tea flavors.
- Temperature Trick: Low, steady heat helps chocolate melt smoothly without graininess or burning.
- Make-Ahead Move: The tea-infused milk can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated for convenience.
- Common Pitfall: Over-steeping tea or overheating milk can make your drink bitter—so timing and heat control are key.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
Adding a little grated dark chocolate on top isn’t just pretty—it gives you pleasant bursts of extra cocoa richness as you sip through the cream. If you like, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or a few bergamot zest strands to amplify that Earl Grey aroma. These subtle touches bring a cafe-quality feel straight to your kitchen.
Plays Well With
This Earl Grey Hot Chocolate goes beautifully with buttery shortbread or almond biscotti. The crunch and mild sweetness balance the drink’s rich and fragrant qualities perfectly. I also love pairing it with simple lavender cookies to echo those floral notes in the tea.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the layers of chocolate and cream, and add a small sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness. For a cozy vibe, a small plate with a matching spoon completes the look—and invites leisurely sipping.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
If you have any hot chocolate left, store it in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It may thicken slightly, so give it a good stir or a quick warm-up before reheating. The flavor stays surprisingly bright when chilled properly.
Freezing Tips
While you can freeze hot chocolate, the texture might separate slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze it, freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently while stirring to recombine. For best flavor, enjoy fresh when possible.
Reheating Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without losing creaminess, warm your hot chocolate slowly over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently and avoid boiling. If using a microwave, heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring each time. Adding a splash of fresh milk before reheating helps maintain that silky texture you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Use around 2 teaspoons of loose leaf for the same infusion. Just strain well after steeping to keep your drink smooth and free of leaves.
I recommend dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa. It balances sweetness and bitterness nicely and melts into a glossy, rich drink. Avoid overly sweet milk chocolate or super bitter varieties for best flavor.
Yes! Substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based creamers. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate to keep the richness intact. The flavor will be slightly different but delicious in its own way.
Steeping about 10 minutes gives a strong but smooth infusion. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can reduce steeping to around 6–7 minutes, but 10 minutes really lets the bergamot aroma shine through.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those comforting drinks that feels fancy without fuss, perfect for both solo moments and cozy chats with friends. Once you get the hang of steeping and melting, you might find yourself craving it not just in winter but all year round. So grab your favorite mug, and treat yourself to something truly memorable.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe
A luxurious and comforting Earl Grey Hot Chocolate combining rich dark chocolate with aromatic Earl Grey tea, topped with a lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped + grated for garnish
- 2 Earl Grey tea sachets
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Topping
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup milk and ½ cup heavy cream over low heat until small bubbles form along the sides of the pan, then remove from heat.
- Steep Tea: Add 2 Earl Grey tea sachets to the hot milk mixture and steep for 10 minutes, then discard the tea sachets.
- Melt Chocolate: Return the mixture to low heat and stir in 5 oz. finely chopped dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt, stirring until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: In a tall cup, combine ⅓ cup heavy cream and ½ teaspoon sugar, then whisk with a handheld milk frother until the cream thickens but stops before stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Drink: Divide the hot chocolate evenly into two cups, top each with the prepared whipped cream, and garnish with grated dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer texture, or substitute with oat milk for a dairy-free version, keeping in mind the cream topping will need an alternative as well.
- Steeping the Earl Grey tea longer intensifies the flavor but may increase bitterness; 10 minutes is optimal.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet hot chocolate.
- Using a handheld milk frother makes whipping cream quick and easy without stiff peaks, which is perfect for a light topping.
- Grated chocolate garnish adds a lovely texture and enhances the presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
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