If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy drink that wraps you in warmth and whispers delicate floral notes, then this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich, velvety texture of dark chocolate with the fragrant elegance of Earl Grey tea, this drink turns ordinary hot chocolate into an extraordinary treat. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or looking for a unique way to impress guests, this recipe is your new best friend for a moment of pure indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there is a dark brown chocolate bar partially sliced into small rectangular pieces on the left, with thin chocolate shavings scattered in a pile on the right. The background is softly blurred, featuring two small white square bowls and a white saucepan, creating a clean and simple kitchen scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on just a handful of high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role: milk and cream provide the luscious base, chocolate brings depth and smoothness, and the Earl Grey tea adds a sophisticated citrusy aroma that elevates the whole drink.

1 cup milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest, most comforting texture.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel to the hot chocolate base.
5 oz. dark chocolate (finely chopped + grated for garnish): Choose good quality chocolate to ensure the best flavor and a silky finish.
2 Earl Grey tea sachets: Essential for that signature bergamot-infused citrus note.
1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the bitterness of the dark chocolate and tea.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate richer and the tea brighter.
1/3 cup heavy cream: For whipping into a delicate, airy topping.
1/2 teaspoon sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to complement the drink.

How to Make Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream

Place the milk and half a cup of heavy cream into a saucepan and gently heat over low heat. You want to warm it until small bubbles form around the edges—not boiling, just the perfect cozy temperature to release the tea’s flavors without scorching the milk.

Step 2: Steep the Earl Grey Tea

After removing the saucepan from the heat, drop in the 2 Earl Grey tea sachets. Let them steep for a full 10 minutes to extract the bold notes of bergamot and black tea that make this recipe so special. Once done, discard the tea bags, leaving behind that fragrant infusion.

Step 3: Melt in the Chocolate, Sugar, and Salt

Return the infused milk mixture to low heat. Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate, sugar, and salt until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is seamless. This step is where the magic happens—how the tea’s brightness and chocolate’s richness blend into an irresistible velvety drink.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

While your hot chocolate develops its luxurious texture, whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Use a handheld frother or whisk vigorously until it thickens but stop before it forms stiff peaks. This lightly whipped cream will float on top like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

Divide the hot chocolate evenly between two cups. Generously dollop or swirl the whipped cream on top, and then sprinkle with the grated chocolate garnish. Each sip will be a layered experience of silky chocolate, subtle citrus from the tea, and light creaminess from the topping.

How to Serve Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

The image shows a clear double-walled glass filled with two layers. The bottom layer is dark brown and smooth, probably chocolate. On top, there is a thick white layer of cream, slightly foamy and spread evenly. The top surface is sprinkled with small, dark brown chocolate shavings scattered loosely. The glass sits on a white marbled surface with a slight reflection underneath, and there is a similar glass partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your presentation up a notch, the grated dark chocolate sprinkled over the whipped cream adds a gorgeous flourish and a concentrated burst of chocolate in every spoonful. You can also add a twist of lemon zest to highlight the bergamot aroma or a few edible flower petals for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, buttery shortbread cookies that complement its richness without overpowering the delicate tea notes. Almond biscotti or a slice of lemon pound cake also make for delightful companions during your relaxing moments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gathering, serve this hot chocolate in clear glass mugs or vintage teacups to showcase its creamy color and toppings. You can also offer cinnamon sticks or star anise as stirring sticks to add subtle warm spice aromas that evolve as you drink.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe—which is rare!—store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the whipped cream does not store well, so it’s best to prepare that fresh when serving.

Freezing

While you can freeze the hot chocolate base (without the cream topping), it’s best to do so in a suitable container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Frozen tea-infused milk mixtures might experience slight separation, so stirring well before reheating is key to refreshing the texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover hot chocolate on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid the microwave to prevent scorching or uneven heating. Once warm, whip up a fresh batch of lightly sweetened cream topping and assemble as usual for that delightful first-time taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tea instead of Earl Grey?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor is central to this recipe’s character, other teas like lavender black tea or even chai can offer exciting twists. Just be aware that the flavor profile will shift accordingly.

Is dark chocolate necessary, or can I use milk chocolate?

Dark chocolate provides a more intense, bittersweet contrast that complements the citrusy tea notes perfectly. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier, so it can work, but the final drink will be less nuanced and more sugary.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substituting the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like oat milk and coconut cream works well. However, be sure to use a dairy-free dark chocolate to keep it consistent, and note that the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.

How long can I steep the tea for stronger flavor?

Ten minutes is ideal for a balanced infusion; steeping longer can result in bitterness. If you like stronger tea notes, try using a higher quality or more fragrant Earl Grey tea rather than extending steeping time.

Can I prepare the tea-infused milk base in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tea-infused milk base ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Reheat gently before melting the chocolate and assembling your hot chocolate. This makes it convenient for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to elevate your cozy drink game, the Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe is a must-try. Its combination of silky chocolate, fragrant tea, and luscious cream topping turns a simple cup of hot chocolate into a sophisticated indulgence. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this beautifully comforting drink—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

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Description

This Earl Grey Hot Chocolate recipe combines the rich, comforting flavors of dark chocolate with the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. Finished with a lightly sweetened whipped cream topping, this cozy beverage is perfect for a relaxing indulgence on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped (plus additional grated for garnish)
2 Earl Grey tea sachets
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Whipped Cream Topping

1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

Heat Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, gently simmer the milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream over low heat until small bubbles form along the sides. Remove from heat cautiously to avoid boiling.
Steep Earl Grey Tea: Place the Earl Grey tea sachets into the hot milk and cream mixture. Let them steep for 10 minutes to infuse the liquid with the distinctive citrusy bergamot flavor. Remove and discard the tea sachets.
Melt Chocolate and Season: Return the mixture to low heat. Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate, sugar, and salt continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: In a tall cup, combine 1/3 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Using a handheld milk frother, whisk the cream until it thickens but hasn’t reached stiff peaks, creating a light and fluffy topping.
Assemble the Drink: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into two cups. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream topping over each serving. Optionally, garnish with finely grated dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Notes

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best rich and smooth texture.
Steeping the tea longer intensifies the Earl Grey flavor but may introduce bitterness; adjust steeping time to taste.
Whip the cream just until it thickens and avoids creating stiff peaks to maintain a light texture.
Serve immediately to enjoy the hot chocolate at its creamy best.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: European