Bin the powder, make a real hot chocolate from scratch

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

Forget that supermarket branded drinking chocolate, and instead make yourself a delicious creamy cup of the real deal using high quality chocolate or powder, creamy organic milk, and any number of flavour combinations. Lace it with spices, and maybe even a splash of cream.

Jasmine and Juliet of Jaz & Juls, an organic and ethically sourced hot chocolate company, share their tricks for getting cosy with a hot chocolate:

Check the weather
If it looks like a snow day is coming up then be prepared, make sure you have plenty of supplies and a warm blanket or open fire to cuddle up with!

Use the best quality chocolate you can find
Ideally use a single-origin chocolate, and bear in mind where in the world the cocoa has come from. Don’t skimp on the quantity – this is a treat after all!

Make sure the milk is also amazing
The quality of the milk is just as important as the chocolate.

Follow the correct process
Add the chocolate pieces or shavings after you’ve heated the milk to make sure that you don’t burn it. If you want a thicker brew you can reduce the mixture by heating it again gently in a saucepan.

Get frothing
Play with creative homemade ways of making your hot chocolate frothy – try shaking it in a bottle, using a cafetiere plunger or a whisk to add some extra volume.

Always go overboard!
Top your drink with whipped cream or marshmallows. Or both. Marshmallow Deli products are suitable for vegans.

Go vegan
Use coconut milk or cream instead of dairy milk for a vegan version.

Make it adults-only
If you like your hot chocolate boozy, add a shot of your favourite liqueur before serving, such as amaretto, rum or coffee liqueur.

If you’re not feeling brave, then opt for a bought one
Try one of Jaz & Juls’ 12 gourmet drinking chocolates. These are all produced by hand using ethically-sourced organic dark chocolate. They are all naturally-flavoured by combining dark chocolate shavings with various fruit oils and spices. Their origin range of three rich, single-origin hot chocolates each showcases cacao grown in a different region (Madagascar 61%, Peru 75%, Brazil 70%) to produce subtly different flavour notes.

What are your tips for making the prefect hot chocolate at home? Tell us in the comments below.