Last Updated on May 1, 2022 by John Moretti
If you aren’t a coffee lover, hot chocolate is the perfect winter drink. It is rich, creamy, and incredibly delicious. However, those who enjoy the type of hot chocolate made in cafés might be wondering if and how hot chocolate is made in a shop. Does the barista use an espresso machine to make the hot chocolate? If so, how can you use an espresso machine to make hot chocolate?
It is possible to use an espresso machine to make hot chocolate. However, there are some risks when putting cacao beans into an espresso machine. Never use hot chocolate powder in an espresso machine. Most people only use the steaming wand of an espresso machine to make hot chocolate.
Although it isn’t often done, you can put cacao beans into an espresso machine to make hot chocolate. However, the result will be a very bitter chocolate drink. Therefore, the best way to use an espresso machine for making hot chocolate is to use the steaming wand to heat the milk. This article explains both methods for making hot chocolate using an espresso machine.
How To Make Hot Chocolate In An Espresso Machine With Cacao Beans
Making hot chocolate in an espresso machine with cacao beans is not advised for several reasons. First, cacao beans have a higher fat content than coffee beans and can therefore cause your espresso machine to clog up.
Second, using cacao beans to make hot chocolate in an espresso machine will result in a bitter-tasting, watery chocolate drink. Third, to make the hot chocolate creamier, you must fill the water canister with milk. This is not advised and could damage your espresso machine.
However, follow the proper steps and precautions, and you can use cacao beans to make hot chocolate in an espresso machine. Of course, you must sweeten it afterward and don’t expect the type of hot chocolate you are used to drinking in cafés. Here is how to make hot chocolate in an espresso machine using cacao beans.
Step 1: Ground The Cacao Beans
Ground the cacao beans to a fine powder. Do this by using a separate grinder or blender. Don’t ground the cacao beans in the espresso machine’s coffee grinding, as this could potentially damage the espresso machine and cause the hot chocolate to have a strange taste.
The cacao powder must be as fine as the coffee powder would be. As an espresso machine makes coffee within seconds, the powder should be fine for the water to derive the most flavor from the coffee grounds. The same applies when using cacao beans to make hot chocolate.
Step 2: Place The Cacao Powder In The Portafilter
After the cacao beans have been ground into a fine powder, you can place the powder into the espresso machine’s portafilter. Now, while some might be tempted to put the hot chocolate powder into the espresso machine’s portafilter – Don’t! Doing so might damage your espresso machine and produce a horrid-tasting drink. Instead, only use ground cacao beans.
Step 3: Make The Hot Chocolate
Place the portafilter back in the espresso machine and turn the espresso machine on. Select your preferred setting and make the hot chocolate.
Step 4: Heat The Milk For The Hot Chocolate
Pour the milk you want into a cup and heat it using the steaming wand of your espresso machine. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature and frothiness, it is ready.
Step 5: Complete The Hot Chocolate Drink
Pour the milk over the hot chocolate. Add sugar, cream, and any other toppings you would like to have. Your hot chocolate is now finished and ready to enjoy. Again, it will not taste the same as regular hot chocolate. This is why making hot chocolate using cacao beans in an espresso machine is not recommended.
The better method is to use the espresso machine’s steaming wand to heat the milk and then add hot chocolate powder or syrup to the mixture.
Make Hot Chocolate With An Espresso Machine’s Heating Wand
The best way to use an espresso machine to make hot chocolate is to use the steaming wand to heat the milk and make it airy. This allows you to use regular hot chocolate powder or syrup. The result will be creamy and delicious, and there is no harm in using your espresso machine in this way.
This is the method baristas use in cafés to make luxurious hot chocolate to please even the pickiest of clients. This is how you use an espresso machine to make hot chocolate.
Step 1: Place Milk Into A Jug
You can either start by mixing the hot chocolate powder and milk slightly or first heat the milk, then add it to the hot chocolate powder. The latter is the preferred method, as the hot chocolate particles can clog the steaming wand.
So, to start making the most delicious hot chocolate you will ever taste, pour the desired amount of milk into a jug. You can use any milk. However, whole milk makes the creamiest hot chocolate.
Step 2: Use The Steaming Wand To Heat The Milk
You can now use the steaming wand of your espresso machine to heat the milk and make it frothy. Keep the tip of the want just below the surface of the milk for a frothier result. The milk is finished when it is hot enough for you and has some delectable bubbles on top.
Step 3: Prepare The Hot Chocolate Powder
If you didn’t add the hot chocolate powder to the milk before heating it, you can place the hot chocolate powder or syrup in a mug and add a little bit of milk or water. Then, mix the hot chocolate to form a paste. This will make it easier to mix thoroughly once the milk is added.
Step 4: Add The Milk To The Hot Chocolate
Add the milk into the mug and mix to combine the hot chocolate. You can now add any toppings you like, such as cream, cacao powder, or mini marshmallows. Once completed, your hot chocolate is ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
Although it is possible to use cacao beans in an espresso machine to make hot chocolate, it is not advised. You could damage your espresso machine, and the hot chocolate will not taste good. Never put the hot chocolate powder in an espresso machine’s portafilter. This could ruin your espresso machine.
The ultimate way to make hot chocolate is using the steaming wand of an espresso machine to heat and froth the milk. Then, add the milk to a mixture of hot chocolate powder or syrup and a splash of water. Mix it up and enjoy the best hot chocolate ever.
