The Chocolate Secret Behind Jacques Torres’ Perfect Mug

Behind every unforgettable sip of Jacques Torres’ hot chocolate lies a simple, delicious chocolate secret. For Jacques, a great mug is never about a powder and hot water; it’s about real chocolate, real texture, and a little everyday luxury you can easily whisk together on a cold night. When Tasting Table rounded up 10 Celebrity Chef Tips For the Best Hot Chocolate, it was only natural that Mr. Chocolate himself showed up with a few ideas that change the game.

Jacques’ favorite place to start is simple: swap cocoa powder for real dark chocolate. He reaches for 60 percent cacao so the drink tastes deep and full without tipping into bitterness. From there, he treats hot chocolate more like a dessert you can drink, adding a touch of cornstarch for richness and milk powder for extra creaminess. The result is that unmistakable, velvety texture that makes every sip feel a little more decadent.

Once the hot chocolate is blended and smooth, the fun begins. A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows is always welcome, but Jacques also loves tiny twists that feel a bit more festive, like a drop of orange or peppermint extract during the holidays. If you’re ready to upgrade your own mug, his hot chocolate collection is waiting to help you taste the not-so-subtle difference real chocolate can make.