No one is more surprised by the appearance of winter every single year than a Central South African. A phenomenon that appears annually, almost like clockwork, in May every year, you would think we would be more prepared. 

Well, in case you haven’t done it yet, this is your reminder to rotate your wardrobe from summer to winter and as we get ready for the VERY cold months, why not try our fail-safe WINTER WARM UP with the ultimate HOT CHOCOLATE. 

The Recipe: 

1 cup steamed milk 

3 blocks of dark chocolate

Mini marshmallows for decoration 

Make it for yourself and then you can RATE it by using our rather comprehensive *Hot Chocolate Rating System* that balances taste, texture, aroma, appearance, and overall experience. You can rate each category from *1 to 5*, where:

1 = Poor /  2 = Fair / 3 = Good / 4 = Very Good / 5 = Excellent

Hot Chocolate Rating Categories

Flavour (1–5)

* Richness of chocolate flavour (not too bland or overly sweet)

* Balance between sweetness and cocoa bitterness

* Depth and complexity of taste (notes of vanilla, cinnamon, etc.)

Texture & Mouthfeel (1–5)

* Smoothness and creaminess

* Thickness/consistency (watery vs. velvety vs. overly thick)

* Presence of gritty powder or undissolved chunks (points off)

Aroma (1–5)

* Inviting chocolatey smell

* Any appealing added notes (spices, vanilla, etc.)

Appearance (1–5)

* Presentation (foam art, whipped cream, marshmallows, etc.)

* Colour and consistency in the cup

Overall Enjoyment (1–5)

* How satisfying was the experience overall?

* Would you want it again?

and BONUS POINTS for Toppings & Extras (Optional +0–2 bonus points)

* Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, spices

* Whether the extras enhance rather than overwhelm