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How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

by Jolina 69 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

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Tsokolate or Filipino hot chocolate is unadorned. No whipped cream, marshmallows or sweet syrups to hide behind. Made with just milk and tablea or cocoa tablets, it is what chocolate purists dream of. It’s quick, easy, delicious and sure to lift your spirits!

(Tsokolate goes really well with suman – sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. It also goes well with pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) and ensaymada (Filipino sweet cheesy brioche!)

How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Over the holidays we saw a slew of incredible hot chocolate drinks invade our screens, all of them equally luxurious and divine. Some had marshmallows on top of whipped cream on top of ice cream on top of brownies. They were amazing!

That’s what the holidays are for after all. Once a year we reward ourselves with delightful things that we can then dream about the whole year.

This is not that kind of hot chocolate though.

Filipino hot chocolate or tsokolate (pronounced cho-co-lah-teh) is simple, muted, like that hug you need on a particularly dreary winter day, after a nasty time at work, when all you want to do is sit and read a book (preferably a cookbook with nice photos).

Tsokolate is the perfect winter drink

How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Last weekend we heard words like “arctic air”, “extreme cold weather alert” and “icy road conditions” thrown around. There was not much snow where I was but the temperature dipped to -20C (-4F). 

You’d think living in Canada all these years I’d be used to this by now but understand that I grew up in the tropics so I always find myself feeling personally offended by winter (I mean, the wind hurts me face!).

Enter tsokolate. Now that makes me feel better about my eyeballs feeling cold.

Related: 29 Best Hot Drinks for Winter You’ll Love

Filipino hot chocolate all year

How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Truth be told, I drink hot chocolate all year. Yes, even in the summer. Weird? I think not. It’s chocolate, it’s delicious, and I drink it somewhere air-conditioned.

I mean, why do coffee drinkers get their hot coffee all year and I’m judged when I have my hot chocolate? Why am I getting so angry? I blame winter lol.

Related: Strawberry Mango Banana Smoothie

Where to buy tsokolate tablea

Anyway, back to this tsokolate recipe – there really is nothing simpler. The hardest part is getting hold of good quality tablea (here’s an example of what they look like).

I usually buy a stash when I go home to Manila or I ask (nicely) that someone bring back a few packages for me. No worries though; you can also find good ones in Filipino or Asian stores (and there’s always Amazon).

Some are better than others (i.e. chocolatier and purer) but your recipe testing is sure to be a delicious one!

How to make tsokolate from tablea

How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Tsokolate is traditionally made by whisking the tablea in milk with a batidor or wooden whisk that kind of looks like a honey dipper but more intense (something like this).

Imagine little Filipino grandmas beating the life out of a tablea with a batidor they probably inherited from their own grandmas. Now those are epic tsokolate.

Sadly, I don’t have a batidor so I just use a normal whisk or an immersion blender. It results to a lovely mug of hot chocolate just the same.

Be warned though: no matter how vigorously you whisk you will get some bits of cocoa in your drink – tsokolate is traditionally slightly gritty (I love that about it) but you can strain your hot chocolate if you prefer a smoother drink

However you decide to have your mug of Filipino hot chocolate, you’re sure to feel better about your day. Let’s get through winter together!

What goes well with tsokolate?

In addition to suman, pandesal and ensaymada, tsokolate would also be perfect with:

Classic Buttermilk Scones
Classic Buttermilk Scones – Easy, Delicious, Done in 15 Minutes
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake (with video)

  • Light, flaky and easy-to-make classic buttermilk scones. They’re ready in 15 minutes!
  • And with this delightful Meyer lemon ricotta pound cake. Sweet and salty, soft and moist, it doesn’t need any frosting! It’s that good.
How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)

Author: Jolina
Tsokolate or Filipino hot chocolate is unadorned. No whipped cream, marshmallows, syrups. Just milk and cocoa tablets. Pure cocoa dream.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4 servings
Calories 9 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 6 pcs sweetened tsokolate tablea roughly chopped
  • 2 12-oz cans evaporated milk

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan on medium heat, whisk 6 tsokolate tablea in evaporated milk until dissolved.
  • Transfer to mugs. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

  1. The tablea I get is usually sweetened so there is no need for sugar or other sweeteners in this drink. They are available unsweetened though and it's quite bitter. Check before purchasing.
  2. For a smoother drink, strain the tsokolate through a fine mesh strainer before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcal

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword Authentic, Easy, Simple, Winter
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I'd love to see your creations!

 

Happy whisking!

Did you make tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate)? Tell me about it in the comments section below. I’d love to hear all about it.

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(This post was updated on 9 January 2019.)

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Filed Under: Drinks, Filipino Cuisine, Recipes

Previous Post: « Ensaymada Recipe (with step-by-step photos)
Next Post: Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Bacon and Eggs »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shaheen says

    February 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

    5 stars
    Marvelous cup of hot chocolate.

    Reply
  2. Michele says

    January 22, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Now I’m wanting a cup or two of this! Being diabetic I guess I would go with the unsweetened and then add a non sugar substitute!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth O says

    January 15, 2017 at 12:30 am

    I love hot chocolate and, like my collection of coffee and tea, I drink it year round. I have some of the cocoa tablets and they are a bit gritty.

    Reply
  4. J says

    January 14, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    Oh yum! This sounds wonderful for a cold chilly day. I will definitely have to try it! YUM!

    Reply
  5. Tami Qualls says

    January 12, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    My daughter is a hot chocolate and cappuccino expert. She will be surprised that she didn’t know about this hot chocolate.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:08 pm

      Haha hope it’s a happy surprise 🙂 Thanks Tami!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer L says

    January 12, 2017 at 12:59 am

    Oh what a decadent drink! Never seen filipino hot chocolate but sounds yummy!

    Reply
  7. Jessica Sheppard says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    This hot chocolate sounds delish! Looks like the real deal. Super excited to give it a try. Perfect for a cold dreary day!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:06 pm

      Thank you! It is pure cocoa, just awesome chocolate flavour. Hope it brightens up your dreary winter days (we’ve been having quite a few lately!)

      Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    This hot chocolate drink brings back memories of cold winter days when I was a little girl. My mom always made us hot chocolate for breakfast. I know it is weird, but I feel so much love when I take a sip of my mom’s hot choco. I would assume you had that same feeling too, having to savor a drink you grew up with.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      I those are the best kinds of recipes, filled with happy memories!

      Reply
  9. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    January 11, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Hot chocolate must be enjoyed anytime of the year! I agree with you, if you can drink coffee even during hot summer days, why not hot chocolate too? I wish I could try some of that authentic tablea you mentioned. It must be so good!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:05 pm

      Right? They’re too good not to be 🙂 I hope you find them too! Thanks Annemarie!

      Reply
  10. Val says

    January 11, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Who’s silly enough to judge you for drinking hot chocolate at any one time? I love it and can drink it year round if I’m in the mood.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 9:48 pm

      IKR?? Silly, silly people 🙂 Let’s enjoy hot chocolate year round!

      Reply
  11. Saidah Washington says

    January 11, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    I love trying recipes from different parts of the world. I’ll bet this tastes so good.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 9:49 pm

      Me too! We’re lucky to live in a city so diverse that we can get different cuisines whenever we go out.

      Reply
  12. Neely Moldovan says

    January 11, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    As a huge hot chocolate lover this sounds delicious to me! I for sure need to try it!

    Reply
  13. Kelly says

    January 11, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Holy cow this looks soooo good! Im a sucker for hot chocolate and I’ve never had it like this! Cue mouth watering now! Maybe i’ll try it today since its freezing outside!

    Reply
  14. Hanna says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:47 am

    Cant wait to try this! My son is really into hot cocoa right now!

    Reply
  15. Carmen says

    January 10, 2017 at 11:21 pm

    Yum! This looks absolutely incredible. I’ve been having Mexican hot chocolate lately so a Filipino version sounds great change.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks! I love a warm mug of Mexican hot chocolate too 🙂

      Reply
  16. Jillian says

    January 10, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Yum, this sounds delicious. I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  17. Leah says

    January 10, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    This. Sounds. Amazing. I am just going to come over to your house and you can make me allllll the desserts! LOL!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 12, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      Awesome idea! You guys bring the drinks (of course!) (PS: and if you can, an extra tray of your amazing boozy marshmallows teehee)

      Reply
  18. Samantha says

    January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    Sounds delicious! I love the image of a grandmother beating the heck out warm milk and chocolate! Ha! Also, you could move to Vancouver … the wind will never hurt your face here! 😉

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:14 pm

      Haha maybe I should! Or at least visit, I hear it’s lovely!

      Reply
  19. Rachel says

    January 10, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Always looking for a tasty new hot chocolate recipe. Found it!

    Reply
  20. Jennifer Corter says

    January 10, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    Yum yum yum! This looks delicious! I want to try it!

    Reply
  21. Barb says

    January 10, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    Oh man, I haven’t had this since I was a little girl. Brings back such fond memories sitting around the kitchen table on a Saturday morning and having it with warm pandesal. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Oh man me too! So many happy memories with tsokolate and pandesal and all those fun times spent at lolo and lola’s house! Ahhh the good old days 🙂

      Reply
  22. candy says

    January 10, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I love hot chocolate so must give this a try. First I will have to try and find everything I need to make this great looking hot chocolate.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:17 pm

      It’s really delicious, hope you find really good tablea where you are 🙂

      Reply
  23. Emily says

    January 10, 2017 at 10:23 am

    I am all for hot chocolate, and even insist on my coffee having a fair amount of chocolate in it. I have never had this before, I will have to try it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:18 pm

      One can never have too much chocolate and it sounds delicious with coffee!

      Reply
  24. Divya says

    January 10, 2017 at 9:17 am

    I’ve been drinking a ton of hot chocolate lately because it’s been so cold! I’d love to try this – it looks so creamy and delicious!

    Reply
  25. Jamie says

    January 10, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I love love love hot chocolate! During the winter it is my go-to drink because it is so tasty and helps you warm up! This spin sounds so good!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Me too, anytime of the year, but especially during the cold months 🙂 Hope you like this version!

      Reply
  26. Liz Mays says

    January 10, 2017 at 8:25 am

    It’s such a great warming and comforting drink. I love that you don’t need additional sweetener.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:21 pm

      I love that about it too! You can really taste the earthy, lovely cocoa 🙂

      Reply
  27. Maria says

    January 10, 2017 at 4:33 am

    It’s cold as hell here and this hot chocolate would fit amazingly, thank you!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      This would certainly help! Keep warm Maria!

      Reply
  28. Sandra says

    January 10, 2017 at 1:11 am

    A nice warm cup of cocoa and snuggling in a blanket sounds heavenly! I love the simplicity of Filipino hot chocolate and would prefer this version without marshmallows!

    Reply
  29. Barbara says

    January 10, 2017 at 12:00 am

    Mmm I think I would like this. Your mugs are cute, too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      Aren’t they?? They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection which I have been slowly but surely hoarding haha!

      Reply
  30. juli says

    January 9, 2017 at 11:23 pm

    Okay two things:
    1- This sounds and looks really really delicious!
    2- I’m a hot cocoa year round drinker is well! A girl needs her chocolate and I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be in drink form all day and all night every day of the year! lol!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 10, 2017 at 9:29 pm

      Oh yay! Another year-round hot cocoa drinker 🙂 We can start a movement I tell ya!

      Reply
  31. Crystal says

    January 9, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    I love all your Filipino dishes and this is definitely another one I’d like to try! Looks so comforting for winter.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you Crystal! Hope it helps you keep warm!

      Reply
  32. Robin says

    January 9, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    Yeah I agree with you Hot chocolate can be taken any season. I take my hot chocolate as dessert. Tablea is a must try 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      Hi Robin! Oh yeah, hot choco any time of the year AND as dessert. I like the way you think! 🙂

      Reply
  33. Gillian Kent says

    January 9, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    This would be nice. The evaporated milk will give it a different rich flavor. Must try this.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:20 pm

      It makes it rich and very creamy 🙂 Hope you like it Gillian!

      Reply
  34. Byron Thomas says

    January 9, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Everything about Filipino Hot Chocolate is like heaven to me! It’s the only way to really, really drink a hot chocolate. Oh, and I am loving your PW cups – I have the same two in my cupboard!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:22 pm

      I agree 🙂 And oh dear I am becoming addicted to the PW collection. I am buying it one piece at a time haha. I love them. Thanks Byron!

      Reply
  35. Vicki says

    January 9, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    looks delicious and perfect for the cold weather we are having right now !!

    Reply
  36. Debi says

    January 9, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    This sounds great! I wonder if I can get tsokolate tablea at my local international market. I’ll keep an eye out. BTW, I love your quote, “like that hug you need on a particularly dreary winter day…”

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      Thanks Debi! 🙂 And I hope you can find them (if all else fails – Amazon lol!).

      Reply
  37. Joanna says

    January 9, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I love any and all hot chocolates! I bet this one is not any different, I’d love it too. 🙂 I’ll have to look for that chocolate the though!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      Hope you find the tablea!

      Reply
  38. Mary Jane says

    January 9, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    This looks like such a delicious, cozy drink! You also take such beautiful photos 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      You are most welcome Mary Jane! You’re too kind 🙂

      Reply
  39. Maia says

    January 9, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    this looks so good

    Reply
  40. Katrin says

    January 9, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Your recipe sounds delicious. Especially, when it’s minus twenty degrees outside. And by the way, I have cup envy! They are just gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      Aren’t they?? They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection, which I am slowly getting obsessed with haha! Thanks Katrin!

      Reply
  41. Dawn says

    January 9, 2017 at 8:16 am

    I think the older I get, the less I enjoy the cold. I mean, I never really did like the cold, but now I don’t think I can handle it at all! Bundle me up when I go out, that’s for sure! I’m like the little kid in A Christmas Story….ya know the younger brother when the mother puts his suit on him he can’t even put his arms down he has that much clothes on, lol 😀 Anyway, hot chocolate…I love hot chocolate too and have never heard of tsokolate before. Sounds quite interesting and as I was reading your post I was thinking about how badly I just want to cuddle up with a big mug of this and a book. Stay warm, my friend and have a great week!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 9, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      Haha I know exactly what you mean. One time I was so cold I tried driving with my parka hood on. Needless to say it was not my smartest idea teehee. And me, hot chocolate and a book (or possibly Netflix) would be my jam this winter. Stay warm too Dawn! Have a lovely (and not too chilly or snowy) week!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 57 Unique Hot Chocolate Recipes | Triple Chocolate Kitchen says:
    March 27, 2019 at 10:52 pm

    […] Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate) from The Unlikely Baker […]

    Reply
  2. 57 Unique Hot Chocolate Recipes | The PinterTest Kitchen says:
    October 17, 2017 at 10:02 am

    […] Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate) from The Unlikely Baker […]

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This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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