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 really goes well with this Pandesal Recipe or Filipino Bread Rolls. Try it with this Easy Ensaymada Recipe or Filipino Sweet Cheesy Brioche too!)
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
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
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
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 pandesal and ensaymada, tsokolate would also be perfect with:
-
- Classic Buttermilk Scones – Easy, Delicious, Done in 15 Minutes
-
- Easy Yogurt Cake with Strawberries and Cream
-
- Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake (with video)
Related: How to Take Delicious Food Photos
How to Make Tsokolate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)
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
- 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.
- For a smoother drink, strain the tsokolate through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
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.
And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Flipboard.
Or subscribe so you don’t miss a recipe. I promise I don’t spam (I hate spam too).
Do you want to improve your food photography, monetize your blog or start your very own food blog? Check out my Blogging Resources.
(This post was updated on 9 January 2019.)
Shaheen says
February 15, 2017 at 8:23 amMarvelous cup of hot chocolate.
Jolina says
February 15, 2017 at 9:46 pmAwesome! Hope they sell the tableas. Enjoy your cup of tsokolate Shaheen!
Michele says
January 22, 2017 at 9:08 amNow 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!
Elizabeth O says
January 15, 2017 at 12:30 amI 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.
J says
January 14, 2017 at 10:30 pmOh yum! This sounds wonderful for a cold chilly day. I will definitely have to try it! YUM!
Tami Qualls says
January 12, 2017 at 9:12 pmMy daughter is a hot chocolate and cappuccino expert. She will be surprised that she didn’t know about this hot chocolate.
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 10:08 pmHaha hope it’s a happy surprise 🙂 Thanks Tami!
Jennifer L says
January 12, 2017 at 12:59 amOh what a decadent drink! Never seen filipino hot chocolate but sounds yummy!
Jessica Sheppard says
January 11, 2017 at 9:09 pmThis hot chocolate sounds delish! Looks like the real deal. Super excited to give it a try. Perfect for a cold dreary day!
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 10:06 pmThank 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!)
Jennifer says
January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pmThis 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.
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 10:07 pmI those are the best kinds of recipes, filled with happy memories!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
January 11, 2017 at 4:58 pmHot 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!
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 10:05 pmRight? They’re too good not to be 🙂 I hope you find them too! Thanks Annemarie!
Val says
January 11, 2017 at 3:20 pmWho’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.
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 9:48 pmIKR?? Silly, silly people 🙂 Let’s enjoy hot chocolate year round!
Saidah Washington says
January 11, 2017 at 2:29 pmI love trying recipes from different parts of the world. I’ll bet this tastes so good.
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 9:49 pmMe too! We’re lucky to live in a city so diverse that we can get different cuisines whenever we go out.
Neely Moldovan says
January 11, 2017 at 12:59 pmAs a huge hot chocolate lover this sounds delicious to me! I for sure need to try it!
Kelly says
January 11, 2017 at 11:58 amHoly 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!
Hanna says
January 11, 2017 at 9:47 amCant wait to try this! My son is really into hot cocoa right now!
Carmen says
January 10, 2017 at 11:21 pmYum! This looks absolutely incredible. I’ve been having Mexican hot chocolate lately so a Filipino version sounds great change.
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 9:54 pmThanks! I love a warm mug of Mexican hot chocolate too 🙂
Jillian says
January 10, 2017 at 9:53 pmYum, this sounds delicious. I can’t wait to try it!
Leah says
January 10, 2017 at 9:42 pmThis. Sounds. Amazing. I am just going to come over to your house and you can make me allllll the desserts! LOL!
Jolina says
January 12, 2017 at 9:53 pmAwesome idea! You guys bring the drinks (of course!) (PS: and if you can, an extra tray of your amazing boozy marshmallows teehee)
Samantha says
January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pmSounds 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! 😉
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:14 pmHaha maybe I should! Or at least visit, I hear it’s lovely!
Rachel says
January 10, 2017 at 4:28 pmAlways looking for a tasty new hot chocolate recipe. Found it!
Jennifer Corter says
January 10, 2017 at 4:27 pmYum yum yum! This looks delicious! I want to try it!
Barb says
January 10, 2017 at 2:18 pmOh 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. 🙂
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:16 pmOh 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 🙂
candy says
January 10, 2017 at 12:20 pmI 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.
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:17 pmIt’s really delicious, hope you find really good tablea where you are 🙂
Emily says
January 10, 2017 at 10:23 amI 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!
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:18 pmOne can never have too much chocolate and it sounds delicious with coffee!
Divya says
January 10, 2017 at 9:17 amI’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!
Jamie says
January 10, 2017 at 9:15 amI 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!
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:19 pmMe too, anytime of the year, but especially during the cold months 🙂 Hope you like this version!
Liz Mays says
January 10, 2017 at 8:25 amIt’s such a great warming and comforting drink. I love that you don’t need additional sweetener.
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:21 pmI love that about it too! You can really taste the earthy, lovely cocoa 🙂
Maria says
January 10, 2017 at 4:33 amIt’s cold as hell here and this hot chocolate would fit amazingly, thank you!
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:24 pmThis would certainly help! Keep warm Maria!
Sandra says
January 10, 2017 at 1:11 amA 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!
Barbara says
January 10, 2017 at 12:00 amMmm I think I would like this. Your mugs are cute, too. 🙂
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:25 pmAren’t they?? They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection which I have been slowly but surely hoarding haha!
juli says
January 9, 2017 at 11:23 pmOkay 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!
Jolina says
January 10, 2017 at 9:29 pmOh yay! Another year-round hot cocoa drinker 🙂 We can start a movement I tell ya!
Crystal says
January 9, 2017 at 9:26 pmI love all your Filipino dishes and this is definitely another one I’d like to try! Looks so comforting for winter.
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:27 pmThank you Crystal! Hope it helps you keep warm!
Robin says
January 9, 2017 at 9:23 pmYeah I agree with you Hot chocolate can be taken any season. I take my hot chocolate as dessert. Tablea is a must try 🙂
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:28 pmHi Robin! Oh yeah, hot choco any time of the year AND as dessert. I like the way you think! 🙂
Gillian Kent says
January 9, 2017 at 7:34 pmThis would be nice. The evaporated milk will give it a different rich flavor. Must try this.
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:20 pmIt makes it rich and very creamy 🙂 Hope you like it Gillian!
Byron Thomas says
January 9, 2017 at 5:44 pmEverything 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!
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:22 pmI 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!
Vicki says
January 9, 2017 at 5:23 pmlooks delicious and perfect for the cold weather we are having right now !!
Debi says
January 9, 2017 at 5:20 pmThis 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…”
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pmThanks Debi! 🙂 And I hope you can find them (if all else fails – Amazon lol!).
Joanna says
January 9, 2017 at 4:32 pmI 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!
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pmHope you find the tablea!
Mary Jane says
January 9, 2017 at 3:47 pmThis looks like such a delicious, cozy drink! You also take such beautiful photos 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:25 pmYou are most welcome Mary Jane! You’re too kind 🙂
Maia says
January 9, 2017 at 3:36 pmthis looks so good
Katrin says
January 9, 2017 at 9:21 amYour recipe sounds delicious. Especially, when it’s minus twenty degrees outside. And by the way, I have cup envy! They are just gorgeous.
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:26 pmAren’t they?? They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection, which I am slowly getting obsessed with haha! Thanks Katrin!
Dawn says
January 9, 2017 at 8:16 amI 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!
Jolina says
January 9, 2017 at 9:31 pmHaha 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!