Charbonnel et Walker Original Drinking Chocolate 200g

The Charbonnel et Walker Original Drinking Chocolate 200g is the sort of hot chocolate you bring out when cocoa powder just won’t quite do. Made from fine dark chocolate flakes, it melts into a rich, smooth drink that feels especially welcome on cold evenings.

The original recipe dates back to 1875, when Chocolat Charbonnel was made in English chocolate houses with chocolate and water. These days you can make it with milk, oat or almond milk for something richer, then add whipped cream, extra chocolate flakes or even a splash of liqueur if Christmas calls for it.

Charbonnel et Walker has been making chocolates in Britain since the Victorian era, and there’s something nicely old-fashioned about a tin of proper drinking chocolate at Christmas. It’s a lovely gift for a chocolate lover, but equally easy to justify keeping beside the kettle.