In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of whole milk and set it over medium-low heat. Warm the milk gently, stirring occasionally with a whisk or a wooden spoon to prevent scalding. Heat until the milk is warm to the touch but not boiling, roughly 5 minutes.

Once the milk is warmed, add in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture. Whisk thoroughly until both ingredients are fully dissolved and the milk is smooth and silky.

Finely chop 3 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and add it to the warm cocoa mixture. Continue whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate becomes glossy and smooth.

Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly add this slurry to your hot chocolate while whisking constantly. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.

Carefully pour the Thick Italian Hot Chocolate into your favorite mugs, adding toppings as desired.