Whisk heavy cream, sugar, and salt to make whipped cream. Set aside.Use a handheld milk frother to make whipped cream in seconds. Whip until soft peaks form.
Combine milk and chocolate syrup in a saucepan. Simmer chocolate and milk on low heat for 4 minutes.Don't let it come to a boil. Stir occasionally.
Pour hot chocolate into a mug. Top drink with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Homemade or store-bought chocolate syrup can be used but the homemade version is recommended since it's very easy to make and you have complete control of the ingredients.
Whole milk makes the hot chocolate the creamiest but you can use any kind of milk you like.
Instead of using chocolate syrup, you can use cocoa powder and sugar. Use good quality cocoa powder since it makes a big difference on how the hot chocolate tastes. Use 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Homemade chocolate syrup is a cost-saver but store-bought is a time-saver.
Whipped cream topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before adding to the drink to fluff it back up.