When it comes to chocolate, I’m a fiend. In the winter, give me a hot cocoa & I’m good to go. I drink them before work, before bed — I swear Swiss Miss runs in my blood.

As someone who drinks it constantly, I’ve also played around with recipes quite a bit. From pre-made mixes to melting chocolate in a double boiler & whipping cream by hand, there’s a million ways to spice up your hot cocoa this winter.

Mix & match to create your own special recipe. Find one you love to make it a family tradition, or set up a hot cocoa bar for everyone to create their own!
The Drink:

Chocolate: dark, semisweet, bittersweet, sweet, milk, white, unsweetened, ruby & blond / chunk, chips, syrup, powder

Base: cream, half & half, milk, coffee, water (ew, why tho?)

Spice: cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne, star anise, nutmeg, allspice, orange zest

Flavoring: caramel, almond, vanilla, coffee, matcha, mint, fruit (orange or strawberry)

21+: Amaretto, Mint Schnapps, Whipped Cream Vodka, Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Cinnamon Whiskey, Hazelnut Liqueur, Bailey’s & Kahlua, Spiced Rum, Blackberry Brandy

The Toppings:

Whipped Topping: store bought & hand made / Reddi-Wip, Cool Whip, Fluff, vegan, sugar free, flavored

Marshmallow: store bought & homemade / vegan, sugar free, cut & shaped, stuffed, sugar coated, candy crusted / mini, jumbo

Syrup: fudge, caramel, strawberry, butterscotch, maple syrup

Traditional: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, shaved coconut, crushed peppermint

Extra: donuts, cookies, candy bars, sprinkles, cereal, candied ginger, dried fruit,

Stirrer: chocolate covered pretzel rod, cinnamon stick, candy cane, Pirouette cookie, cereal & milk straw, sugar wafer spoon

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How to Make Your Own Non-Perishable Hot Cocoa Mix:

• 2 Parts Cup Powdered Milk / Instant Milk
• 1 Part Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 2 Parts Confectioner’s Sugar
• Dash of spice (optional)
• Dash of salt (optional)
• Dash of instant coffee (optional)

Sift into a bowl. Fold mixture by hand until evenly combined. Store in airtight containers.

To make: Mix equal parts mix & liquid base. Heat & enjoy.

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Hot Chocolate Shots & Cookie Shot Glasses

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Craziest Hot Cocoa Across the USA