Looking to kick things up a notch? Try this spicy hot chocolate recipe!
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The rich base of our hot chocolate. If you only have sweetened cocoa in the pantry, then omit the sugar. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cocoa and balances the bitterness. You can swap the regular sugar for maple syrup, if you’d like. Whole milk: For an extra-indulgent, creamy hot chocolate, sub some of the milk for whipped cream (see recipe notes for the ratio), or switch it up to a dairy-free milk alternative. Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle sweetness. Add-ins: Peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur, or Amaretto. Toppings: Whipped cream, Christmas marshmallows, red and green Christmas sprinkles, and/or crushed candy canes.
Location: Choose a spacious yet unobtrusive location. A table off to the side works great. Supplies and decor: Adorn your table with a festive tablecloth. Include mugs, stirrers, napkins, and any decorations. You can also create labels or little signs for different toppings and add-ins. Make it flow: Create an organized flow by placing mugs at one end next to the cocoa, then the add ins and toppings, and finally, serving spoons at the other end. Have a designated area for guests to put used cups or utensils. Add any decorations as finishing touches! Keeping it warm: A slow cooker is a great solution to keep your cocoa base warm – keep it on the lowest setting and add a ladle for an easy pour. Mix-ins and flavors: Offer an assortment of flavored syrups, like peppermint, hazelnut, or vanilla. A drizzle of caramel sauce or cinnamon sticks taste great, too! Toppings: Include whatever garnishes you’d like. Adult add-ins: Offer a selection of flavored liqueurs for adult guests. Cheers to a warm and joyful celebration!
Marshmallows: Near the holidays, you can often find festive marshmallows at your local supermarket or Walmart. These are the marshmallows that we used in the pictures. Chocolate: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate shavings, or sprinkle on some mini chocolate chips. You can use white, milk, or dark chocolate. Cinnamon stick: Stir your hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick to impart a subtle warmth. Grated nutmeg: Grate some nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for a festive aroma. Orange zest: Add a bright, refreshing note to your mug! Gingerbread cookie: Garnish the rim of your mug with a warming gingerbread cookie. Sprinkles: Use red and green for Christmas! Candy cane: Serve them to the side to stir your hot chocolate, or crushed candy cane to float on top of the whipped cream. Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce can go in the mug before the hot chocolate, or on top of the whipped cream! Coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a little crunchy texture to your hot chocolate.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings. If you have another topping you love, drop us a comment to tell us!
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