Upgrade Your Hot Choclate

Recipes for adults and kids!

Hot chocolate and a Christmas movie is my absolute favorite. Just turn those tree lights on, heat yourself up some yummy cocoa and hit play! In this post, I’m going to outline some of my favorite cocoa recipes, and some easy ways to make that powered mix a whole lot craftier!

I call this list my Hot Chocolate Flavor Enhancers. These are great for the whole family!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link, I may receive a portion of any sales, at no additional cost to you. Please know that while I may receive a small commission for my endorsement, I will only promote items of high quality that I think will benefit you!

Traditional Enhancers:

Milk

First, if you insist on using those powdered packets, you need to use milk. It automatically makes it a creamier mix. You could also add some extra sugar if you have a sweet tooth.

Vanilla

Add 1 tsp of vanilla for a sweet, warm mixture. It also smells amazing! This works well with a cinnamon stick or a little ground cinnamon, too. It really warms you up from the inside out.

Peppermint

Add 1 tsp of peppermint extract to create a minty twist on your chocolate! If you’re a whip cream user, you could also add crushed peppermint candies to top your whipped cream. Add a candy cane to mix it up. It’ll melt into the chocolate to add an extra kick of peppermint!

Marshmallows

This is a given when it comes to kids. The ones that come in the packet are just not the same. Get yourself some mini marshmallows and stack them up! Otherwise, for a twist, you could also use the regular size which can be much more fun to eat!

Crafty Combos:

Peanut Butter Cup

You can never have enough chocolate, right?! If you want to improve the flavor of the powdered chocolate, you can always add more! Chocolate syrup works well, or melt some chocolate chips. Adding a spoonful of Nutella will give it a slight nutty taste, and is really yummy!  Bonus? Add some Reese’s Pieces on top of the whipped cream.

Pumpkin Spice

½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice and 1 tsp of maple syrup or honey will just do the trick with this one!

Orange and Cinnamon

Add about ½ tsp of orange zest and a cinnamon stick for this perfect combo. If you want a bit more cinnamon, you can add some to top the whipped cream, or mix some into the chocolate.

S’mores

Add some chocolate syrup to the mix. Brown the marshmallows with a lighter or on the stove, but be carefully not to to drop anything or light it on fire! You can add graham cracker crumbs to top the marshmallows.

The Real Kicker

Want a special kick? Add just a pinch of cayenne pepper. Talk about warming you up!

---

For Adults Only

Many of the recipes above also have some great adult-only versions! Please only serve to those of age, and do not drive after consuming these drinks!

Irish

Add yourself a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream to your chocolate to let out your inner Irish. The Bailey’s will also spice up the Pumpkin Spice and S’mores versions of hot chocolate as well.

Kick it Up

Remember that Real Kicker? Add yourself a shot of Fireball Whiskey for a real roaster. Top with a cinnamon stick. Oh, and layer up on the whipped cream because you’re going to need it to calm the burn when you’re done.

Extra Creamy

A shot of Rum Chata will do well with this mix as well. It’s a cream-based liquor, so it works well with the milk and chocolate. This will do well with the vanilla version above, too.

The Wino

Who knew red wine went well with hot chocolate? I did! Pour some in and enjoy!

Other Boozy Treats

Here’s a list of other liquors that you can add to your chocolate!

• Peppermint Schnapps
• Kahlua
• Whiskey
• Rum
• Flavored Vodkas
  • Birthday Cake
  • Mint
  • Orange
  • Vanilla
  • Peppermint Twist
  • Caramel
  • Gingerbread