Nothing quite compares to the warm comfort of sipping from a steaming mug of hot cocoa. The rich chocolatey beverage topped with melting marshmallows is an age-old favorite on chilly nights. But those pre-packaged hot cocoa mixes leave something to be desired—not to mention they’re chock full of artificial ingredients.
Mix up your hot cocoa game—and wow your tastebuds—by adding one of these five gourmet hot cocoa recipes to your recipe rotation. Now all you need is a gooey S’more in your other hand and you’ve got a hold of the good life.
Camping in the cold weather just got so. much. better.
Base Hot Cocoa Recipe (Serves 2)
Start with this base hot cocoa recipe, and then add additional ingredients—see recipe ideas below—while heating the milk for a gourmet twist!
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk, or milk alternative
4 tablespoons sugar, or sugar alternative
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Directions:
Heat milk in saucepan over medium heat. As the milk begins to warm, add the sugar and cocoa and whisk until combined. (You can also warm the milk in coffee mugs in the microwave for 30 seconds, then add the sugar and cocoa. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring until combined.)
Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa
A spin on the classic chocolate peanut butter treat in a mug—sweet, salty and creamy.
Ingredients:
Base cocoa recipe
Add 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter (such as PB2)
Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of peanut butter
Mexican Mocha Cocoa
A decadent, complex cup of cocoa with a kick!
Ingredients:
Base cocoa recipe
Add 2 tablespoons instant coffee
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon
Orange Hot Cocoa
Add a burst of citrus to your cocoa to give it a refreshing bite!
Ingredients:
Base hot cocoa recipe
Add zest of 1/2 an orange
Add 2 ounces Grand Marnier liquor
Add Pinch of salt
Pro tip: For a kid-friendly version, substitute the Grand Marnier for 1/4 teaspoon of orange extract.
Boozy Peppermint Hot Cocoa
This holiday favorite makes a cozy treat all year long.
Ingredients:
Base hot cocoa recipe
Add 2 ounces peppermint schnapps
Top with marshmallows and crushed peppermint candy
Pro tip: For a kid-friendly version, substitute the peppermint schnapps for 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa
Combining creamy, salty caramel with rich chocolate makes such a perfect combo, you’ll want seconds.
Ingredients:
Base hot cocoa recipe
Add 2 to 4 soft sea salt caramel candies
Add Pinch of salt
Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
Pro tip: Depending on the size of the caramel candies, you may want to add two to each cup.
