Step Up Your Spiked Cocoa

With the winter chill just around the corner, fall is a great time to start sampling delicious warm, boozy, beverages. Whether you call it hot chocolate or hot cocoa, this soothing, sweet treat is a childhood favorite that is easily kicked up for adults. Hosting a dinner party or holiday gift exchange? Consider setting up an inventive hot chocolate bar for your guests.

A good hot chocolate bar should be a tasty and fun activity for guests. Although every hot chocolate bar can be different, there are a few staples that you will need to have. Of course you will need a large batch of hot chocolate, one or a few favorite types of liquor to mix with the cocoa, and plenty of toppings for guests to choose from. Some other helpful things to include are labels or small signs to identify the ingredients, as well as plenty of straws, stirrers, spoons and mugs.

Some yummy toppings to include are peppermint candy sticks, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, flavored chocolate chips, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and cookies. Set these out in small bowls or on a platter, along with tiny spoons or scoops so your guests can easily add their favorite ingredients.

There are a number of spirits that go well with hot chocolate. If you do not have a favorite already, considering adding Peppermint Schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and essentially any kind of whiskey that you prefer. Pairing Fireball with a Mexican Hot Chocolate would be tasty, or Peppermint Schnapps with the Peppermint Hot Chocolate for a bold holiday treat. There are other spirits that go well with cocoa, and seemingly endless combinations to try.

These recipes provide one serving, so you will need to multiply by each serving needed, to serve a larger group. An alternative would be to prepare a single hot chocolate base, and allow guests to add their own customizations. Set out some printed cards or a sign with all of the recipes for your friends to enjoy.  

To make these tempting hot chocolate recipes, you’ll need to first heat the milk and/or cream in a small saucepan, on low heat. Once simmering you can then add the chocolate. Stir frequently until the chocolate melts smoothly. Finally, you can either stop here if you are making a batch for a group, or add the remaining ingredients for your personal cup.

Orange Hot Chocolate

1 Cup of Milk

½ Tablespoon of Sugar

½ Tablespoon of Grated Orange Zest

2 Ounces of Dark Chocolate

Mexican Hot Chocolate

1 Cup of Milk

5 Ounces of Chopped Dark Chocolate

¼ Teaspoon of Cinnamon

Tiny Pinch of Cayenne

Caramel Hot Chocolate

½ Cup of Milk

5 Ounces of Chopped Milk Chocolate

¼ Cup of Heavy Cream

3 Tablespoons of Caramel Sauce

Irish Hot Chocolate

1 Cup of Milk

½ Cup of Milk Chocolate Chips

2 Ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1 Cup of Milk

½ Cup of Milk Chocolate Chips

1 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract