Tired of the same old hot chocolate? Get ready for a hot chocolate upgrade from Auntie M! We all know that hot chocolate is one of the few saving graces of winter. Along with fireplaces, sweaters and long-simmering stews, a piping hot mug of cocoa is one of the things that gets us through the coldest, darkest months of the year.
I can remember my Mother loading all 4 of us kids and all 7 of our cousins in the old station wagon headed out to the local sledding hill in the country. We all knew waiting for us back home would be the treat of Mom’s homemade hot cocoa. Fond memories of days past.
We have found many ways to add that extra zip to your hot cocoa beverage. Here are creative new ways to consume this past time favorite with some of these additives. Drink up!
Who can't resist a S'More? I know I can't! Toasted marshmallow with a graham cracker rimmed glass then topped with more graham crackers and chocolate drizzle on top...YUM!
Just some simple Redi Whip can make a boring hot cocoa special. A well blended hot chocolate a white fluffy topping is what most of us know about.
Made in ice cube trays, just layer melted marshmallows with a mixture of chocolate and crushed up candy canes. Drop one in each cup of hot cocoa.
Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa is always a hit with hot chocolate. But, whiskey, peppermint schnapps, Cointreau works well too — your imagination is your only limit... as long as you’re an adult.
You can go ahead and pretend you’ve ever seen anything as cute as this! With some pre-prep time everyone will go ga-ga over this side fancy treat.
This hot cocoa features both coconut milk in the hot chocolate itself and a toasted coconut rim on the mug.
Gently smash a few Oreos and place on top. If you like Cookies & Cream, you'll love this one!
Melting an Andes Creme Mint in your cocoa and then floating one on top of the whipped cream is sure to get the cup of cocoa downed quickly. Two things that go great together...chocolate & mint!
Not sure what to give your office friends? Try a gift from the kitchen with a single serving of alcohol to go in it. Very festive indeed!
Placing a whole cinnamon stick with a dusting of cayenne pepper gives it a zesty zip!
Instead of using simple marshmallows, add marshmallow cream and give it a zap with a propane torch (like the French chefs use.) Oooh la la! A French hot chocolate upgrade!
You can add a peppermint leave in the bottom for extra zip for your hot chocolate upgrade! I grow chocolate mint and add the candy cane for decoration and as a stirrer.
Salted caramel is already in everything else. Might as well add it to your hot chocolate!
This Chai Hot Chocolate is my new obsession! It is so simple to make, literally minutes. The subtle hints of spice from the chai is so nice with the rich and silky chocolate. Almond milk is perfect for this.
The best gifts come from the kitchen! This one is for the kids. Layer the ingredients in any jar then cap with the lid. Add a ribbon for decoration and there you have the perfect personal gift. And the secret ingredient is LOVE!
Get Your Hot Chocolate Upgrade Here!
1. S’Mores
Who can't resist a S'More? I know I can't! Toasted marshmallow with a graham cracker rimmed glass then topped with more graham crackers and chocolate drizzle on top...YUM!
2. Whipped Cream
3. Homemade Marshmallows
Made in ice cube trays, just layer melted marshmallows with a mixture of chocolate and crushed up candy canes. Drop one in each cup of hot cocoa.
4. Booze
Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa is always a hit with hot chocolate. But, whiskey, peppermint schnapps, Cointreau works well too — your imagination is your only limit... as long as you’re an adult.
5. Mini Gingerbread Houses
You can go ahead and pretend you’ve ever seen anything as cute as this! With some pre-prep time everyone will go ga-ga over this side fancy treat.
6. Coconut
This hot cocoa features both coconut milk in the hot chocolate itself and a toasted coconut rim on the mug.
7. Crushed Oreos
Gently smash a few Oreos and place on top. If you like Cookies & Cream, you'll love this one!
8. Mint
Melting an Andes Creme Mint in your cocoa and then floating one on top of the whipped cream is sure to get the cup of cocoa downed quickly. Two things that go great together...chocolate & mint!
9. Gifts For Friends & Co-Workers
Not sure what to give your office friends? Try a gift from the kitchen with a single serving of alcohol to go in it. Very festive indeed!
10. Cinnamon & Cayenne Pepper
Placing a whole cinnamon stick with a dusting of cayenne pepper gives it a zesty zip!
11. Toasted Marshmallow Cream
Instead of using simple marshmallows, add marshmallow cream and give it a zap with a propane torch (like the French chefs use.) Oooh la la! A French hot chocolate upgrade!
12. Peppermint
You can add a peppermint leave in the bottom for extra zip for your hot chocolate upgrade! I grow chocolate mint and add the candy cane for decoration and as a stirrer.
13. Salted Caramel
Salted caramel is already in everything else. Might as well add it to your hot chocolate!
14. Chai
This Chai Hot Chocolate is my new obsession! It is so simple to make, literally minutes. The subtle hints of spice from the chai is so nice with the rich and silky chocolate. Almond milk is perfect for this.
15. Giving It Away As A Gift
The best gifts come from the kitchen! This one is for the kids. Layer the ingredients in any jar then cap with the lid. Add a ribbon for decoration and there you have the perfect personal gift. And the secret ingredient is LOVE!