When it’s cold outside there’s nothing better than slipping into something cozy and comfortable, putting on a great film and enjoying a nice hot mug of hot chocolate.
Don’t underestimate the humble hot choc, it’s our go-to takeaway beverage on freezing mornings, and the best way to end your evening in front of the TV. But if you want to upgrade your hot chocolate and get a little something more out of it, these recipes will definitely bring you joy!
Boozy Peppermint Twist
In the winter months, it’s appropriate to openly drink. Boozy hot chocolates and mulled wine are common at Christmas markets and winter wonderlands, so why not bring some of that joy home. I saw this recipe on Facebook and almost lost my mind. Cannot wait to try it.
50ml Smirnoff Peppermint Twist
3 tsp cocoa powder
200ml milk
whipped cream for topping
Add 50ml Smirnoff Peppermint Twist (or similar peppermint spirit) to your mugs. Next, add 3 teaspoons of cocoa powder. In a saucepan or microwave, heat the milk and add it to your prepared mugs. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved, top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
It’s pumpkin spice season (again!). It always takes us by surprise, suddenly PSL is back on the menu and everyone’s losing their minds. This year, why not introduce a bit of pumpkin spice into your hot chocolate and feel as though you’ve got your very own barista at home?
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup whipped cream
ground cinnamon for topping
ground nutmeg for topping
Whisk the milk, cream, chocolate chips and cocoa powder together in a saucepan over medium heat until chocolate chips are melted and it resembles a smooth hot chocolate. It usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes to become smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until they’re blended perfectly. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sprinkles.
Disneyland Hot Chocolate
If you’ve ever had hot chocolate at Disneyland, you know they’re not messing around. These hot chocolates are called the best in the world! Their recipe is secret, but the perfect cozy, sweet cocoa drink for a cold, wintery day. Six Sisters Stuff adapted this recipe to be as close to the original as possible, so now all you need to do is marathon your favorite Disney movies.
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon milk chocolate, grated
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
whipped cream for topping
ground cinnamon for topping
Pour milk and heavy cream into a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. In a large bowl, whisk the cocoa, sugar and milk chocolate together. Slowly add this dry mixture to the milk mixture until combined. Reduce heat to medium. Add in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, stir until completely combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer. Serve in mugs, top with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and chocolate shavings.
Spiced Aztec Hot Chocolate
If you like things a little spicy, you’ll love this. Sometimes, when it’s freezing outside, you just need something with a kick to keep you warm. Adding chili pepper to chocolate is nothing new, but it definitely gives the humble hot chocolate a fiery kick.
1 cup milk 5.oz chopped dark chocolate
1/4 tsp cinnamon
tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (or spices)
Melt the chocolate in a pan with milk, when the chocolate is almost melted, add the cinnamon, stir and a tiny pinch of pepper to your taste (you can add more if you like more of a kick!). This is a truly warming hot chocolate.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Who isn’t comforted by red velvet cake? Marrying red velvet cake with hot chocolate might be a genius idea, but this recipe takes a bit of work. If you’re having friends over or doing a cozy date night – this would be the perfect drink!
4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp red food coloring
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp whipped cream cheese, room temperature
Combine heavy cream and sugar in a mixer. Whip on medium speed with the whisk setting for 2-3 mins. Before peaks form add cream cheese and whisk for 2 minutes. Taste and add more cream cheese if necessary. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, add a splash of water, and chocolate chips, stir gently. When the chips are looking like they’re close to melting, add the red food coloring and stir. When the chocolate chips are thoroughly melted, pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with the whipped cream.
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