Nothing beats a comforting, warm cup of hot chocolate to get you into the holiday spirit and make your days a little more festive. Looking for a twist on a holiday classic? We’ve got five recipes that will make your taste buds jingle all the way! We’ve linked the ingredients to the Flipp app so you can easily find the best prices on everything you’ll need.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Isabel from Isabel Eats shares her authentic hot chocolate recipe that even includes a kick of cayenne pepper or chili powder to really warm you up.
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp ground cayenne (optional – you can omit this if you don’t want it too spicy)
- 1 oz semisweet chocolate
- Optional toppings: marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon stick
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if desired).
- Mix together with a whisk, add the bittersweet chocolate and heat until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Divide hot chocolate into 2 mugs and serve with marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and a cinnamon stick.
Whipped Hot Chocolate
Something a little bit different, but totally worth it! You can make this one hot or iced, and it all comes together in five minutes.
Ingredients:
(Serves 1)
- 2 tbsp powdered hot chocolate mix
- 5 tbsp heavy cream
- 6 oz milk
- Chocolate sprinkles (Optional)
Directions:
- In a medium sized mixing bowl whip together the heavy cream and hot chocolate mix using a whisk or mixer until it has the consistency of whipped cream.
- Heat your milk in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until it is hot.
- Top the milk with the whipped hot chocolate, top with chocolate sprinkles if desired.
- Stir and enjoy!
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Salted caramel is a classic combination around the holidays and for good reason! This recipe is very customizable, as you can adjust the amount of chocolate chips and caramel sauce to reach your desired consistency.
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
- 2 cups milk, preferably whole
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla marshmallows
- Grated chocolate for garnish (Optional)
- Caramel sauce (for topping)
Directions:
- Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Once milk is warm, stir in chocolate chips and caramel sauce, and cook whisking constantly until chocolate has melted.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve warm, topped with whipped cream or mini marshmallows, drizzle each serving with caramel sauce and garnish with grated chocolate if desired.
- *For a richer hot chocolate, you can use up to ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips and mix in more caramel sauce as well if desired.
Orange Hot Chocolate
If fireworks of flavor were possible, it would be with this zesty orange hot chocolate that includes a hint of cinnamon. By using the zest of one orange, this drink will bring just the right amount of citrusy goodness.
Ingredients:
(Serves 4)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 5 tbsp sugar, or to taste
- 6-7 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Zest of one orange
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Directions:
- Add 1 cup of milk to a saucepan, over medium heat. Add in unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, zest of one orange, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give it a stir, and once it starts to simmer and rise, add the rest of the milk.
- Strain it through a sieve before you pour it into cups to avoid drinking the zest! Serve warm.
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Amp up the holiday vibes with this gingerbread-infused hot chocolate that includes the perfect medley of all the festive spices that bring back jolly memories.
Ingredients:
(Serves 4)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 tbsp brown sugar
- Fresh ginger (1.5 inch/4 cm long)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Optional toppings: gingerbread syrup, gingerbread spice mix, 1 tbsp superfine sugar
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan combine water, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, sugar, and sliced fresh ginger (skin removed). Bring this to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 7-10 minutes or until the syrup is infused with the spices.
- Meanwhile, whip the cream with sugar and set it aside for later.
- To the saucepan with the syrup, add milk and cocoa powder. Whisk until well combined. Bring to a boil and cook for about a minute. Turn off the heat and remove the spices (either with a spoon or strain the drink through a cheesecloth).
- Pour into mugs and serve, topped with whipped cream, gingerbread sugar (mix gingerbread spice with superfine sugar), and gingerbread syrup.
Give these recipes a try and let these hot chocolates bring you comfort and joy through this holiday season and beyond!
