The Perfect Cup of Holiday Hot Chocolate: Feed's All You Need Guide

There's nothing like a steaming mug of hot chocolate to warm you up in the cold winter months. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it's also simple to make—meaning you can customize it however you'd like. If you’re looking for a delicious way to ring in the holidays, this All You Need Guide is for you! Read on as we share our favorite ways to create the perfect cup of holiday hot chocolate that will be sure to warm you from the inside out.

Making the Chocolate Base

The key to any good hot chocolate is making sure that you have a delicious chocolate base. If you're using cocoa powder, make sure that you're using an unsweetened variety and then add sugar or other sweeteners as desired. If you want a richer flavor, consider melting some dark chocolate into your milk before adding your cocoa powder and sweetener. For a truly luxurious cup of hot cocoa, try using melted high-quality white or milk chocolate bars instead!

Here is a delicious recipe to creating the perfect hot chocolate base for your favorite holiday drink:

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk

2 tbsp sugar

4 oz bittersweet chocolate

A splash of vanilla extract

Begin by combining milk and sugar into a small saucepan and place on the stove over medium heat. While the milk begins heating up, place the chopped pieces of chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take the chocolate out and mix it and then reheat it again in 30 second intervals until the chocolate has almost melted. Finally, when the milk begins to simmer, turn off the heat in add in the melted chocolate along with a splash of vanilla extract!

Adding Flavors

Once you've got your basic hot chocolate down, it's time to start experimenting with flavors! Popular additions include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom for a cozy holiday flavor, extracts like vanilla or almond, and even coffee for an extra kick! If you really want to go all out, consider adding some liqueur for a boozy twist on the classic favorite.

Topping Ideas

Finally, no cup of hot cocoa would be complete without a few festive toppings! Consider crushed peppermint candy canes or mini marshmallows for sweetness, crushed nuts or dried fruit for crunch, cookie crumbles for texture, sprinkles or edible glitter for sparkle, and caramel sauce or flavored syrups (like salted caramel) for richness. Don't forget about a dollop of whipped cream! Get creative with your topping ideas—the possibilities are endless!

Holiday hot chocolate is one of the most comforting drinks around—and luckily, it's also one of the easiest beverages to make! With Pop's guide in hand, get ready to start experimenting with different flavors and toppings until you find the perfect combination just in time for the chilly yet cozy holidays ahead. Enjoy your perfectly customized cup of holiday cheer!