5 Heavenly Hot Chocolate Variations To Try This Winter

Hot chocolate is a beloved winter drink that is popular all over the world. Elevate your winter evenings with these delicious and exciting variations of this iconic drink.

Winter is the season to wrap ourselves in blankets and relish some warm and comforting delicacies. It is also a time to dive into a hearty and creamy cup of the world’s favorite drink hot chocolate. Easy to prepare, it not only keeps you cozy and healthy but has a yummy taste as well. Be it a celebratory occasion like Christmas or just a chocolate craving on a chilly evening, this beverage is perfect for everyone.

Made with milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder and chocolate shavings as the main ingredient, it is topped with various items such as marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy cane and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whipped cream is also an integral ingredient of this winter drink that gives it a rich and creamy texture.

So, if you also want to whisk a warm cup of hot chocolate for yourself, here are five variations to try:

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Created with cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel and Kahlua, this interesting version of hot chocolate can keep you warm and cozy even on the chilliest day of this season. It is an ideal drink for your winter get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1-ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
• Mini marshmallows, for serving
• Salted caramel, for serving
• Chocolate syrup, for serving

Method

• In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in Kahlúa. Serve immediately with a garnishing of mini marshmallows, salted caramel and chocolate syrup.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

This is a dose of double flavors that every sweet lover will enjoy. Easy to prepare, it is a yummy combination of peanut butter and chocolate in solid form. Peanut butter hot chocolate is a silky-smooth drink that is perfect to enjoy at any time on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Chocolate sauce, for topping
• Peanut butter sauce, for topping

Method

• Add milk, chocolate morsels, and peanut butter to a blender and process on high for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is hot and frothy.
• Pour hot chocolate into 2 mugs. Top with the mentioned ingredients and enjoy.

Classic Hot Chocolate

Made with basic pantry ingredients like milk, sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract, this is the most famous variety of hot chocolate. It is also topped with whipped cream and marshmallows to amp up its taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method

• In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa. Add milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla and whisk well.
• Place over medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring continuously. Set aside to cool to your desired temperature and serve with your favorite toppings.

White Hot Chocolate

Why go for the traditional dark brown drink when you can create a gorgeous white-hot chocolate for your loved ones. Made with finely chopped white chocolate and pink gel food coloring, it is so tempting that no one can resist taking a sip.

Ingredients

• 4 c. whole milk
• 12 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
• Pink gel food coloring

Method

• Combine milk, chocolate, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking from time to time, until mixture is hot and smooth for about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to frosting and stir twice to create a swirl pattern then carefully transfer to a piping bag. Pipe on top of hot chocolate in mugs.

Spiked Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

If you want to add a spicy twist to your regular hot chocolate, enhance its taste with homemade gingerbread-flavored syrup. Combined with hot cocoa, this delight will give you a warm essence along with unique taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Honey or maple syrup to taste

Toppings:

• Whipped coconut cream
• Cacao beans
• Cocoa Powder or dark chocolate for dusting

Method

• In a saucepan, heat the milk with vanilla extract. Add cocoa powder, molasses, and spices.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time until cocoa is dissolved completely. Cook for a few minutes, just until the mixture is steaming and is warmed thoroughly.
• Add maple syrup or honey. Remove from heat and fill into mugs. Top with whipped coconut cream, and dust it with cocoa powder, dark chocolate and serve.