Few things are more comforting on a cold winter’s night than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Check out these fun and delicious twists you can put on a classic.
Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
If you’re into salty-sweet combinations, this hot chocolate recipe is a win with its thick texture and bold flavor that will give you all the comfort you need on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
In a saucepan, mix the sugar, cocoa, and water until thoroughly blended. Add milk then heat without bringing to a boil. Take the mixture off the heat and add the peanut butter and chocolate chips while it’s still warm then blend until smooth and frothy. Sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt plus toasted marshmallows as a topping.
Nutella Hot Chocolate
If you haven’t already tried the heavenly goodness that is Nutella, now’s your chance! This hazelnut-chocolate spread tastes amazing with literally anything, and hot chocolate is no exception.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 3 heaping tablespoons Nutella
- Pinch of salt
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Warm milk in a sauce pan until steaming but not boiling. Mix in Nutella and whisk thoroughly until combined then top with a sprinkling of salt and cinnamon to bring out the flavors.
Spicy Hot Chocolate
Fun fact: Hot chocolate was first invented by the Mayans and Aztecs who would combine cocoa beans with water and spices. It was a lot more bitter than what we drink today, but this recipe is a flavorful reminder of hot cocoa’s roots. The cayenne pepper is an optional kick if you’re feeling brave!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups milk
- 10 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Combine ingredients together in a saucepan. Whisk together until the chocolate is melted and mixed thoroughly with the milk. Add the cinnamon and cayenne (optional).
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Before you scream “ewwww”, hear us out! Red wine and chocolate are already a natural pairing, and this warm mixture masterfully blends both flavors. The end result is thick and rich, making it more of drink that’s meant for savoring rather than gulping.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other red wine
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Combine milk and chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Add the red wine and heat until desired temperature is reached.
Iced Chocolate Peppermint Frappe
If you’re over the cold—or already live somewhere hot—this iced chocolate recipe will remind you of summer while refreshing you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 4 round ½ once peppermint candies
- 4 ounces peppermint flavor liqueur
- 2 cups cold milk or milk alternative
- 1 pint frozen coffee OR chocolate yogurt
- ½ cup chocolate syrup
- Peppermint sticks for garnish
- Vodka for the “grown up” version
Steps:
- Place peppermint candies in a blender and whirl until they’re pulverized.
- Add frozen yogurt, milk (or alternative), and chocolate syrup. Whirl until smooth.
- Pour into 4 glasses. Garnish with peppermint sticks.