16 Best Hot Chocolate Recipes to Warm You Up for the New Year

Nothing beats the comfort of wrapping your hands around a warm cup of hot chocolate as the New Year rolls in. It’s the perfect way to fight off the chill and treat yourself to something cozy and indulgent. Whether you’re staying in with family or hosting friends, these hot chocolate ideas will make your gatherings extra special. Let’s dive into this list of the best hot chocolates to kick off the year on a warm and delicious note.

Classic Hot Chocolate

This traditional hot chocolate combines 2 cups of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate. Heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until steaming, then whisk in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Serve hot, garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows. This rich and creamy beverage is perfect for a cozy evening by the fire. The combination of quality chocolate and milk creates a timeless treat that warms both body and soul.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Infuse your hot chocolate with a festive twist by adding 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the classic recipe. Prepare the base as usual, then stir in the peppermint extract before serving. Top with crushed candy canes and whipped cream for an extra holiday touch. The refreshing mint flavor complements the rich chocolate, making it a holiday favorite. This delightful beverage brings a cool yet warming sensation, perfect for winter celebrations.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Spice up your drink by adding 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the classic hot chocolate recipe. Heat the milk and spices together before adding the chocolate, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring and a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth, creating a uniquely flavorful experience. This spiced hot chocolate offers a delightful kick, perfect for those seeking something different.

French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)

Indulge in a Parisian café experience with this rich beverage made from 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 8 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate. Heat the milk and cream until steaming, then whisk in the chopped chocolate until fully melted and velvety. Serve in small cups due to its richness, accompanied by a glass of water. This decadent drink is thick and intensely chocolatey, offering a luxurious treat. Savoring this hot chocolate is like enjoying a melted chocolate bar in a cup.

White Hot Chocolate

For a creamy alternative, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of half-and-half, and 8 ounces of chopped white chocolate. Heat the milk and half-and-half until warm, then add the white chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Serve hot, garnished with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings. This sweet and velvety beverage offers a delightful change from traditional hot chocolate. The smoothness of white chocolate provides a comforting and indulgent treat.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Enjoy a lactose-free version by using 2 cups of almond milk, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat the almond milk until steaming, then whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve with dairy-free whipped cream or marshmallows. This vegan-friendly hot chocolate is both rich and satisfying, catering to various dietary needs.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Add a grown-up twist by incorporating 2 ounces of dark rum or bourbon into the classic hot chocolate recipe. Prepare the hot chocolate as usual, then stir in the liquor before serving. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This boozy beverage offers warmth and relaxation, perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of alcohol and chocolate creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Delight in a hazelnut-flavored treat by mixing 2 cups of milk with 1/4 cup of Nutella. Heat the milk until steaming, then whisk in the Nutella until fully dissolved and smooth. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of Nutella. The hazelnut spread adds a unique flavor, elevating the traditional hot chocolate experience. This creamy and nutty beverage is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Combine sweet and salty by adding 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt to the classic hot chocolate recipe. Prepare the hot chocolate, then stir in the caramel sauce and salt before serving. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. The balance of flavors creates a decadent and indulgent drink. This luxurious beverage is perfect for satisfying both sweet and salty cravings.

Mocha Hot Chocolate

For coffee lovers, add 1 shot of espresso to your classic hot chocolate. Prepare the hot chocolate, then stir in the espresso before serving. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The combination of coffee and chocolate provides a delightful energy boost. This mocha-infused beverage is perfect for starting your day or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Enhance your drink with warm spices by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the classic hot chocolate recipe. Heat the milk and cinnamon together before whisking in the chocolate and sugar for a smooth and spiced blend. Serve hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top or a cinnamon stick for stirring. The earthy sweetness of cinnamon beautifully complements the richness of the chocolate. This aromatic drink creates a comforting and festive experience, perfect for the New Year season.

Coconut Hot Chocolate

Create a tropical twist with 2 cups of coconut milk, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat the coconut milk, then whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth and warm. Stir in the vanilla extract and serve with whipped coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes. The creamy coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor to the classic recipe. This delightful variation is a refreshing yet warming option for cold days.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Combine the flavors of autumn by adding 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 cup sugar to 2 cups of milk. Heat the milk, pumpkin puree, and spice blend until warm, then whisk in 4 ounces of chopped chocolate until melted. Serve hot with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. The pumpkin and spice blend adds a seasonal flair to the drink, making it perfect for winter gatherings. This cozy and spiced beverage is a unique way to ring in the New Year.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Make a nutty and creamy version by blending 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Heat the milk until steaming, then whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Serve hot with whipped cream and a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich and indulgent treat. This comforting drink is perfect for peanut butter lovers looking to warm up.

Lavender Hot Chocolate

Infuse your hot chocolate with a floral note by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender in 2 cups of warm milk for 5 minutes. Strain the milk, then whisk in 4 ounces of chopped dark chocolate and 1/4 cup sugar until melted and smooth. Serve with whipped cream and a sprig of lavender for garnish. The subtle floral aroma of lavender pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a sophisticated drink. This elegant beverage is ideal for unwinding on a winter evening.

Matcha White Hot Chocolate

Combine green tea and chocolate flavors with 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of matcha powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and 4 ounces of white chocolate. Heat the milk, then whisk in the matcha powder and sugar until dissolved. Stir in the white chocolate until melted and smooth, and serve hot with a sprinkle of matcha powder. The earthy matcha balances the sweetness of white chocolate for a unique twist. This vibrant and creamy drink is both energizing and comforting.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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