Creative Ideas for Hot Chocolate
Food

Creative Ideas for Hot Chocolate

December 12, 2013 - By 

Tis the season for hot chocolate now that in many parts of the world (and definitely in Canada) it’s getting colder and colder.

Who wants boring regular hot chocolate though when you can mix it up and create something new and tasty? Why not try a new type of hot chocolate throughout the season?

Creative Hot Chocolate Ideas

Flavor Twists

  1. S’mores Hot Chocolate – Add crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Torch the marshmallows if you can!
  2. Peppermint Mocha – Stir in crushed candy cane or peppermint extract and top with whipped cream + candy cane bits.
  3. Salted Caramel – Swirl in caramel sauce, sprinkle sea salt on top.
  4. Nutella Hot Chocolate – Melt a spoonful of Nutella into your cocoa for hazelnut goodness.
  5. Mexican Hot Chocolate – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne for warmth and spice.

Fun Mix-Ins

  1. Peanut Butter Cup – Stir in a spoon of peanut butter and top with mini peanut butter cups.
  2. Cookies & Cream – Add crushed Oreos and whipped cream.
  3. Coconut Dream – Mix in coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
  4. Maple Hot Chocolate – Use a splash of real maple syrup instead of sugar.
  5. Marshmallow Explosion – Layer mini marshmallows inside the drink, not just on top, so they melt in.

Fancy Toppings

  1. Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board – Set out toppings (peppermint sticks, chocolate chips, marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles) so everyone can build their own.
  2. Whipped Cream Mountains – Flavor your whipped cream (vanilla, almond, pumpkin spice) before piping it high.
  3. Drizzled Rims – Dip mug rims in chocolate or caramel and then coat with sprinkles, crushed cookies, or candy cane dust.
  4. Frozen Whipped Cream Shapes – Pipe whipped cream into stars or hearts, freeze them, then float them on top.

Unique Variations

  1. Matcha Hot Chocolate – Half hot cocoa, half matcha latte.
  2. Lavender Hot Chocolate – Infuse the milk with dried lavender for a floral twist.
  3. Orange Hot Chocolate – Add orange zest or a splash of orange extract.
  4. Espresso Kick – Turn it into a mocha with a shot of espresso.
  5. Chili Chocolate – A bolder version of Mexican cocoa with real chili flakes.
  6. White Hot Chocolate – Use melted white chocolate instead of cocoa.