Aside from marshmallows, of course.
Peppermint extract instantly gives the drink a holiday flair.
Mix in Nutella
Melt Nutella into the hot milk for a luscious hazelnut-infusedhot cocoa.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
Top the drink with shaved chocolate and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for the ultimate warm drink.
(Cookie butter is another store-bought spread that is delicious melted into hot chocolate.)
Simply add caramel to the hot milk mixture, allowing it to melt for a smooth drink.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Since hot chocolate can already be quite sweet, we recommend reducing the sugar slightly.
Consider using salted caramel as well, as the salt will help balance the sweetness.
Butterscotch and dulce de leche also work beautifully in hot chocolate.
For a super strong orange flavor, try steeping the milk with orange peels.
It’s a subtle flavor difference, but maple adds more depth than regular sugar does.
You could even pour your coffee-infused hot chocolate over ice cream, sort of like a hot chocolate affogato.
Add a rim
Adding a rim to a glass isn’t just for cocktails.
Coat it in crushed peppermint candies, to cookie pieces, or even toasted coconut.
Although festive sprinkles impart no real flavor, they also make a beautiful rim.
Substitute eggnog
For an extra rich (and festive) hot chocolate, useeggnoginstead of milk in your recipe.
Eggnog does contain sugar, so adjust your recipe accordingly.
you could dust the beverage with freshly grated nutmeg to really drive home the holiday flavor.
Red sprinkles over top the whipped cream will only further drive the theme home.
A kitchen torch is good for more than meringue or creme brulee after all.
It will instantly give your hot chocolate as’moresvibe that’s only further complimented by crushed graham crackers over top.
