How to Create a Hot Cocoa or Hot Chocolate Bar

Is it really a holiday party without the hot cocoa or hot chocolate?

When I set up a drink station for our holiday parties, I will use Hershey's Cocoa powder to make cocoa, but sometimes I go to the chocolate store and buy a special dark chocolate bar for hot chocolate.

I set up a bar with spearmint and peppermint candy canes, peppermint syrup for the kids, and peppermint vodka or bourbon for the adults. These are my favorite additions, but there are more suggestions below.

Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate

Most people don't realize that hot cocoa and hot chocolate are different drinks. Both are warm, and both are wonderful additions to your holiday, but there are a few differences. 

Hot cocoa is made with a base of powdered cocoa. If you're making it from scratch, you'll want to sweeten it with sugar. The packets you buy from the store are cocoa with sugar mixed in, so they're ready to add water or milk to. Either way works for a quick, warm beverage.

Hot chocolate is what you want to make if you like a thicker consistency. You can make it by heating up milk, water, or cream on the stove and adding your favorite chocolate bar. You may want to taste test this one before serving, but you shouldn't have to add sugar to hot chocolate because the chocolate bar will already have sugar in it.

What Alcohols Go with Hot Cocoa or Hot Chocolate?

Here are some of my favorites for creating adult hot chocolates:

• Peppermint Schnapps 
• Bailey's Irish Creme
• Bailey's Salted Caramel 
• RumChata 
• RumChata Peppermint Bark

Grab a big bottle from the store if you love some of these. Otherwise, it's fun to set out a variety of airplane shots (and they make great stocking stuffers for the adults on your list!) 

Top It Off!

Marshmallows and whipped cream are the two most popular toppings for hot cocoa. Add homemade marshmallows or vodka-infused whipped cream to your bar if you want to stick to traditions but make it extra special.

Let your guests sprinkle their whipped cream with these fun toppings: 

• Miniature chocolate chips or shaved chocolate
• Toffee bits
• Crushed peppermint
• Crushed Oreos
• Crushed Butterfingers
• Sprinkles
• Cinnamon
• Caramel sauce
• Hot fudge sauce

Or garnish with these tasty treats:

• Andy's Mints
• York Peppermint Patties
• Candied pecans
• Rolled wafers
• Homemade cookies (cut in sticks)
• Fresh orange slices

If you ask each of your guests what their favorite candy is before your next gathering, you may end up with some exciting chocolate bar combinations! There's no right or wrong way to create a chocolate bar. Just keep it fun!