9 Homemade Hot Chocolate Hacks to Perfect Your Winter Beverage Game

on November 12, 2015

Will Cook for Friends

More Like Swiss (Will Not Be) Miss(ed)

Few things can warm up the heart, body, and soul quite like a big mug full of smooth, decadent hot chocolate. From cozy nights inside to busy days spent running around in the cold fall and winter weather, nothing complements every circumstance better than sipping on some piping hot cocoa. Since the classic recipe does such a top-notch job bringing seasonal cheer to the mix, we decided to take it to the next level with a roundup of our favorite dressed-up hot chocolate recipes-you can kiss Swiss Miss goodbye forever.

Live Love Pasta

Black Bottom Hot Chocolate

This homemade hot chocolate recipe pays due homage to classic flavors while saving the specialty surprise for last-a thick layer of liquid fudge nestled indulgently at the bottom of the cup. It's okay-we stopped breathing the first time we read that, too.

Get the recipe here.

One Ordinary Day

Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Drizzled with creamy peanut butter and a hint of sea salt, this done-up drink is seriously similar to drinking a Reese's cup, which-c'mon-is something we've all fantasized about at one point or another.

Get the recipe here.

Tater Tots and Jello

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Served up wintery white hot chocolate style, this recipe is basically a dream come true for every cold-weather beverage aficionado. All the PSL and hot chocolate goodness blended perfectly into one cup? You can thank us later.

Get the recipe here-you can also kick up this recipe grown-up style by adding in a sampling of Kahlua or Bourbon.

Will Cook for Friends

Cardamom and Orange Spiced White Hot Chocolate

The minimal flavoring of classic hot chocolate is the perfect canvas for getting a little creative with the complementary ingredient list, and this ultra-sweet recipe tests the limits in all the right ways.

Get the recipe here.

Une-Deux Senses

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

If you can't get enough of red velvet cake or everyone's favorite winter drink, then this deliciously decadent combination was (and can be again) made for you. Garnish with a healthy dollop of cream cheese whipped topping for a little extra kick of rich indulgence.

Get the recipe here.

amandakbythebay.blogspot.com

Broiled Bailey's Hot Chocolate

Nothing beats the layer of warm, gooey marshmallows floating on top of your cup, and now you can have them toasted to perfection with this broiled Irish edition. Stir in a splash of Bailey's and pop your mug in the oven to let all the ingredients cook through to their utmost potential.

Get the recipe here.

12 Tomatoes

Italian Hot Chocolate

America might be content on getting by with microwavable Swiss Miss, but Italy knows a thing or two about the way to a truly magical cup of cocoa. This recipe is more like sipping on a liquefied chocolate bar than watered down cocoa powder, which pretty much seems like a hands-down decision to us.

Get the recipe here.

cocorrina.com

Hot Chocolate Chai

We know that sometimes the only timely option for enjoying hot chocolate is to fill up a glass with water, pour in a conveniently pre-made packet and stick in the microwave for a couple minutes, so we've found a recipe to kick that up a notch or two. Next time you've got no choice but to settle for the easy, add in a little vanilla chai tea mix with a splash of cinnamon to heighten the taste.

Get the recipe here. If you love the combination and want to try chai hot chocolate the more homemade way, check out this delicious recipe.

Babble

Mexican Hot Chocolate with Dulce De Leche Spiced Cream

Outfitted to the nines with vanilla bean ice cream and a lot of cinnamon, this exotic blend of classic flavors will make you a little sad you ever hosted that processed box of powdered chocolate in your cupboard. Did we mention that it's topped with made-from-scratch sweet and spicy, cayenne-infused dulce de leche cream?

Get the recipe here.