Top 10 hot chocolate recipes
When the cold sets in, comfort yourself with a steaming mug of creamy hot chocolate, with the toppings of your choice. We have lots of ideas to crank up your cocoa.
You know winter has truly arrived when you're wrapped up in a woolly jumper, sipping a mug of something warm and comforting. It's the perfect time to indulge, and hot chocolate is the idea treat for the whole family to share. We have decadent tastes when it comes to hot chocolate (along with our other favourite drinks for the festive season). Whether you're hosting a cosy gathering or simply having a quiet night in, you'll want to take that cup of cocoa to the next level.
Once you've tried the classic, we've got plenty more ideas from aromatic gingerbread hot chocolate to fun hot chocolate stirrers that also make a great edible gift. So, grab your favourite mug and get stirring. There's more where that came from with this complete hot chocolate recipes collection, including flavours like coconut, hazelnut, white chocolate and even vegan options.
1. Homemade hot chocolate
Up your hot chocolate game with this classic recipe, which is adaptable to your own tastes and flavours. Use either grated milk or dark chocolate for a change in sweetness. If you're feeling in extra need of something special, add a pinch of chilli, cinnamon, nutmeg or even a splash of rum. Follow our recipe for this homemade hot chocolate.
2. Slow cooker hot chocolate
Did you know you that can make hot chocolate in a slow cooker? For our slow cooker hot chocolate recipe, simply add milk and chocolate (we used a combination of dark and milk for the ideal balance of sweetness) to a slow cooker and leave to gradually melt until smooth and glossy.
3. Salted caramel rum hot chocolate
For those who like something a bit stronger and sweeter, we've blended dulce de leche with a splash of rum to make a salted caramel hot chocolate. A light sprinkling of salt brings out those rich flavours. Move over hot toddy – this is a surefire winter warmer.
4. Gingerbread hot chocolate
If you're looking for a festive drink, try our gingerbread hot chocolate. Milk is infused with ginger, orange zest, cloves and cinnamon for an extra warming cup that will make your kitchen smell amazing. Serve with gingerbread men for dunking.
5. Mexican hot chocolate
Balance the sweetness of a classic hot chocolate with slightly floral cinnamon and a dash of chilli. Chilli and chocolate are a flavour match made in heaven. The secret to this super smooth and frothy drink is continuous whisking, use an electric whisk to get the right effect.
6. Hot chocolate stirrers
7. Choc-orange hot chocolate
This smooth and sweet hot drink is what you need on a night in with friends and family. A real Christmassy treat, it's made with double cream, milk, dark chocolate and orange liqueur, so it is bound to become a winter favourite. This choc-orange hot chocolate would be nice served with biscuits.
8. Unicorn hot chocolate
Think pink! Made with white chocolate, a cheeky bit of food colouring gel and all manner of sweets and sprinkles to decorate, this is our extravagant unicorn hot chocolate. It's a fun, quirky option for entertaining friends or little ones.
9. Midnight mint hot chocolate
Lift spirits high with this minty, boozy hot chocolate. With peppermint, cream, milk, rich dark chocolate and crème de menthe, it's a drink to enjoy as a well-earned treat or party tipple. Follow the recipe for our midnight mint hot chocolate and enjoy.
10. Vegan chai hot chocolate
This creamy, vegan spiced hot chocolate doesn't compromise on consistency or flavour. Our vegan chai hot chocolate uses oat milk and a deliciously warming combination of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Top with vegan whipped cream, a generous shaving of chocolate and a pinch of cinnamon.
Try out more of our delicious recipes:
Hot chocolate station
Peppermint candy cocoa
White hot chocolate
Hazelnut cream hot chocolate
Snow globe hot chocolate
Coconut hot chocolate
Vegan hot chocolate
Learn how to make a range of boozy hot chocolate drinks in our easy-to-follow video:
Like these hot chocolate recipes? Check out other drinks ideas:
Top 10 warming drinks for your flask
Easy sloe gin cocktail recipes
5 mulled drinks you can make in minutes
What's your favourite chocolatey flavour combo? Leave a comment below.
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