National Hot Chocolate Day on Wednesday, January 31 is the answer to our cold weather blues. Just in time to warm our hands and hearts and make everything better, it’s the perfect excuse to make batch after batch of this magical winter elixir. Here are three hacks that elevate the humble hot treat into something very special.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Photo: The Kitchn
We know, you’re probably thinking this is some kind of internet mash-up designed to be shared on Facebook but not actually enjoyed. But think about it: Hot chocolate is fantastic, as is mulled wine. Put the two together and you have a complex, rich drink that’s made for cold nights.
Ingredients (makes 1 cup)
- Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix or Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic
- Milk
- Fruity red wine, like Tremo Maceración Carbónica
- McCormick Cinnamon
Directions
- Stir enough hot cocoa and milk together to taste in a small pan over medium-low heat.
- When you see steam rising from the pan, add 1/4-1/2 cup of red wine and a shake of cinnamon. Warm through, taste, and adjust with a little extra sugar if needed.
S’mores Hot Chocolate
Photo: Taste
All the flavors of campfire s’mores are right here. Golden, gooey marshmallows float on perfect hot chocolate with a flavorful rim of crunchy Honey Grahams, sure to delight kids and big kids alike. We’ve been known to add a spoonful of Nutella for even more indulgence.
Ingredients (makes 1 cup)
- Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix or Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic
- Milk
- Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
- Honey Maid Honey Grahams, crushed to a powder in a food processor or placed in a Ziploc and crushed with a rolling pin
- Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows
Directions
- Stir enough hot cocoa and milk together to taste in a small pan over medium-low.
- While the hot cocoa is simmering, squeeze some chocolate syrup on a plate. On a separate plate, spread the crushed grahams.
- Roll the rim of a mug in the syrup, then into the grahams so they stick to the syrup.
- Pour the hot chocolate into the prepared mug. Top with marshmallows. Carefully caramelize the tops of the marshmallows with a kitchen blowtorch.
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Photo: Chocolate Moosey
This recipe is inspired by Chocolate Moosey’s frozen hot chocolate recipe, which we’re counting down to make this summer. We’ve adapted it for winter, where the warming flavors of cocoa, peanut butter, and chocolate sauce are sure to give us a cuddle from the inside out.
Ingredients (makes 1 cup)
- Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix or Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic
- Milk
- Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
- McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped
- Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Directions
- Stir enough hot cocoa and milk together to taste in a small pan over medium-low.
- Lower the heat, and add 1-2 Tablespoons of peanut butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Gently stir until the peanut butter melts. Taste for sweetness.
- Pour into a mug and top with the chopped peanut butter cups and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
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