How to Make the Ultimate Hot Chocolate

Cozying up with a warm mug of steaming hot chocolate is one of the simple joys of the holiday season. Our hot chocolate mix is a customer favorite, and here’s the secret: it’s produced from shavings of premium Guittard chocolate instead of cocoa powder, so it has a rich, intense chocolate flavor and a velvety texture. Start there, then try these tools, tips and toppers to take your cup to the next level.

The Base

An assortment of hot chocolate flavors makes it easy to create your own perfect drink. Choose from classic, peppermint, double dark chocolate, vanilla (spiked with white chocolate!) Stir in spoonfuls of the chocolate shavings until you reach your desired richness. And if measuring spoonfuls seems like too much work this time of year, you can just drop Frosty’s face (our snowman “bomb”) into a mug of hot milk.

And remember, milk frothers aren’t just for lattes! Use it to add a creamy texture to your hot chocolate —  you’ll taste the difference. Adults, add a splash of rum or bourbon, if you like.

The Toppings

Festive spices and other add-ins make each cup special. Marshmallows: mini snowflakes; mini snowmen; dog mug toppers; you name it. Whipped cream makes a mug extra indulgent; if you feel like getting fancy, try infusing your cream with our iSi Mini Cream Whipper. You can add any sweeteners and flavorings you please, such as warm spices or vanilla extract.

For garnishes, try cinnamon sticks or a cute chocolate Santa stirring stick, which add color and subtle flavors. Or, add more chocolate shavings from the mix for an added dose of the good stuff. Here are some of our favorite combinations:

• Classic hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate shavings
• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with gingerbread
• Peppermint hot chocolate with marshmallow stars and chocolate-peppermint poles

The Extras

Comforting hot chocolate begs for a special holiday mug. Reindeer mugs make for cheerful sipping, and snowman mugs are cute as a button (nose).

A platter is great for toting and displaying mugs, pitchers and bowls of toppings. Or, if you love peppermint bark as much as we do, show it! Serve them on a tray and add some of our peppermint bark confections, too.

Make hot chocolate part of your holiday dessert course by setting up a build-your-own hot chocolate bar, with all the flavors and fixings on one buffet or table. Make a cup just the way you like it, and let guests do the same — then gather around and savor the sweet warmth of this special season.

Drink more hot chocolate!