Winter means many many things. Ice skating, holiday shopping, lighting the fireplace and of course, mugs of rich and delicious hot chocolate. While you can never go wrong with the classic, it never hurts to spruce up an old favorite and add a bit of spice. These decadent hot chocolate recipes are far from mixing packaged mix into hot water. They are bursting with bold flavors tamed only by the necessary dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Orange Mocha Hot Chocolate
Recipe from The Cupcake Confession
Orange and chocolate are a match made in food heaven. This holiday drink has cinnamon zest, nutmeg, orange, coffee, marshmallows and chocolate. If you are making this for adults only, you can add a splash of orange liqueur.
Cashew Coconut Hot Chocolate
Recipe from Taste and Tell
Even if you are dairy-free, there are plenty of delicious hot chocolate recipes out there that are made with water or nut milks like this cashew coconut hot chocolate. Cashew milk and coconut milk are combined with semi-sweet chocolate and topped with coconut scented whipped cream and toasted shredded coconut. I like to dust mine with some crushed cashew brittle as well.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Recipe from Fashion Addicted Foodies
Hot chocoalte for grown-ups is a guaranteed way to warm you up in the winter. Mexican hot chocolate is full bodied with notes of cinnamon and chile pepper. A splash of coffee liqueur adds depth of flavor and compliments the other complex flavors.
Cranberry Hot Chocolate
Recipe from Eats Well With Others
Cranberry might seem light an unusual flavor to pair with chocolate but their natural tartness gives this hot chocolate an edge. This cranberry, cinnamon, chocolate fusion wakes up all corners of the palette. Plus this recipe is dairy-free because it uses almond milk instead of cow's milk.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Recipe from Fork to Belly
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic duo during the holidays. This peppermint hot chocoalte has all the fixings from homemade marshmallows, candy canes and freshly whipped cream. One sip and you will be hooked.
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