Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Base Options

Homemade Hot Chocolate (serves 8):

• 8 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Quick Options:

• Hot chocolate mix packets
• Instant hot cocoa powder
• Pre-made liquid hot chocolate

Flavor Mix-Ins

Classic Additions:

• Mini marshmallows
• Large marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Caramel sauce

Candy Toppings:

• Crushed candy canes
• Peppermint sticks
• Chocolate chips
• Reese's pieces
• M&Ms
• Crushed Oreos
• Toffee bits

Flavor Syrups:

• Peppermint syrup
• Vanilla syrup
• Caramel syrup
• Hazelnut syrup
• Cinnamon syrup
• Salted caramel syrup

Special Additions:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Nutella
• Peanut butter
• Caramel squares
• Chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder for dusting
• Sprinkles
• Graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Homemade Hot Chocolate:

1. Heat milk: In a large pot, heat milk and cream over medium heat until steaming (don't boil).
2. Add chocolate: Whisk in chocolate chips until melted.
3. Add cocoa and sugar: Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
4. Flavor: Add vanilla and salt. Stir well.
5. Serve: Keep warm in slow cooker or pot on low heat.

Using Hot Chocolate Mix:

1. Heat water or milk according to package directions.
2. Prepare hot chocolate in large batches.
3. Keep warm in slow cooker or large thermal carafe.
4. Set out for easy self-serve.

Signature Hot Chocolate Recipes

Peppermint Hot Chocolate:

• Regular hot chocolate
• Peppermint syrup or crushed candy canes
• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy cane garnish

S'mores Hot Chocolate:

• Regular hot chocolate
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate syrup drizzle
• Graham cracker rim and garnish

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate:

• Regular hot chocolate
• Caramel syrup
• Whipped cream
• Sea salt sprinkle
• Caramel drizzle

Mexican Hot Chocolate:

• Hot chocolate with cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon stick stirrer

White Hot Chocolate:

• 8 cups milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Whipped cream
• White chocolate shavings

Fun Presentation Ideas

Fancy Mug Rims:

1. Dip mug rim in corn syrup or chocolate syrup
2. Dip in crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, or graham cracker crumbs
3. Let dry before filling

Whipped Cream Toppings:

• Make fresh whipped cream flavored with vanilla or peppermint
• Pipe decorative swirls on top
• Use canned whipped cream for easier prep

Stirrers:

• Candy canes
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate
• Chocolate spoons

Hot Chocolate Bar Setup

1. Start with base: Keep hot chocolate warm in slow cooker or insulated dispenser
2. Mugs first: Stack mugs at the beginning of the line
3. Pour station: Have someone serve the hot chocolate or set up self-serve
4. Toppings bar: Arrange all toppings in small bowls with spoons
5. Syrups: Place flavor syrups with pumps or pour spouts
6. Whipped cream: Fresh whipped cream in bowl with spoon or canned
7. Stirrers: Display candy canes and cinnamon sticks
8. Napkins: Have plenty available at the end

Activity Ideas

• Hot chocolate creation contest - who can make the best combination?
• Blind taste test to guess mystery flavors
• Create and name your signature hot chocolate drink
• Pair with Christmas movies or holiday activities
• Make it a cozy game night with board games
• Have everyone share their favorite winter memory while enjoying hot chocolate
• Take pictures of everyone's custom creations

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep toppings: Set out all toppings in bowls the night before
• Homemade mix: Make your own hot chocolate mix ahead of time
• Whipped cream: Can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated
• Keep warm: Use slow cooker on low to keep hot chocolate perfect temperature