DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

Wake me up before you cocoa.

Published November 23, 2020

There’s nothing better than a big mug of hot chocolate on a frosty winter night. Who doesn’t love to get cozy by the fireplace and warm up with a cup of cocoa? What child doesn’t love waiting up for Santa with a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows?

That’s why we created this DIY hot chocolate bar guide. It’s quick and easy to pull together — the hardest part will be deciding which toppings to add on top! Here is a classic hot chocolate recipe and inspiration for creating the perfect hot chocolate bar.

Quintessential Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients:
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups milk or hot water
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method:
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and 1/2 cup of milk or hot water in a saucepan over low heat. Mix until smooth, slowly adding the remaining milk or hot water. Do not bring mixture to a boil. Once all the liquid is added and warmed, remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Mix until frothy and serve immediately in your favorite mug. Serves 4.

An Array of Toppings

Some people take their hot chocolate black, but others know how to live it up. Here are some toppings to get your sweet masterpiece started:

Marshmallows
Whipped cream
Chocolate sauce
Caramel sauce
Sea salt
Candy cane garnishes
White chocolate chips or shavings
Cinnamon stick garnishes
Coconut shavings
Graham cracker crumbles
Your favorite candy, crushed

Visit the Hot Chocolate Station

It’s all in the presentation! Use any of these suggestions to create your own hot chocolate bar that will have both kids and adults coming back for seconds.

Set your table with a festive tablecloth or table runner. This will protect it from any spillovers while adding some color and character to your bar.
Add a fun “menu” chalkboard that lists available toppings, flavors, and festive phrases.
Use a large thermos like this one to dispense safely and keep your hot chocolate warm all evening.
Arrange toppings in mason jars. You can decorate the jars with holiday ribbon and labels for an extra touch of color and detail.
Put out your family’s favorite mugs or holiday coffee cups.

Finally, fill up cups with hot chocolate and pile on the toppings!

Here are some more festive hot drinks to try this winter.