18 Heavenly Hot Chocolate Recipes

Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate

Also called chocolate caliente, Mexican hot chocolate requires a particular type of chocolate. Chocolate de mesa (or "table chocolate") is dark cacao flavored with sugar and cinnamon, and the spice instantly upgrades the drink. Available at many stores, some brands offer options with additional spices. A little chili pepper gives it a nice kick, for instance. If you can create the luscious espuma foam on top of your cup, it's even better.

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs hit the internet in the winter of 2020 as the latest trend for this warm and cozy beverage. Each bomb is formed by sticking two half spheres of chocolate together filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles, and more.

Spanish Hot Chocolate

These thick hot chocolate recipes are the epitome of "drinking chocolate" and are often served in small cups. Spanish hot chocolate is among the densest and it's nearly a national drink in Spain. The secret is cornstarch, and you can choose between sweet or semisweet versions to perfectly match your chocolate craving. It can also be thoughtfully paired with food.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

People wait in long lines for frozen hot chocolate, but you don't have to. This recipe will show you how easy it is to create this favorite frozen drink at home. Simply toss ice cubes, milk, chocolate syrup, and hot cocoa mix in the blender and give it a whirl. Adding a pile of whipped cream, a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a dusting of shaved chocolate makes it restaurant-worthy.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

This crockpot hot chocolate recipe ticks all the boxes: it's easy, delicious, rich, and makes enough for a family. Milk, cream, sugar, and a combination of chocolate chips—dark or semisweet—and cocoa powder give this hot chocolate its rich, chocolatey flavor. If you're planning a party, it's easy to scale the recipe up for a larger crowd using a 6-quart or larger crockpot, and many foods go with hot chocolate. 

Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate

One of the first recipes that you will want to try is old-fashioned hot chocolate. It is simple, takes just a few more minutes than a packet of cocoa, and is delightfully lush and creamy.

For this recipe, you will melt unsweetened chocolate into the milk as it warms—do this gently to avoid curdling—and add a little sugar and vanilla. The method is used to make almost every other hot chocolate, so it's excellent practice for your sweet adventures.

El Submarino

El submarino comes from Argentina, and it's a fun, interactive way to enjoy hot chocolate, especially with kids. For this recipe, you'll hold off on the chocolate and simply warm milk, sugar, and vanilla. Serve that in a mug along with a piece of dark chocolate. Dunk it and allow the sweet "submarine" to melt into the steaming milk, then drink away and enjoy the chocolate slurry at the bottom of the cup.

Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

For vegan eaters, the regular version, which is made with dairy milk, is off-limits, so we set out to make a version that is safe for all, no matter what your milk preferences are. To make hot chocolate vegan, you really only need to swap out the liquid for a non-dairy milk. You'll simply heat a non-dairy milk until hot, then add cocoa powder, chocolate chips, a pinch of salt, and sugar.

Spiked Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is already sweet, so there typically isn't a need to add a sweetener. However, when that syrup includes warming spices, it's a welcome addition to cocoa. That's what happens in the spiked gingerbread hot chocolate recipe; it all starts with a homemade gingerbread-flavored syrup. Mix it with hot cocoa mix and give it a kick with spiced rum or ginger vodka. You can even skip the liquor and enjoy a more innocent treat.

Hot Chocolate Mix

Making hot chocolate mix from scratch is unbelievably simple. It's a mix of a few common dry ingredients, including powdered milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. You can also add chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. It comes together in minutes and produces a rich cup of cocoa with either milk or water. This one also makes a fun homemade gift for the holidays.

Unicorn Hot Chocolate

Utterly adorable, unicorn hot chocolate is sure to grab anyone's attention. A yummy made-from-scratch hot white chocolate lies under the colorful array of frosting, sprinkles, marshmallows, and whipped cream. Food coloring turns it a delightful pink and makes it a charming addition to unicorn-themed parties.

Hennessy Hot Cocoa

Cognac gives this Hennessy hot cocoa a nice boost. It also has lovely layers of flavor, so you can pass on the brandy and serve it to the entire family. This recipe sweetens your favorite cocoa with a special spiced syrup of brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. That is also easy to make, and when paired with brandy, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla, a sweet cup is yours to enjoy.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Now you can enjoy the taste of your favorite cake in hot chocolate form. This rich, creamy red velvet hot chocolate drink has all the flavors of the classic cake, including a cream cheese whipped cream topping that tastes just like the frosting.

Adult Hot Chocolate

It is time to get into the cocoa recipes that are for adults only. A perfect place to start is with a steaming cup of adult hot chocolate. You can use a cocoa mix or any other hot chocolate recipe for this drink, then add a shot of peppermint schnapps. Deck it out with whipped cream and grated chocolate or chocolate syrup (or both), then sit back and enjoy this mint-chocolate delight.

French Hot Chocolate

Chocolat chaud is the French take on hot chocolate. The French hot chocolate recipe is similar to others, though it's unique because it uses both water and milk. It also prefers semisweet chocolate, to which you can add as much sugar as you like. The method is a little different, too, as this one uses a double boiler to melt the chocolate.

Iced Hot Cocoa

Iced coffee is excellent, but have you tasted iced hot cocoa? It's just as satisfying and a perfect way to get your chocolate fix on a warmer day. This recipe uses a powdered cocoa mix, and there's no need to turn on the stove. The real appeal is the chocolate ice cubes. Taking the time to whip up these fun additions and letting them freeze overnight ensures your iced drink doesn't get watered down.

Dutch Hot Chocolate

Called warme chocolademelk, Dutch hot chocolate is a classic recipe from the Netherlands. It uses two types of chocolate—dark chips and Dutch cocoa—and doesn't skimp on the milk. While the freshly whipped cream is optional, it and a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon add to the experience. If you like, you can even spike it with brandy or rum.

Viennese Hot Chocolate

The word "luscious" can barely begin to describe Viennese hot chocolate. It is rich and thick and requires just three common ingredients. You'll need a full six ounces of semisweet chocolate, along with milk, but the egg yolk is the real secret to its decadent taste. The recipe makes two cups, so don't keep this one to yourself.