Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

What is better than Gourmet Hot Chocolate ideas? Most of them can even be made with the contents in your very own pantry.

Did you know that their is a National Hot Cocoa Day? The date tends to varies from year to year, but it tends to be in the winter between December 1-February 1, so be sure to check your calendar. What a perfect way to celebrate the winter months! I love hot cocoa this time of year. I can not find a better reason to celebrate this snow day, especially since it’s a National Day after all. Dexter has always been our official snow cat, as long as he does not have to out step into it, he loves it. Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS As you can see we had a little bit of cold winter weather last weekend which worked out great for the photo shoot. I just moved everything outside and was super happy we were photographing hot chocolate. One cup for me two for the pictures, it worked out great .Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS As a grown up, I wanted to create a gourmet list of Hot Chocolate ideas similar to what I did with previously with my S’mores Recipes I posted back in the fall. I really love the idea of taking ordinary childhood treats and elevating them to be extraordinary. Make them special, and bring them to an elevated level for a real culinary experience but still keep it fun. Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS This is my basic base Hot Chocolate Recipe, which makes about 4-6 cups:

HOT CHOCOLATE:

  • 10 oz  semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1  1/2 Tablespoons (Brown) Sugar
  • 4 cups milk (you can also substitute in 2 cups of half & half, or 1 cup of heavy cream for a richer texture)
  • 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (this brings out the chocolate flavor)

PREPARATION – Mix together the dry ingredients – chocolate, sugar, salt, and add 3 tablespoons from your milk cup, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until cocoa and sugar are dissolved, then add in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla, top with whipped cream and serve.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS *Please note that this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. These involve no extra cost to you, but may result in me receiving a small commission – for which I am very grateful! You can view my full advertising disclosure here

If you are not feeling up too making your own Hot Cocoa let me introduce you to another one of my favorites Godiva Hot Chocolate. This will take all the work out of the equation to give you more time to relax. So even if you decided not to make your own from scratch and use a packet or pod, Here’s how to take your hot chocolate up a level. Theses add in recipes are per cup – so you can use these on a hot cocoa bar for the holidays:

  • Hazelnut –Stir in 1 Tablespoon of Nutella – Sprinkle with Crushed Hazelnuts. (Grown Up version add shot of Frangelico.) 
  • Chocolate Orange – Melt in 1 square of Orange chocolate Garnish with orange peel or slices. (Grown Up version add shot of Grand Marnier.) 
  • Peppermint – Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.  Add mint leaves and crushed peppermints to the top, a peppermint patty would also be a fun cup garnish. (Grown Up version add shot of Peppermint Schnapps.) I also like to garnish with Harry & David’s Peppermint Bark.
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry – Stir in 1 Tablespoon of Strawberry Jam. (Grown Up version add shot of Amaretto.) 
  • S’more – Top with Mini Chocolate chips, marshmallow and graham cracker sticks for dipping. (Grown Up version add shot of Baileys Irish Cream.)
  • Spicy Aztec – Add 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon & nutmeg, plus a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. (Grown Up version add shot of Patron Cafe’.)
  • Pumpkin Spice – Stir in 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice and gingerbread cookie garnish. (Grown Up version add shot of William Wolf Pecan Bourbon.)
  • Cookies & Cream – Add whipped cream to top with crushed up Oreo and Chips Ahoy. (Grown Up version add shot of Godiva White Chocolate Liquor) 
  • Peanut Butter Cup – Stir in 1 Tablespoon of Peanut Butter – Garnish with whipped cream and a Reese’s cup. (Grown Up version add shot of William Wolf Pecan Bourbon.) 

Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS You may have noticed that I added the “Grown Up” adult add ins above in italics. I found this just to be simpler way to show that these recipes can be altered and revamped into a sweet grown up treat as well.
Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS A couple more adult versions that can not be translated into a non alcoholics version  include:

  • Stout Chocolate – add in a a stout beer of your choice in a 50 % ration to the hot chocolate base mix. Chocolate covered pretzel stir sticks are a must for this one.
  • Choco Vino  add in a rich deep Merlot wine to a semi sweet dark chocolate base. Top with dark chocolate shavings.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate JENRON DESIGNS

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10 Gourmet Hot Chocolate Recipes JENRON DESIGNS

38 Comments

  1. Well these all sound amazing! As a huge Reese’s fan I’ll defo by trying to make the peanut butter one 😍😋☕

  2. Awesome post! Really love the idea of adding some Grand Marnier and orange slice, will definitely be trying this out on December 13th!

  3. Oh wow this looks so pretty and yummy! I love hot cocoa! My go to winter hot drink besides tea!

  4. Hot Chocolate is my favorite part of Winter. I will definitely be trying at least a few of these additions this year!

  5. This looks so good! I love the idea of adding orange slices 🙂

  6. You had me at ‘chocolate’! All of this looks amazing and your photographs are beautiful. Have you heard of the danish term “Hygge”? If not, you should look it up. I think you have mastered it!

  7. Reading through all those additional ingredients has my mouth watering! Now I really want a hot cocoa!

  8. I’m not an expert of chocolates but I have quite knowledge about it. This organic 70% dark chocolate with orange flavor is perfect for those who loves the aroma and savour of orange on their hot chocolates. It would be perfect for me personally if I add Baileys on it 😉

  9. That sounds tasty! Way better than store bought packets. I bet that’s perfect for snow day off work with the family.

  10. Kathryn

    Sounds amazing. Love how you have recreated the normal hot chocolate, will definitely be making this one over the holidays. Thanks for sharing.!

  11. This all looks amazing! Can’t wait to try these out 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    A- simplylovely90.com

  12. Oh my gosh, the girls are going to love these ideas when they come home for Christmas. That smores version sounds yummy! Pretty sure they are going to want Baileys for an added treat!

  13. I love that you have different recipes for different flavors of hot chocolate. The Spicy Aztec has to be my favorite because I like a little kick.

  14. I agree I like the contrast with the touch of chili powder and cayenne, it is such a nice addition to the chocolate.

  15. solne_deporda1971

    I love orange especially in dark chocolate, what a good idea for a hot chocolate for the refined taste buds

  16. SEOrority Girls

    I am sorry I missed Hot Cocoa Day, but these are some great ways to make your pain Jane Hot chocolate into something special. Great list chocked full of tasty ideas, for mere pennies. Great post my friend.

  17. Jenni Prater

    Thanks so much for giving everyone a remarkably chance to read gourmet cocoa reviews from this site for national hot chocolate day.I am sure these recipes will come in handy this long and cold winter here in Quebec. Your site is so lovely and also packed with a ton of articles all designed for a great time. Pure joy and celebration.

  18. Emily's Mum

    I am just commenting to let you understand what a brilliant encounter our child had browsing your web site for hot chocolate day. She picked up sooo many things and ideas, not to mention how many cups of cocoa we had over the holidays she wanted to try them all. You actually did more than visitors expectation by adding in all the fun recipes (adult and Kid friendly) . Thank you for displaying such necessary, dependable, explanatory and easy thoughts on this topic to Emily.

  19. gigi58

    I just love hot cocoa and this time of year is just magical with the addition of it. Thanks for creating a little more magic.

  20. Land of Nod

    What’s up girl friend! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the great data you may have right here on this post. I love me some hot chocolate!

  21. Nikki

    Your warm and helpful hints and tips means a lot a person like me and especially to my all my best mates. With thanks; from everyone of us.

  22. April Helmsworth

    My kiddos are going to love these ideas for the winter months. Got to tell ya, I feel blessed to have discovered your weblog and look forward to tons of cool reading times here. Thank you!

  23. the cheap jordan’s

    I think there are some fun opportunities up front for the individuals who take a look at your blog. I had no idea about National Hot Cocoa Day but this is a great post and has plenty of useful information.

  24. Home at Mimi’s

    I truly wanted to appreciate you for the fabulous ways you are showing lifestyle ideas on this website. This fun celebration of Nation Hot Chocolate Day is not only fun but a great winter tool for unique cocoa recipes. Pinning for later reference.

  25. Sundie Breyland

    I want to express thanks to you for all the tasty ideas for hot cocoa, it has been a cold winter so far and we need all the vanity we can get.

  26. Gloria Flacks

    I needed to pick up all the proper fixings for a hot cocoa bar for the kids and grandkids, this list made it super easy for me thanks.

  27. The Wooly Farmhouse

    I’m commenting to thank you for a very good list of hot chocolate ideas, this will really help with the cocoa bar I doing for my son’s igloo birthday party.

  28. Georgia Gal

    I needed to say thanks again you have really got some super ideas and make this momma’s shopping trip super easy.

  29. moncler

    I simply desired to say thanks once more. Please know I’m thankful for your assistance and even wish you know what an amazing job you are carrying out teaching many people through the use of your site. Most likely you have all the answers that I have every looked for, you seem very on point.

  30. mama 3.0

    Thank you so much for providing these fantastic recipes, it snowed here in Louisiana and today was a perfect day for homemade coca. This post was absolutely perfect.

  31. A lot of thanks for all of thought you keep putting in to this blog. Perfect post of a snowy day and great ways to warm yourself up. You are always doing a great job.

  32. I want to let you know we tried a whole bunch these during the snow days, and they are all delicious. I will have to tell all my mom friends since you offer several ideas while using similar ingredients. Plus they can all be stored with everyday items in the pantry and have other uses if this is our last snow day of the season.

  33. Ava's Farm

    A lot of thanks for all of your effort on this website. You are always performing a powerful job.

  34. My Sunnies

    I love any kind of warm drink in the winter, my go to is tea just because it is not very sweet, but I do love a good cup of cocoa. These are all really nice ways to dress up a simple cup of cocoa and make it feel special.

  35. Jamika Magda

    Wow these are perfect ways to upgrade a regular old cup of cocoa and make it something special, great ideas.

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