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Christmas Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a festive and customizable Christmas Hot Cocoa Bar, perfect for holiday gatherings. Guests can create their ideal warm drink with a variety of delicious toppings and mix-ins.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Hot Cocoa Base
  • 8 cups Milk
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
Toppings & Mix-ins
  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate chips (milk, dark, white)
  • Crushed peppermint sticks
  • Caramel sauce
  • Sprinkles
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Chocolate syrup
Optional Spikes
  • Peppermint schnapps
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Kahlua

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Serving mugs
  • Small serving bowls
  • Ladle
  • Slow cooker or thermos (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the hot cocoa base by whisking cocoa powder, sugar, and salt with milk in a saucepan, heating until steaming, then stirring in vanilla extract.
  2. Arrange an assortment of toppings and mix-ins like whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate chips in small serving bowls.
  3. Set up the bar with mugs, spoons, the hot cocoa in a pitcher or slow cooker, and all toppings for guests to customize their drinks.

Notes

Keep the hot cocoa warm in a slow cooker on a "warm" setting if serving for an extended period. Offer dairy-free milk alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions. Provide labels for toppings to help guests identify options.