Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Chocolate

The brisk chill of frosty winter air brings an irresistibly delicious treat - hot chocolate season! There is something so deliciously satisfying of about a warm mug of gourmet hot chocolate, whether it’s shared with friends and family, or enjoyed while cozied up by the fireplace. Here at Lake Champlain Chocolates, we know just how comforting a cup of rich, full-bodied cocoa can be. During the coldest times of the year, a cup of hot chocolate is greatly appreciated and somehow manages to make things not seem quite so dreary. So, whether you are hosting a winter soirée, neighborhood sledding party, or just need a minute to relax from the hustle and bustle of life, a piping hot cup of hot cocoa is just what you need!

To melt away your winter blues, our skilled chocolatiers have created the perfect hot chocolate recipe. Be sure to check out the recipe video and explore our expert tips on how to make the perfect cocoa below. Enjoy!

How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate

Tip 1: Quality Hot Chocolate starts with quality ingredients.

Delicious hot chocolate begins with using only the best ingredients, like organic hot chocolate mix, organic oranges, and fresh, local milk.

Tip 2: Picking the right milk for your hot chocolate.

Lake Champlain Chocolates gourmet hot chocolate does not contain milk powder. While we recommend using Monument Farms whole milk, it can be made with soy, almond, or coconut milk for a great dairy-free beverage.

Tip 3: Enjoy hot chocolate all year long.

Like coffee and tea, hot chocolate can be enjoyed all year long. Try adding a scoop to your morning coffee to give your java an added boost.

Tip 4: Make it a spiked hot chocolate.

Add a splash of your favorite liqueur to enhance your cocoa, such as Barr Hill vodka or Mad River Bourbon. For the orange hot chocolate, we chose to add a splash of orange liqueur to increase the orange flavor and give it just a little extra kick. Yum!

Tip 5: Cool things down with iced hot chocolate.

Is your party really heating up? Cool things down by serving the hot chocolate blended with ice for a refreshing treat.

Tip 6: Hot Chocolate topped to perfection.

The finishing touches make a world of difference when it comes to hot cocoa. Whipped cream and marshmallows are our go-to, but you can also try grated chocolate, peppermint sticks, chocolate sauce, or even salted caramel sauce.

Tip 7: Do-It-Yourself Hot Chocolate Bar.

Hosting a large party? Set up a hot chocolate bar and sit back and watch as your guests create their own tasty concoctions.

Get the full details for our orange hot chocolate and other delicious recipes to make at home for the holidays and year-round!