Are you tired of your same old regular hot cocoa? Maybe you’re not, since hot cocoa is just so good! But if you do want to jazz things up just a little bit, we’ve got some super-easy and delicious ways to do it.

These hot cocoa–making techniques will need a good basic recipe to start with. If you already have a favorite recipe, great! If not, don’t worry. Here’s a really simple recipe for one cup of hot cocoa:

Hot Cocoa

Ingredients
1 cup vegan milk of your choice (we like unsweetened rice milk, but you can also use soy milk or almond milk)
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/3 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

• With your parent’s help, whisk all the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat (but don’t let it come to a boil).
• Stir until all the clumps are gone.
• Add more cocoa powder and sugar, if you like your cocoa sweet.

Now that you’ve perfected a basic cup of hot cocoa, let’s take things to a whole new level.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the perfect addition to ANY hot cocoa! Just stir 1/4 teaspoonful of cinnamon (or however much you like) into your cocoa while heating it and mix until fully melted. Stir it with a cinnamon stick, if you’re feeling fancy.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint chocolate has to be our favorite of all the holiday-themed flavors, and we know this simple trick will change your life: Add ONE drop of peppermint extract to your cup of hot cocoa to transform it into a chocolaty winter wonderland. (Be careful NOT to go overboard on the extract—it’s SUPER-strong!)

3. Chai

If you’ve tried chai, then you know how sweet, spicy, and delicious it is! To add it to your hot cocoa, boil 1/3 cup of water and let two chai tea bags steep in the hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then use that 1/3 cup of extra-strong chai in place of 1/3 cup of vegan milk when you make your cocoa. If you want it even stronger, you can leave the tea bags in your mug while you sip your cocoa.

4. Mexican Spice

Mexican spice hot cocoa is absolutely delish! Add a pinch of chili powder and about 1/4 teaspoonful of cinnamon to your cocoa while it’s heating for a spicy twist.

5. Peanut Butter

This is for all you peanut butter and chocolate lovers out there (including us!). Add a tablespoonful of peanut butter to your cocoa while it’s heating and stir until completely melted. Then go to peanut butter and chocolate heaven.

6. Pumpkin Spice

YUM! Start your cocoa as usual, then add 1 tablespoonful of canned pumpkin and 1/3 teaspoonful of pumpkin-pie spice while heating and stir until melted. Mmmmmm!

If you want to get even crazier, check out these to-die-for hot cocoa extras:

 

 

Want some more delicious holiday recipes?