Simple Ways To Spice Up Hot Chocolate

I may shiver and complain about the bitter cold days of winter, but there’s no better excuse than this season for a mug of delicious hot chocolate. Over time, the prepackaged varieties that come with dehydrated marshmallows  have become less and less appealing. By adding an extra ingredient or two, you can easily turn any old hot chocolate mix into a truly decadent treat.

Cinnamon – I already use a lot of cinnamon for cookies, pancakes, toast and oatmeal (mmmm!), so it’s no surprise to me that cinnamon is a popular choice for perking up hot chocolate.

Chili Powder – This is a spicy choice that should be approached with care. Just a tiny dash of chili powder goes a long way, so make sure you indulge in a little extra taste testing before serving any to guests.

Butterscotch Schnapps – Here’s a less well known hot chocolate variation – by combining cocoa with butterscotch, the drink takes on a very sweet candy like taste unlike anything else.

Vanilla Extract – Like the chili powder, moderation is key. Sure, vanilla is not a super strong flavor, but it is one that could easily unbalance and overly subdue a rich chocolate drink. But in the right dose, vanilla extract can be a fun change.

Candy Canes – Festive and minty! Crush some candy canes into the mix for a refreshing twist on a classic drink. Peppermint and chocolate have a long relationship of going well together, so this one is sure to be a hit with you and your loved ones.

Image: sxc.hu