As the winter months settle in and the holidays pass, we’re still eager to host events for family and friends who will enjoy a good time away from the humdrum of the world. Hosting a themed party – whether that’s a winter garden party or a movie marathon, and using some hot chocolate to push away the wintry blues is a great way to do that!

As you host a party, deck out your kitchen with a hot cocoa bar. You can take these many hot chocolate bar ideas for types of cocoa to serve, how to serve it, and what to mix in and serve on the side.

Supplies: The Chocolate

The main ingredient, of course, has got to be the showstopper when it comes to your hot chocolate bar. Here are some of the best ways to draw jaws and build that solid foundation of amazing for your party.

Supply A Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Image credits: arinahabich via Canva

Every year around this time, my mom used to pull out the giant Tupperware tub and fill it up with a homemade cocoa mix. Now, as an adult, I love doing the same! So, for your hot chocolate bar, I highly recommend whipping up a batch of your own for the party. It’s definitely better than anything you’d get in a store!

Melting Chocolate for Your Cocoa

Image credits: LenkaPrusova via Canva

When I met my first chocolatier, I was a walking tour guide in downtown Chicago. I brought my tour groups into a gorgeous little shop, L.A. Burdick, on State street. There, I met the most delightful people who introduced me to melting chocolate bars for hot cocoa. Heaven in a cup! If you can afford to get fancy, I’d highly recommend ordering some of their melting bars (or from others, if you have a favorite) for supplying the most decadently delicious cocoa for your hot chocolate bar.

Serve Hot Cocoa Bombs

Image credits: ErikaMitchell via Canva

I know, I know. These aren’t as popular as they were a few years ago, but they’re still a darn good idea. You can purchase some from local stores or make your own hot cocoa bombs, depending on what you’re feeling and your budget.

Make it With Abuelita Hot Cocoa Discs

Image credits: seramo via Canva

The popular Mexican hot cocoa discs are becoming more and more mainstream for a reason: they’re utterly delicious! So, if you’re looking for something a little different than the typical American blend, grab some Abuelita from your local grocery or online.

Go Easy with Pre-Mix

Image credits: Sol Vazquez Cantero via Canva

Of course, if you know you’re going to be short on time or just love a pre-bought mix, you can serve that up, too. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel, unless you want to.

Make Hershey’s Hot Cocoa

Image credits: Tony Clay from Pexels via Canva

Of course, you can always whip up a batch of Hershey’s hot cocoa, made from the directions on the powdered drink mix label. Tweak it with some extra milk or some mint extract if you like!

Serve it Up With a Keurig

Image credits: hojoanaheim via Worpress.org

Keurig has some great hot cocoa pods these days – from a variety of brands and places. So, make it easy on yourself and pull out the Keurig and let folks queue in line for a quick cuppa chocolatey goodness at the hot cocoa bar.

Use a Hot Chocolate Maker

Image credits: Vortech via Worpress.org

If you can find one and want to invest in it for the many hot chocolate parties you’ll host, an actual hot chocolate maker is a great way to serve up your cocoa. There aren’t any specific types of chocolate products needed to use it, either, so whatever you’re keen on is perfect.

Make it in a Slow Cooker

Image credits: bach005 via Canva

Here’s one way I wouldn’t have thought of: making hot cocoa in a slow cooker! The recipe takes two hours, so the creator recommends making it ahead of time, then pulling it out of the fridge a bit before the party to serve up, reheated, from an insulated server.

Supplies: Containers

Next, it’s important to know how you’re going to serve up that liquid gold. There are some basic options and some twists on them that might add a little bit of fun.

Heat-proof Punch Bowl

Image credits: Kyle Hawkins via Canva

One super easy option is using a smaller heat-proof punchbowl to serve up that creamy cocoa goodness. I say smaller because larger bowls will cool too quickly and you’ll have to reheat. If, however, you’ve got a larger crowd, you can use a larger bowl if desired.

Cocoa Pots

Image credits: pixelshot via Canva

It wasn’t until I moved to Chicago and spotted some cocoa pots in a local thrift store that I had any idea what these lovely things are. They’re basically mugs, but with lids and often a little notch built in for keeping a spoon in the cup for easy blending of the drink after the chocolate settles at the bottom. These are now my favorite way to enjoy cocoa, especially on the snowiest nights!

Holiday or Winter Mugs

Image credits: Angelika-Angelika via Canva

If you’re whipping up the hot chocolate bar for Christmas Eve, an Epiphany celebration, or the night before you begin Lent, you might want to find some holiday-themed mugs. If not, any wintry-themed mug will do for your guests.

Teacups

Image credits: KRyder17 via Canva

It might seem a little odd to some to use teacups and saucers, but I actually love drinking cocoa from a teacup. There’s something super elegant about it, plus that saucer is the perfect resting place for my spoon and some little nibbles.

Individual Pots

Image credits: iD_WebnGraphics via Canva

If you’re making a few different varieties of hot chocolate, you may want to skip the ceremony and just grab all the coffee, tea, and cocoa pots you can find in the house and serve them up. Be sure to label them so people know they’re getting mint versus caramel.

Mason Jars

Image credits: Rimma_Bondarenko via Canva

As long as the cocoa isn’t scalding, you can serve it up in Mason jars. Personalize the jars with some fun seasonable stickers, the names of your guests, or chalk paper so folks can write their names on them and keep them from getting mixed up. It’s up to you.

Mix and Match Mugs

Image credits: marrakeshh via Canva

This is my favorite way of serving up cocoa at a party: mix and match mugs. Assign mugs by personality to your guests or let them choose the mug that suits them best. Then, send them home as a gift as a bonus! Be sure to have a few extras on hand in case someone winds up with a mug they don’t love and see if you can switch it out for them.

Matching Mugs

Image credits: Изображения пользователя EnryKun via Canva

If you’re sending mugs home as a gift with your guests, doing matches mugs might be a fun way for everyone to remember the amazing evening by. They’re also great for fun photos of the whole crowd together.

Supplies: Toppings and Infusions

Of course, hot chocolate isn’t just hot cocoa anymore. We’ve come to realize that we can infuse a load of different amazing things into this incredible goodness. Here are some of the best suggestions I’ve used or I found suggested by folks who know.

Caramel Sauce

Image credits: Lilechka75 via Canva

What’s better than rich, gooey caramel and chocolate together? And since most of us can’t find a good quality hot cocoa with caramel, this is your winner! I’d highly recommend using the caramel sauce Trader Joe’s carries. It’s amazing for this!

Mini Marshmallows

Image credits: paulbinet via Canva

A popular choice that most of us are familiar with is the marshmallow. Mini marshmallows, in most cases, make for the best add-in, though you can also use larger marshmallows, or, if you’re serving it up in a wide-mouthed mug, you can even use giant marshmallows if those are the handiest option.

English Style Marshmallows

Image credits: Elena Photo via Canva

Or you can go with English-style marshmallows. Often these come in flavors like strawberry which can add an extra kick to your cocoa goodness. Or, whip up a batch of your own if you can’t find any that you love.

Dark Chocolate Syrup

Image credits: delmonte1977 via Canva

What’s better than chocolate? Chocolate with more chocolate – specifically dark chocolate syrup. It’s the best way to ramp up your chocolate game without a lot of extra work.

Whipped Cream

Image credits: Norasit Kaewsai via Canva

And who doesn’t love whipped cream for their hot cocoa? Grab a can, a tub, or make it yourself if you’ve got the time and energy! Whatever you serve it, chances are at least half the guests will want it!

Crushed Peppermints

Image credits: nebari via Canva

If you crush up peppermints fine enough, they’ll actually melt into the sweet, chocolatey goodness, infusing the flavors for the perfect treat for mint lovers.

White Chocolate Shavings

Image credits: pixelshot via Canva

Here’s a twist my hubby loves – white chocolate shavings. Just grab a bar of your favorite white chocolate and a potato peeler or grater. Peel away over a bowl for the least messy results.

Pirouette Cookies

Image credits: alpaksoy via Canva

Another easy add in that so many of us love is the simple pirouette cookie. They’re easy to find and add a real touch of elegance and fun for each mug of cocoa.

Milk Chocolate Truffles

Image credits: ErikaMitchell via Canva

Here’s one I wouldn’t have thought of, but now I can’t think of anything else! Using milk chocolate truffles in your hot cocoa! I can only imagine the oozing, gooey goodness of this addition!

Whoppers

Image credits: Jerry Deutsch via Canva

Here’s another candy addition that should be fun and add some real character to your hot cocoa: Whoppers candy. They probably float, but as the chocolate melts, the powdery, milky interior should also melt, making the hot chocolate even richer and sweeter. Yum!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Image credits: oleksandranaumenko via Canva

If you use some caution (i.e., don’t dump in the whole container!), a little pumpkin pie spice could go a long way to make that hot chocolate a unique treat for you and your guests.

Nutella

Image credits: beats3 via Canva

Or, if you love your Nutella like I do, adding some of this creamy hazelnut topping into your cocoa will change the game forever. Seriously.

Chai Tea

Image credits: JulijaDmitrijeva via Canva

For an extra zing, steep bags of chai tea in the hot cocoa. The spice will ooze out into the cocoa, giving a rich, creamy, dreamy flavor unlike any other!

Almond or Mint Extracts

Image credits: Yana Tatevosian via Canva

I love me some hot chocolate with mint – but I don’t always have peppermints on hand. Adding just a couple drops of mint extract, though, can make up for it and blend the flavor even better than the candies. You can also add almond extract (again, just a few drops!) or any other extract to liven up that hot chocolate!

Milk Duds

Image credits: fotoist via Canva

Whoppers gone wrong are so good! And they make a great, caramel-y addition to your hot chocolate party. Drop some Milk Duds in and enjoy a hot, delectable treat!

Biscoff Cookie Spread

Image credits: Richard Ernest Yap via Canva

If you’re a fan of Biscoff cookie spread, you’ll be glad to hear that this stuff tastes amazing in hot chocolate! Just pour in your hot cocoa first, then add some of the spread (I’d go with a half tablespoon myself), blend it in, then top it off with whipped cream. Garnish with a Biscoff cookie, too, if you feel like it.

Cinnamon Sticks

Image credits: 5PH via Canva

For those who like a little zing in their cocoa, add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. Easy peasy and so delicious!

English Toffee Bits

Image credits: cislander via Canva

English toffee tastes amazing with chocolate – so why not crack some up and melt it into your hot cocoa? For best service, break it up ahead of time so guests can just drop a few chunks in.

Espresso

Image credits: Di Bella Coffee from Pexels via Canva

And for those who’re looking for an energy kick, grab some espresso bits to toss into the hot chocolate! There are all sorts of ways of doing this, whether it’s in espresso candy bars broken into bits, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or pre-made liquid espresso ready to go.

Mini Chocolate Chips

Image credits: haha21 via Canva

Another fun way to add some decadence to your hot chocolate is by adding mini chocolate chips. They’ll melt into the cocoa, making that drink richer, darker, and dreamier.

Coarse Sea Salt

Image credits: vikif via Canva

Some folks swear by coarse sea salt in their hot cocoa. There’s something about the saltiness that draws out the flavor. And chances are, if you like salted caramel, you’ll love this idea.

Chocolate Chili Bars

Image credits: Marco Bagnoli via Canva

For a real kick in your cocoa, locate some chocolate chili bars and cut them into squares. Melt them into your hot chocolate for a real zing.

Real Maple Syrup

Image credits: showcake via Canva

If you’ve ever had chocolate maple fudge, chances are, you’ll adore this delectable addition to your hot cocoa. Just pour in a little, though – it’ll go a long way!

Mini Peanut Butter Chips

Image credits: BWFolsom via Canva

Of course, there’s nothing quite so awesome as that chocolate peanut butter combination. So, why not offer your guests some mini peanut butter cups to melt into their beverages for the perfect wintry treat.

Butterscotch Chips

Image credits: LauriPatterson via Canva

I’m a huge fan of butterscotch – so this one is a must for me. Just drop a few chips at a time until you get the perfect sweet-to-sweet ratio.

Supplies: Side Bars for Your Cocoa

Of course, tasty treats are required for your cocoa bar. Consider some of these goodies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Image credits: YakubovAlim via Canva

The classic, the best, and, of course, one of the easiest delights you can serve up with your cocoa. You can’t get too much chocolate!

Whoopie Pies

Image credits: Elisabeth Coelfen via Canva

These fluffy, delicious chocolate cookies sandwiched around marshmallow fluff or buttercream icing are seriously one of the most delicious joys you can serve with your cocoa! Buy some or make some – whichever serves you best.

Cheesecake Bites

Image credits: anakopa via Canva

And what could go along with your hot chocolate better than some cheesecake? Mini cheesecake bites, that’s what! They’re an especially perfect cocoa companion when made with graham cracker crust.

Kettle Corn

Image credits: bhofack2 via Canva

I’m not sure why, but one of my absolute favorite things to enjoy with hot chocolate is popcorn. Kettle corn is even better. So, grab some from the local store or make some of your own. You won’t regret that salty-sweet combo.

Mud Puppies

Image credits: victoriya89 via Canva

These are a classic winter favorite where I grew up. Peanut butter, Chex cereal, chocolate, and powdered sugar all mixed up together. They make for the perfect side for your hot cocoa bar, especially if there’s a firepit involved!

Roasted Nuts

Image credits: eliane via Canva

What says cold weather better than roasted nuts? Whether you go with sweet and sticky, seasoned, or just plain roasted, they’re amazingly delicious and the perfect side for your chocolatey goodness.

Spiced Almonds

Image credits: billberryphotography via Canva

And speaking of nuts, making up some sweet and spicy almonds is the perfect pair with your hot cocoa drink. This recipe is pretty easy to follow and looks amazing!

Angel Food Cake

Image credits: NRedmond via Canva

Soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth angel food cake is a definite must for your hot chocolate party! This sweet, but not too sweet, treat is the perfect side or, if you’re a dunker, dipping delight for the drink.

Sweet Berries

Image credits: krasckoelena via Canva

There’s just something about chocolate and berries, whether it’s dipped berries, berry and chocolate cake, or something else. And, well, hot chocolate and strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and some others is a delightful combination.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Image credits: DebbiSmirnoff via Canva

Another delightful treat with any hot beverage, really, is cinnamon coffee cake. They’re made just for eating with such things – not too sweet, but sweet enough.

Citrus Fruit

Image credits: eliv1 via Canva

Citrus fruit goes together really well with hot chocolate. Don’t believe me, eat a chocolate orange sometime! The citric acid contradicts nicely with the sweet chocolatey goodness. Your guests will likely welcome some taste differentiation (at least the non-chocoholics will!).

Salty Cheese on Crackers

Image credits: Sinan Kocaslan via Canva

Salty and sweet really do go well together – and salty cheese and crackers with hot cocoa make for a fantastic combination. I’d recommend putting out a platter with several cracker types and a few cheeses for optimum results.

Blonde Brownies

Image credits: sofyabolotinaphotos via Canva

Blonde brownies are also another great way to “smooth” out your pallet as you sip cocoa. They’re one of my favorite treats with a cuppa!

Sugar Cookies

Image credits: NorthStar203 via Canva

Sugar cookies have a similar effect as blonde brownies. Sweet but not too sweet and a different flavor than other chocolatey things for a sweet difference. You can serve them frosted or not with cocoa, too, since they dunk!

Caramel Fudge

Image credits: Baloncici via Canva

Caramel fudge is another fantastic choice to serve up with your hot cocoa. It can either be chocolate caramel or go for a blonde caramel fudge.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Image credits: StephanieFrey via Canva

Going back to that peanut butter and chocolate thing – peanut butter fudge is another perfect side for your hot chocolate bar. Make some yourself or find some at a local fudge shop. Your guests will love you!

Walnut Fudge

Image credits: DreamBigPhotos via Canva

The last fudge I’ll suggest is a walnut fudge. You can serve up some walnut maple fudge, chocolate walnut, or butterscotch walnut even. Whatever you like best, your guests are sure to love it.

Churros

Image credits: beats3 via Canva

For another super dunk-able treat, consider serving up some churros. They’re delicious and pair perfectly with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee (in case your guests decide to branch out a little)!

Donuts

Image credits: AJEL from Pixabay via Canva

This is my hubby’s favorite side to serve with hot chocolate: donuts. He’s all about the cake donuts, glazed donuts, cream filled donuts – any kind. And he loves them all with the hot cocoa. I mean, people eat them with coffee… why not with cocoa?

Homemade Caramels

Image credits: Natalia Zakharova via Canva

Homemade caramels are another great choice for serving up with your hot chocolate. And the best part is you can whip these up way ahead of time, freeze them, and just pull out as many as you need.

Cherry Pie

Image credits: Billion Photos via Canva

Finally, cherry pie is a wonderful side worth considering with your hot cocoa bar. You can grab some from the store or make them at home – whichever’s your thing! – and just set them out as the centerpiece of treats or as one of many choices.

The Perfect Combo For Your Hot Chocolate Bar

Personally, before I set up any kind of bar like this, I consider three factors: 1. Budget, 2. Ease, and Preferences. I set a budget ahead of time so I don’t blow the whole month’s grocery costs on a party (I mean, we all gotta eat, right?). I also determine which options are worth the effort for me versus which things I should buy. Finally, I reach out to “representative” friends and family who can give some thoughts on what they’d love to see served up.

Then, I combine those thoughts and craft my menu ahead of time, allowing myself plenty of time to purchase supplies, make anything I’m contributing to the party, prep the cocoa, and give myself enough time to relax and enjoy the party, too. I hate being stuck in the kitchen the whole time – and I bet you do, too.