Winter is on its way, and I don’t know about you, but all I want to do is curl up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate and binge watch my favorite shows on Netflix. Hot chocolate is a classic winter drink that brings us back to snow days and childhood, but over the years, some crazy and unique versions have emerged to keep things interesting. As it gets colder, try a few of these spin-offs on one of your favorite ways to warm up in this less than ideal weather.
1. Nutella Hot Chocolate
The only form of chocolate that can arguably rival hot cocoa is Nutella. Mix your favorite warm drink with your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread, and what could be better? After all, you can never say no to more Nutella.
2. Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate
This traditional Mexican drink, called Champurrado, combines Mexican chocolate with cinnamon for a yummy treat. It is thicker than your usual Swiss Miss, and will definitely impress your family and friends.
3. Unicorn Hot Chocolate
Unicorn-themed food has been trending lately, and this cup of hot cocoa is no exception. It’s made with a cup of white chocolate and a heaping tablespoon of trendy fun. What does it taste like? Glitter, rainbows, and just about everything happy.
4. Matcha Hot Chocolate
Matcha is powdered green tea that is filled with antioxidants and has a host of health benefits, including boosting your metabolism. You can find matcha in lattes, cookies, or ice cream, but for now, try it out in a familiar form with this matcha hot chocolate.
5. Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate
For those who want to enjoy a classic wintertime drink without the dairy, this recipe is for you. Get a taste of the holidays with this dairy-free, peppermint hot chocolate. Add a candy cane, turn on Mariah Carrey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and you’re good to go.
6. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Red velvet has a slightly less rich chocolate flavor, which gives your mug of hot cocoa a unique twist. Originally a ploy to sell more red food coloring, red velvet has evolved into its own phenomenon with quite the following. This hot chocolate recipe has a whipped cream-cheese topping, and is sure to satisfy any red velvet lover.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte may only be available for a few months each year, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up your pumpkin spice come November. Your favorite fall flavor plus your favorite winter drink, minus the animal products is as good as it gets—talk about a game changer.
8. Cookie Dough Hot Chocolate
A few pieces of Toll House, a packet of hot chocolate powder, and a cup of milk are all you need to make this quick and easy recipe. This cocoa is perfect for studying, watching a movie, or hanging out with friends and family. When it’s too cold outside for a scoop of cookie dough ice cream, make a mug of this unique hot chocolate instead.
9. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
This recipe teaches us a simple way to spice up our hot cocoa with some surprising health benefits. The only thing that screams “winter” more clearly than snow itself, is the smell of cinnamon. Curl up with a good book, and sip on this spiced up version of our classic childhood drink.
10. Fluffernutter Hot Chocolate
If you’re unfamiliar with a fluffernutter, it’s a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff inside. This recipe is inspired by The Simpsons Movie, and combines a fluffernutter with hot chocolate. It’s sure to fulfil all of your sugar cravings this season.
Whether you’re cold from a snowball fight with your freshman floor, or just looking to get cozy, these recipes are sure to warm you up this winter. There’s nothing better than drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmallows from your favorite mug, and snacking a cookie or some popcorn to go with it. If you needed a reason to grab a blanket, turn on a movie, and drink hot chocolate today, this is it.