A hot cocoa bar is a tray of toppings beside a pot of hot chocolate. It is an easy treat for a winter evening, a movie night or when friends come over.
The basics
- Hot chocolate made in a pot or slow cooker
- Mugs, spoons and napkins
- A jug of milk for cooling children’s drinks
Toppings
Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, grated chocolate, cinnamon, crushed biscuits and sprinkles. Put each in a small bowl or jar with a spoon.
Keep it safe for children
Hot drinks scald easily. Let an adult pour, cool children’s drinks with cold milk and keep the pot at the back of the counter. Very young children may be better with warm, not hot, drinks.
Set it up once and reuse it
Keep the jars, a tray and a printed sign together in a box for the season. Store it with the Christmas Eve box or the decorations.
Make it part of the season
It works well as an advent calendar activity, after a winter walk or during family game night.
A simple stovetop hot chocolate
Warm milk in a pan over a low heat, then whisk in cocoa powder, a little sugar to taste and a pinch of salt, or melt in chopped chocolate. Keep stirring so it does not catch on the bottom. A slow cooker on its low setting keeps a larger batch warm for a party.
Make it inclusive
Offer a dairy-free milk if anyone needs one, and keep toppings that contain nuts separate and clearly labeled. Ask guests about allergies before a gathering.
Adapt these ideas to your household. Organization guidance is general information, not medical, safety or financial advice.
