Hot Chocolate Bar Party Idea

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When a cold winter arrives, cravings for a warm cup of hot chocolate suddenly sound like an amazing idea. The nostalgic taste of hot chocolate is the perfect thing to add to your parties! During the next holiday get-together, movie night, or winter birthday celebration, throw together a hot chocolate bar!

A hot chocolate bar is more than just a drink station, but a new tradition that you can make! Your guests can build their own hot chocolate creations with toppings, mix-ins, and festive add-ons that make each cup their perfect hot chocolate cup.

What Is A Hot Chocolate Bar?

A hot chocolate bar is an assortment of hot chocolate mix, different treats that go well with hot chocolate, mix-ins, marshmallows, sprinkles and anything that you think pairs well. It can be totally customizable to what you and your guests like!

Boil or microwave milk (make sure to ask if anyone is dairy free!). Set up mugs, spoons, plates, and napkins and let your guests put together their perfect cup of hot cocoa with all the fixings. This “DIY” hot cocoa bar is a fun way to celebrate the winter tradition of drinking hot cocoa and having your guests do an activity.

You can create a hot cocoa bar on a smaller scale of it’s just for you, as a couple, or for just a few people!

When To Host A Hot Cocoa Bar

• Winter birthday party
• Family get-togethers
• Christmas party
• Christmas eve
• Holiday parties
• Game or movie nights

How To Put Together A Hot Cocoa Bar

You can go all out or you can stick to a couple of things, the choice is up to you. Here are some recommendations!

Hot Cocoa base

• Hot chocolate mixes (loose or single packs)
  • tip: there’s many different kinds of cocoa! dark cocoa, peppermint cocoa, regular cocoa
  • tip: the amount of hot cocoa mix will depend on individuals taste, usually between 2-3 tablespoons

Toppings & Drizzles

• Marshmallows (mini, regular, or large)
  • tip: try peppermint marshmallows
• Marshmallow toppers
• Whipped cream
• Candy canes (mini or regular size)
  • tip: crush a few candy canes and sprinkle it on top of your cocoa
• Sprinkles 
• Chocolate or caramel drizzles
• Ground cinnamon

Mix-ins

• Baileys Irish Cream
• Peppermint Schnapps
• Whiskey
• Rum
• Vanila extract

Hot cocoa Pairings

• Cookies (homemade sugar cookies or store bought)
• Peppermint bark 
• Pretzels
• M&MS
• Nuts
• Chocolates 
• Chocolate wafers

How To Prepare The Milk

Make sure to grab milk before the party! Check to see if anyone drinks dairy free milk and stock up.

To figure out how much milk you need to buy, stick to a general idea of 8oz to 12oz person.

Once everyone is ready to put together their drinks, heat up the milk and pour into mugs.

Additional Items You’ll Need

• A serving board or tray – it’s optional, but it makes it easier to keep the ingredients together (and looks cute!)
• Glass jars or bowls – pour the cocoa mix/toppings into containers so it’s easier for your guests to navigate the hot cocoa bar
• Mugs, spoons, plates, napkins – make sure you have enough for each guest!

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How To Make It A Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar

If you want to take your hot cocoa bar and make it cozy or just to add that special holiday feel, then it’s all in the details and presentation. The presentation is half the fun of putting together a hot cocoa bar.

• Ask guests to bring their favorite mug or put out holiday themed mugs or mason jars
• Create labels or chalkboard signs so your guests know what’s what
• Decorate the home with cozy decor like fairy lights, pine branches, or seasonal garlands
  • tip: try creating a garland using dried citrus
• Serve your hot cocoa bar on a cute tray or tiered cake stand
• Decorate the table or counter with holiday decor

Let’s Make A Hot Cocoa Bar Together

 Depending on the shape of your serving tray, you’ll have to think about how you want to place everything. The instructions below are for how I laid everything out on this large wood board. The wood felt cozy and perfect for a winter theme party. Follow along for inspiration or come up with your own design!

1. Place a glass jar with hot chocolate mix in the center and build the rest of the board around it. For the first section, add marshmallow toppers.

2. For the next section, add large candy canes. Then add some chocolates. During this time of year a lot of people give chocolates as gifts, so this is a great way to repurpose them.

3. Since the hot chocolate mix in the center is regular hot cocoa, I added single serving hot chocolate packets with various flavors for guests who might want something different. If you have a larger board, you can pour these flavored hot cocoa mixes into other glass jars. Next to that, add mini marshmallows. I like how the marshmallows are across from each other which makes the design cohesive.

4. Across from the large candy canes, add small candy canes. Then add some hot chocolate spoons (these are so cute and can be used instead of the cocoa powder.

5. For serving, heat milk of choice (8oz-12oz per person) and serve in mugs. The amount of dry hot chocolate mix will depends on individuals taste, usually between 2-3 tablespoons. Everyone can choose what cocoa to add and their toppings! Enjoy!

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