Themed hot cocoa bars are a winter favorite for me but today I have a twist that the older crowd will appreciate. Hot cocoa isn’t just for kids … with a splash of a little something, you can create a really fun adults only hot cocoa bar that’s perfect for a night in with the girls or a date night in front of the fire!
Start with all the regular cocoa bar ingredients: big mugs, a bowl or packets of hot chocolate powder {homemade hot chocolate powder is the best!}, and a variety of marshmallows in different sizes and flavors.
And then send the kids to bed and enjoy the adults only version of the hot cocoa bar! Add a few sweet and flavorful mixers and let guests pick their favorites. My favorite mix-in is butterscotch schnapps but creme de menthe and coffee liquers are also great! Anything that sounds like it would pair well with cocoa is perfect for an adult cocoa bar.
Guests can mix their cocoa and then add a splash of their liqueur of choice. A tablespoon or two is the perfect amount.
Finish it off by topping the spiked cocoa with marshmallows …
… or whipped cream. A little garnish is always fun, too. Butterscotch candies pair perfectly with butterscotch schnapps and candy canes are the perfect stir stick for creme de menthe cocoa.
Your friends will love this twist on the regular adult drink choices and it definitely takes hot cocoa up a notch.
Great idea, Randi. I think I’ll set up a winter hot chocolate bar on my kitchen sideboard and have it available all winter long. Thanks for the inspiration!