Set Up a Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar
Sundae stations are great in the summer, but winter gatherings call for sweets that will warm you up. This holiday season, let family and friends create their own holiday treat by setting up a hot cocoa bar stocked with all their favorite toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, peppermints and more.
![Hot Chocolate With Toppings Mug of Hot Chocolate With Candy Toppings](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/10/8/0/Original_Camille-Styles-Holiday-Brunch-hot-chocolate-crop_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400953268337.jpeg)
Wynn Myers
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients for Simple Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Toppings
- butterscotch chips
- semisweet chocolate chips
- peppermint melts or candy canes
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
- chocolate syrup
- regular marshmallows
- peppermint marshmallows
- optional: peppermint schnapps or amaretto, for spiking
Hot Chocolate Instructions
Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until barely simmering. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Whisk mixture until chocolate is melted, then add vanilla and whisk to combine.
Set Up a Self-Serve Station
Transfer hot chocolate to an insulated thermos or carafe and place on the bar with mugs or travel cups with coffee sleeves.
![Coffee Bar Sign An inexpensive framed chalkboard provides a perfect canvas for a favorite quote on this coffee bar.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2019/11/6/2/Original_Sarah-Busby-Wedding-Coffee-Bar_sign-v.JPG.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1573067513849.jpeg)
Sarah Busby
Transfer all topping ingredients to individual serving bowls, and place next to hot cocoa on bar.
![Holiday Party Cocoa Bar Drink station with hot chocolate toppings in vintage wooden box](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/9/30/0/Original_Camille-Styles-Holiday-Brunch-hot-chocolate-toppings_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400954239636.jpeg)
Wynn Myers
If desired, place bottles of peppermint schnapps or amaretto on bar.
![Hot Chocolate Bar Drink station with mugs, thermos, and bourbon](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/9/30/0/Original_Camille-Styles-Holiday-Brunch-hot-chocolate-station-beauty_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400957652687.jpeg)
Wynn Myers
Invite guests to build their ultimate hot chocolate treat using their favorite ingredients.
![A cocoa bar is a fun and easy way to give guests an icebreaking activity and something warm to sip on before the meal begins.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/9/30/0/Original_Camille-Styles-Holiday-Brunch-hot-chocolate-station_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400980855944.jpeg)
Wynn Myers
![Toppings like whipped cream, butterscotch, chocolate chips and peppermints transform ordinary hot chocolate into a delightful Christmas treat.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/9/30/0/Original_Camille-Styles-Holiday-Brunch-couple-with-hot-chocolate_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400980817191.jpeg)
Wynn Myers
Try These Soul-Warming Sips
Three Simple + Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes
Whether you're looking to cater to kids, whip up something spicy or create after-dinner cocktails, here are three tasty (and toasty!) ways to serve hot chocolate.