Host A Hot Cocoa Bar

Hosting a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar is a fun and unique idea for any party or occasion.

Football Viewing Parties to Christmas Cookie Decorating Parties to Holiday Karaoke Night or New Year’s Eve watching the ball drop, adults and children will all enjoy a little heat and a little sweet. Setting up a hot cocoa bar is insanely easy - all you need to provide is a thermos to serve the hot chocolate and cups to put it in. After that, the ingredients are up to you and your guests.

Did You Know?

Technically hot chocolate and hot cocoa are not the same thing. Hot cocoa is a hot, sweet drink made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk; hot chocolate, or drinking chocolate, is a thick, hot drink made by melting solid chocolate (such as chocolate chips or bars) in hot water or milk.

2 Hot Cocoa Recommendations

Guittard Grand Cacao Drinking Chocolate

Dutch process cocoa powder to achieve intense chocolate flavor. It has a full-bodied, creamy texture; rich, red-brown, dark chocolate color; and comforting homemade baked chocolate aroma.

Chocolate Ibarra

Ibarra Mexican chocolate is incredible and smooth. The chocolate flavor is not overpowering like most sugary cocoas and the cinnamon is subtle and delightful.

Go Wild: Bar Toppings

Mini marshmallows are just the beginning - this list is just a few of the endless possibilities!

Pepperidge Farm Pirouette Cookies
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon Baking Chips
Cinnamon Sticks
Star Anise
White Chocolate Shavings
Ground Ginger
Ground Nutmeg
Coarse Sea Salt
Coffee (Like Peet's!)
Finely Chopped Nuts
Shredded Coconut
Candy Canes
Crushed Peppermint Pieces
Whipped Cream
Strawberry Syrup
Caramel Sauce
Sprinkles
Bailey's Irish Cream
Kahlua

Set Up

Once you've selected your hot cocoa and toppings, it is time to set the table. An elegant tablecloth will not only enhance your bar, but make clean up much easier. We recommend selecting different sized Mason jars or glass dishes for showcasing topping options. Another way to elevate the feel of your bar is to tie decorative ribbons around the jars. It is also a good idea to provide spoons or wooden coffee stirrers for guests; as well as cocktail napkins. Finish the bar off with a little festive foliage or decor, and voila!

Side Note:

If you have never thought of investing in Mason jars, this is a great time to consider it. Mason jars, originally invented for home canning and jamming, are incredibly versatile household items. They can go from being used for food storage to lantern, cup, vase, or holiday decoration in a heartbeat. They can withstand high and freezing temperatures, and come in a variety of sizes.

Bringing Dessert This Year?

Make your pie with Draeger's Award-Winning pie crusts! Available in three sizes:

Individual

For one or two to share.

7 Inch

For a small group.

10 Inch

For a larger group.