When winter is dragging on and your go-to mug of hot chocolate starts looking a bit ho-hum, it’s time to start adding creativity to your cup (and we’re not just talking marshmallows or whipped cream).
Cocoa goes well with a variety of flavors, so it’s fun to experiment. Armed with a wide array of add-ins and toppings, you can make a new flavor combination for every day of the week.
Here are ten fun ideas to get you rolling:
Orange zest: Grate a little zest into your cocoa mug. Stir to let the essential oils integrate.
Peppermint sticks: Stir your cocoa with a peppermint stick, or add a chocolate-mint candy to each mug and stir to melt.
Espresso: A shot of bitterness gives cocoa a new dimension (and the power to wake you up).
Cinnamon sticks: Use whole cinnamon as stirring sticks or sprinkle ground cinnamon.
Maple syrup: Sweeten your cocoa with maple syrup for a hint of Vermont.
Liquid caramel: Stir in a spoonful for an extra-sweet and creamy cocoa experience.
Ground ginger: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a shot of ginger liqueur for a little zing.
Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to make yours Mexican-style.
Earl grey tea: For chocolate with a hint of bergamot, make a cup of strong Earl Grey Tea, and use the liquid as your basis for cocoa.
Liquor: Not an option for the kids, but a shot of bourbon, rum or tequila can give your cocoa a party personality.
How do you doctor your cocoa? Let us know on Twitter (@freshdirect) or the FreshDirect Facebook Wall!
