A Hot Cocoa Party That's Warm & Cozy

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snuggle up, buttercups

Now is the season to cozy up with friends and fam - so grab a few blankets and join us for a hot chocolate party! What, pray tell, is a hot chocolate party exactly? Exactly what it sounds like loves - the best kind of party out there! Show up in sweats or pajamas or better yet some fleecy onesies. 

So, how does one throw a hot cocoa party? It’s really as easy or as complex as you wish to make it. If you’re a super laid back crew, then go with some good old Swiss Miss and a hot water kettle, maybe a bag of marshmallows, a can of whipped cream and call it a day. But if you’re aiming for something more festive than that, and honestly who isn’t this time of year, then you can get way fancier. I’m talking the charcuterie of hot chocolate situations here. 

Naturally, you have to start off with some real ass hot chocolate. Preferably on the stove top, but if people are coming and going, a slow cooker works, too. (If you read that in Ina’s voice, slow clap and a tip of the hat.) You don’t even need a recipe, really. My go-to is one cup (8oz) milk per person - I’ve tried it with oat milk and that works also! - with a pinch of salt and 1TBSP sugar per person, as well. Be aware that you should be doing this on low so that you don’t scald the milk. Once that’s warm, you can mix in either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips until you reach the level of chocolatey goodness you desire. I recommend doing a little bit at a time so you don’t wind up with a massive clump of unmelted chocolate at the bottom of the sauce pot. And presto! In a few minutes you’ve got yourself some warm hot chocolate you just made from scratch. Bravo, friend.

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Now on to the goodies. If you have a crowd that likes to customize their orders, you should absolutely provide a smorgasbord of options. A few varieties of marshmallows (you’re fancy like that now), maybe even some tiny meringues, peppermint shards, caramels, cocoa powder, some freshly whipped cream (remember, you’re fancy af), some quality sea salt, smashed toffee bits, flavored syrups, chili powder, chocolate pieces or shavings. If you have adults possibly add in some coffee or chocolate liqueur. I recently chatted with Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza and she swears by Licor 43 in any of her coffee or chocolate cocktails. The woman is known for her cocktails, so take her advice. I believe there are also some recipes of the sort in her book, Oaxaca. 

Like any party, it’s not really a party unless there’s food so make sure to provide some nibbles! But nobody’s going to want a salad at this thing, so keep it on brand. Cookies, popcorn, luxe chocolates (the kind that are too nice to put in said hot cocoa), gingerbread, berries and fruit - whatever floats your boat and toes the line between putting you in a sugar coma and maintaining your sanity. 

If your crowd isn’t too big, serve up this deliciousness in some real mugs to up the cozy factor. Make sure you have plenty of spoons for dishing and mixing, plus it’s definitely a good idea to have some napkins and coasters on hand. And there you have it! You’re very own hot chocolate party. Now get your snuggle on.

party on

Are you interested in hosting a hot cocoa party or have you hosted one in the past? What are your thoughts? Let us know by posting about it on Instagram using the hashtag #saltpoppyliving and chatting with us in the comments below! 

Not sure where to start? Check out some of these goodies to help make your fabulous hot chocolate party a reality.

whole foods

Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips - $5

Bed, Bath & Beyond

6.5 Quart Crock Pot - $85

thrive market

Dandies Vegan Marshmallows - $4

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