How to Set up a Hot Chocolate Bar

It’s the time of year where those chilly days just scream for a cup of hot chocolate. Why not make your mug of hot cocoa that much better with sweet, delicious toppings? Perfect to enjoy when it’s just you and your family, or host a party with a hot chocolate bar!

When the warm days are long gone and we are busting out the sweaters and slippers, there’s something else my family adores at this time of year, and that’s all the hot beverages we can find.

I tend to be an avid coffee drinker (complete with flavored creamers like peppermint mocha or gingerbread) but the odd time I prefer to change it up and drink some hot chocolate.

Meanwhile though, while I am usually drinking coffee my kids are reaching for the hot chocolate. Because, I tell them they can’t drink coffee yet or it’ll stunt their growth.

I don’t know if there’s any truth to that rumor, but I’m only 5’1 and a half (you are definitely short if you count by halves) and so I just tell them that’s what happened to me (also not true since I didn’t start drinking coffee till I was 30, but they don’t need to know that.)

Anyways, you know what makes you a super cool mom in their eyes? If you suddenly pull out a bunch of toppings for their hot chocolate.

Take it to another level and invite a bunch of friends over and set up a hot chocolate bar. Again, your kids’ friends will think you are super cool, and your own friends might think the same. But even if they don’t, you’ll still have a mug full of hot chocolate topped with so much goodness. It’s a win-win.

As we head into the Christmas season there’s plenty of opportunities to set up a hot chocolate bar, but in the coming months post-Christmas that can be a good time too because the winter blues set in and we could all use something to make us smile in the middle of January, am I right?

So, let’s talk about how you can set up a hot chocolate bar to make lasting memories with the people you love.

How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar

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There’s a variety of ways to set up a hot chocolate bar so keep that in mind. It comes down to the basics – you need a way to keep your hot chocolate warm and make large batches of it, you need a variety of toppings, and you need an easy way to put those toppings on the hot chocolate. You will also need something to drink the hot chocolate out of.

So let’s cover all of those things, shall we?

How do you keep hot chocolate warm for a crowd?

There are a couple ways you could do this. You could purchase a big coffee urn that serves a crowd, but if you are like and don’t want to buy something like that because you don’t feel you’ll get enough use out of it make the hot chocolate in a slow cooker.

All you need to do is use the right measurements of water and powder that are on the hot chocolate mix container and mix it in your slow cooker. Use a whisk to mix it up and then stick the lid on and put it on low for 2 hours or until it’s heated through. When it’s ready you can switch your slow cooker to the warm setting.

I like to keep the milk on the side for people to add in separately as not everyone uses milk.

What cups should you use for a hot chocolate bar?

I like using our eclectic mix of mugs for a hot chocolate bar, however, if you want to avoid all the dishes, consider buying disposable cups that are made for holding hot beverages. These Christmas themed ones are really cute!

For a fun twist you can ask everyone to bring their favorite mug!

What toppings should you include in a hot chocolate bar?

Oh wow, this is a loaded question because there are so many great options. Here’s some great ideas to start with:

• mini marshmallows
• jumbo marshmallows
• whipped cream
• crushed candy cane pieces
• whole candy canes
• peppermint sticks
• chocolate syrup
• caramel sauce
• sprinkles
• chocolate chips
• crushed cookies
• whipped cream
• cinnamon
• toffee bits
• sea salt
• mint chocolate chips
• white chocolate chips
• milk
• milk alternatives like oat or almond
• coconut
• mini peanut butter cups
• mini donuts (trust me on this.)

Should you use a store bought mix or a homemade recipe?

Either works. I’ve done both. The truth is, in my opinion, nobody notices or minds store bought. However, if you are looking for a homemade mix recipe I do have one here.

Some other things to think of:

• You’ll want spoons or some type of scoops in all the jars to make them easier to put on the hot chocolate.
• Make spoons for stirring available. You could use chocolate covered spoons if you like!
• You can label the bowls or jars of toppings for a more aesthetically pleasing look, however, I skipped the labels because it was cheaper and easier.

A hot chocolate bar is just so much fun! However, remember that you don’t need to be the party throwing type to do a hot chocolate bar. Your family will appreciate it just as much and it will most likely be one of those core memories that they recall again and again over the years.

And one day your kids might just throw their own kids a hot chocolate bar evening because of the sweet memories they have of you doing the same for them.

A hot chocolate bar would also be a great idea for a baby or wedding shower, or even at a wedding reception.

If you love this hot chocolate bar idea, check out my other “bar-type” party I like to throw which is a taco bar party.

So, what do you think? This weekend feels like a good weekend to create a hot chocolate bar, right?