The best thing about cool weather is all of the hot drinks. Hot chocolate is a time-honored tradition that every child and adult love. We all want that warm cup as we look for the perfect Christmas tree, watch the winning score at the homecoming game, and walk around the neighborhood singing carols. After years of drinking the same old hot chocolate, it’s time to step up your game this year. Give yourself a few new recipes to try out this winter.

1. Nutella: It’s rich, nutty, and smooth all at the same time. Nutella is made from hazelnuts and a dash of cocoa. Start off by pouring 1 ½ cups of milk in a pot, and place it on the stovetop over medium heat. As the milk is warming, put in ⅓ cup Nutella, and gently whisk together. Keep the milk moving over the heat until the Nutella is completely combined. Add a dash of salt for flavor, and serve. This recipe makes enough for 2 cups. Top it off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a festive garnish.
2. Pumpkin Spice: The pumpkin spice craze is in full swing, and it’s not going anywhere. People love it, and for a good reason. It’s sweet and savory, and tastes just like fall all at the same time. Have ¾ cup of milk, and add it to your small saucepan over medium heat. You’ll need ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add all of these into the milk as it warms. Stir together until combined in the milk. Heat the milk to the desired temperature, and serve. This is a single serving recipe. Top it off with whip cream and a dash of cinnamon.
3. Peppermint: Once fall is over, you’ll want the cool reminder of winter with peppermint. Instead of pooling peppermint oil, this recipe uses melted candy to create a true holiday treat. Put ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder in the saucepan. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk until combined. Heat over medium heat, and add in ½ cup of semisweet chocolate morsels and ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies. Keep stirring until the chocolate and candies have melted. Bring to a boil and serve. This recipe is enough for 4 cups.
4. Aztec: This is the latest trend in cocoa. Add in a little heat with this Aztec style drink. Chop up 10 ounces of dark chocolate and add it to the saucepan. Pour 6 cups of milk in with the chocolate, and heat over low to medium heat stirring constantly. Once the chocolate is completely dissolved into the milk, add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper (or to taste). Stir to combine, and serve with a giant marshmallow.

If you’re looking for a fun new holiday drink, try adding a splash of Bailey’s Irish cream to add to the milk. It’s a great way to warm up the holiday party conversation, as well as the guests’ hands. Give yourself plenty of reasons to keep trying new hot chocolate recipes this year to find new favorites for the entire winter.