There is nothing better than coming in from playing in the snow or going on a brisk winter walk and warming up with a hot cup of cocoa. The perfect holiday spread, a hot chocolate bar can be a fun way to serve guests a delicious beverage while making it interactive and allowing each person to create their own holiday drink.
The Set Up
Think charcuterie cheese board but with all your childhood favorites cookies, candies, and toppings. Get a large cutting board or serving tray and display all your goodies in one spread. Another great idea can be small serving bowls and jars for a more tailored table spread.
The Hot Chocolate
There are a bunch of different ways to go about having hot chocolate at your bar. Give people the option of hot chocolate pouches in different flavors, create your own hot chocolate.
The Drinkware
Choosing the proper drinkware is an essential part of your hot chocolate bar set up. Will you be hosting a large party or small soirée? Will there be children or adults or both? You also want to make sure the drinkware is the proper size to hold a variety of toppings people will be adding to their beverage. A few options are using holiday themed mugs or disposable paper cups for your guests. Mugs offer a fun way to hold your beverage and you can mix and match different designs and styles or go with a cohesive look. Disposable cups offer less clean up and lids for those who tend to be a little more clumsy, no one wants to clean hot cocoa off of the floor. Be sure to include spoons or stirrers for people to mix their hot chocolate.
The Toppings
You really can’t go wrong with the toppings, the possibilities are endless and it all depends on your preference, but here are some great topper ideas:
- Whip Cream
- Marshmallows or mini marshmallows
- Toffee bits
- Mini chocolate chips/white chocolate chips/butterscotch chips
- Crushed peppermints or candy canes
- Coarse sea salt
- Cookies
- Truffles
- Chocolate syrup
- Caramel sauce
The Add-Ins
Enhance your hot chocolate with a variety of spirits. You can create signature hot chocolate inspired cocktails to the menu or just have some Irish cream or peppermint schnapps adults can add to their hot chocolate.
The Décor
Every hot chocolate bar isn’t complete without a sign. You can get one pre-made sign or make one yourself with a tabletop chalkboard sign. Feel free to add garland, pinecones, trees, snowflakes, or any other winter décor of your choice.
