Enhancing the Base
Swap out the milk for coconut milk. You probably know that milk makes a creamier hot chocolate than water. However, you may not have thought about swapping out regular milk for coconut milk or cream. It gives your drink a tropical edge, much like your favorite coconut-chocolate bar. You can also add a dash of cream or half-n-half for more richness.
Try a banana peel. This advice may sound a bit crazy, but if you're making a large pot of hot chocolate, try adding a banana peel to it while you cook it. The banana peel will give your hot chocolate a banana flavor. Just toss it out at the end. You can also use orange peel for a similar effect.
Stir in some peanut butter. If you can't get enough peanut butter cups, then this addition is the one for you. Once you've heated your hot chocolate, stir in a spoonful of smooth peanut butter. Make sure to keep stirring until it's well blended. This addition will also make your hot chocolate extra rich. If you don't like peanut butter, you can try any other nut butter. You can even use chocolate hazelnut spread.
Splash in some espresso. If you're a coffee lover, then a shot or so of espresso can take your hot chocolate to the next level. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use a packet of instant coffee to similar effect.
Add a spoonful of caramel. If you like your hot chocolate sweeter, try adding a spoonful of caramel sauce. It will give it extra flavor and add sweetness. Maple syrup or even a bit of honey will also work to give it a boost of flavor and sweetness.
Stir in some chocolate chips. Adding real chocolate to your hot chocolate can make it all that much richer. You can use plain or flavored chocolate chips. You can also use chocolate shavings instead. Either way, make sure to stir them in well. You may need to let the chocolate sit in the hot beverage for a minute or two before stirring.
Adding Extra Flavors
Pick out your favorite winter spice. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can all add interesting flavors to your hot chocolate. You can also try cardamom, though go easy on it, as it can be strong. You can add a dash of spice to the mix or pour in a bit of extract to enhance the flavor.
Give it a kick. While cinnamon might seem a natural addition to hot chocolate, cayenne pepper or chili powder may not seem as natural. However, many cultures add a hint of spice to chocolate. Just a small pinch will do, as you don't want it to be burning hot, just a bit warming.
Make it adult. Nothing's quite as warming as a warm drink with a bit of booze, and hot chocolate is no exception. Try adding creme de cacao, Irish cream, or cognac to your hot chocolate, or even a splash of amaretto or raspberry liqueur. A touch of stout can also be a nice addition.
Pick your favorite extract. Another way to add flavor is to simply spike it with a bit of your favorite extract. You could add vanilla, for instance, or a bit of almond extract. Peppermint is, of course, a classic addition to chocolate. You could also try raspberry, banana, or amaretto.
Picking Out Extras and Toppings
Use a peppermint stick. One easy way to make better hot chocolate is to use a peppermint stick or candy cane to stir it up. Leave the stick in there as you drink it. The stick will flavor the hot chocolate with peppermint, plus you get a nice treat at the end.
Splash in a couple of cherries. Maraschino cherries aren't just for cocktails and ice creams. They also make a nice addition to hot chocolate. Just stir them in after you've made your hot chocolate, making sure to include a bit of the juice, too.
Go classic with marshmallows. Of course, mini marshmallows are a classic hot chocolate topping. If you want to take it up a notch, try making your own marshmallows. Alternatively, add a scoop of marshmallow cream and toast it a bit with a creme brulee torch. For a s'mores effect, add crushed graham crackers on top of the marshmallows.
Stick with whipped cream. Another classic addition to hot chocolate is whipped cream. You can use the kind from a spray can or from the freezer, or you can make your own. Whichever way you choose, just dollop on as much as you want. To make your own whipped cream, add heavy whipping cream, a touch of sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract to a bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to whip the cream until it forms peaks.
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