How to DIY a Killer Hot Chocolate Bar

It’s the holiday season again and nothing keeps you toasty on a cold winter night like a warm mug of hot chocolate!

These hot cocoa bar ideas will help you create the ultimate hot chocolate bar for those holiday parties or for a nice welcome for dear friends! They also make for a great after school snack for your kiddos!

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Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas

Contents

In order to create a hot chocolate station there are a few staples you need to have on hand. Cocoa powder, enough mugs or disposable cups, and all the toppings, just to name a few!

Hot Chocolate: Store bought or homemade?

First, let’s start with the most basic…the hot chocolate! There is no right or wrong way on this one, some people love a good hot cocoa mix like Swiss Miss or Ghirardelli. They’re especially convenient when you just want to add hot water.

Others swear by the hot chocolate recipe that’s been passed down by their sweet grandma. Typically made with milk powder, it can be stored in a tub to be used all season long.

If you’re having a party, include a recipe card for guests to take with them to make at home! This hot chocolate mix recipe by Martha Stewart is a favorite!

Another great way to enjoy it is in a crock pot. I love this slow cooker hot chocolate for a decadent hot chocolate option! Made with whole milk, heavy whipping cream, and chocolate chips, this rich hot cocoa simmers on medium-low heat and is a delicious treat on a winter day!

Hot chocolate bombs are another fun option that have become popular in recent years!

Made with a hard chocolate coating on the outside and powder in the inside, these fun cocoa balls melt in hot liquid. Place your hot cocoa bombs in a mug and pour hot milk over the top for a fabulous treat!

Favorite Toppings

This is always my kids’ favorite part of setting up the DIY hot chocolate bar – the toppings! Each year we try to change it up a little from the last year to add some variety. Here are some popular choices for different toppings:

Candy canes
Mini marshmallows
Cinnamon sticks
Chocolate chips
Mini chocolate bars
Hershey Kisses
Peppermint sticks
Pecan (or your favorite nut) pieces
Homemade marshmallows
Sprinkles
Shaved dark chocolate
Favorite crushed candy bits
Dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

And don’t forget the whipped cream with chocolate drizzle or caramel sauce! The options are endless and fun toppings are the perfect way to add holiday cheer to your cup of hot chocolate!

I love to store my toppings in vintage blue mason jars and small bowls work great, too!

Christmas Decorations

Now it’s time to spice up your easy hot cocoa bar with some decor!

Whether you are using a section of your kitchen counter or have a designated place like a buffet in your dining room for your bar, you can make it look festive with some holiday decor. The best part is you don’t need a lot of space!

And part of the fun is that it doesn’t have to cost a ton of money! The easiest way to save is by visiting your local dollar store for little trinkets to add to your own hot cocoa bar!

Hot Cocoa Bar Sign and Banners

For starters, hot chocolate signs are a great addition! Every cocoa station needs a hot chocolate bar sign, whether big or small.

I found my cute red sign at HomeGoods to hang on the wall and the smaller black stand sign at Hobby Lobby. A banner is also a great choice if you have room to hang one!

Tiered Tray

A decorated wood tiered tray is the perfect addition and it’s also great for storing paper coffee cups. I add a cute hand towel, a few decorative pieces, and paper cups with lids to my tray by Hallops.

Cake Stands

A variety of cake stands can be used to create interest and store toppings. Use different sizes, heights, and colors for something different. Add a smaller wood sign or other Christmas decor for a fun look!

Table Cloth

A table cloth or festive runner is a great way to protect the surface of your station, especially if it’s a wood top, while adding a pop of color.

Pro tip – choose a cover with a darker pattern to hide spills or stains!

Electric Kettle

Having an electric kettle on hand to heat water quickly for hot chocolate mixes is also a great idea. If I have room, I like to place my cute mint-colored KitchenAid kettle on the bar for both decor and convenience!

Hot Chocolate Season

Hosting a Christmas party? A hot chocolate bar party is a fun way to get the festivities started! A fun idea is to ask guests to bring their own toppings to share!

Obviously, Christmas parties are a great time to set up a hot chocolate bar, but they’re not the only time!

Bridal showers, a baby shower, and birthday parties are all great events to set up a festive station at! With these tips, you’ll have the best hot chocolate bar around!

Hot Chocolate Bar FAQs:

What should I bring to a hot chocolate bar?

There are lots of fun options you can bring to a hot chocolate bar party! Your favorite topping like crushed peppermint or cinnamon, flavored syrup to change up the flavor, flavored whipped topping, or maybe a treat to go with the hot chocolate!

How do you keep milk warm in a hot chocolate bar?

One way to keep milk warm and ready to go for hot chocolate is by using a slow cooker. Spray the insert with cooking spray or use butter to grease it. Pour the milk in and put the setting on medium heat.

How can I make a hot chocolate bar for adults?

Having some Bailey’s Irish Cream or peppermint Schnapps on hand for adults will give your guests some options, if preferred.