When you invite friends, family and neighbors over to enjoy some holiday hospitality this winter, you can make get-togethers much more fun by including that favorite drink, hot cocoa.
To satisfy everyone’s thirst, you’ll want to set up your own hot cocoa bar. It’s a fun way to change the ambiance of your apartment and it’s easy to do. Put up a little sign that reads something like, “Welcome to the Cocoa Bar!”
If you’re too busy to make cocoa from scratch, that’s not a problem. Get out your crock pot and fill it with water or milk, and then add hot cocoa powder from a box or packets. The crock pot will keep this beverage piping hot for as long as your guests are hanging out with you. Keep it on the “low” setting for best results.
Assemble some mugs so guests can serve themselves, with a ladle as they pour cocoa from the crock pot. If you have unmatched mugs, that will be nice because each person will be able to keep track of his beverage more easily. Remember to provide marshmallows to top off each mug of cocoa. If traditional marshmallows aren’t your style, you can opt for peppermint marshmallows.
During the holiday season, you may want to get fancy, with some whipped cream, powdered cinnamon to sprinkle on the surface of the cocoa. Try offering candy canes, which you can use to stir the cocoa or smash up to sprinkle on top.