Best Hot Chocolate Recipes

I don't know about you but for me when it's cold outside there's nothing better than curling up in front of the fire with a big mug of your favourite hot chocolate. And for something so warming and cosy, so luxurious and satisfying they are very simple to make. So get your jammies on, slip your toes into some warm socks and lets go make some hot chocolate.

Chocolate originates from South America so many of the truly great hot chocolate concoctions come from those countries. There are some surprising additional ingredients which add extra warmth to an already huge hug!

Start With Really Good Chocolate

Making the Ultimate Hot Chocolate is actually really easy to do. All you need is some milk and some really good dark chocolate. Warm the milk gently. Allow about 250 millilitres per person (that’s around 8 1/2 fluid ounces). Add around 25-30 grams (around an ounce) chopped dark chocolate and stir until it has melted into the milk. To make it the ULTIMATE Hot Chocolate you now have to add the secret ingredient and that is entirely up to you! Sweeten it with sugar, honey, syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon or even chilli.

For those who want it simple and on tap this will give you hot chocolate when you want it

If you love hot chocolate but just can't be bothered standing over a stove to wait for it here's your answer. Set it and come back when it's ready. Simple!

Don't just use it to blend, heat and whip hot chocolate recipes! Use it also for a variety of other hot beverages such as cappuccino, lattes, café mochas and more.

Add some extra spice to make it something exotic

* Instead of milk use espresso coffee to melt the chocolate in then top with whipped cream

* Halve the milk and use an equal amount of cream. Heat with a pinch each of ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and a slice of orange peel. Strain before adding white chocolate instead of dark and half a cup of Grand Marnier. Serve sprinkled with grated orange rind and grated dark chocolate.

* Use milk and white chocolate and add a tablespoon of hazelnut syrup.

* Add a cinnamon stick to the milk while it warms. Remove before adding chocolate.

* Use Lindt Excellence Chilli Dark chocolate in place of regular dark chocolate

* Use Peppermint dark chocolate in place of regular dark chocolate