Crafting A Hot Chocolate Bar

How To: Hot Chocolate Bar

Trust the experts at Domino® Sugar to help you create a hot chocolate bar that’s sure to be a hit at your next event, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a chance to catch up with friends. Here’s how. 

1. Boil Up A Batch Of Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate

Nothing compares to the depth of flavor you get from making a batch of homemade hot chocolate from scratch, especially when it features the molasses notes of Domino® Dark Brown Sugar. It may take a few minutes longer, but your taste buds will agree that making our Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate is well worth the time.

2. Set The Stage With Tremendous Toppings

Marshmallows are a time-tested classic, but to make a truly memorable hot chocolate bar, you’re going to need to go a bit further. Make some bold, even surprising choices of what to include and display the toppings in decorative glasses, bowls, or other containers of varying heights and sizes to make the display an eye-catching one. Remember, when it comes to food—presentation is everything! As far as toppings, consider:

• Mix-Ins aren’t technically “toppings,” but your guests are sure not to quibble once they taste the difference they can make to the flavor of even our finest hot cocoa. A spoonful of peanut butter, caramel sauce or spiced coffee creamer can take their drink in a whole new direction.
• Topping bases are the first layer of luxurious additions atop a mug of premium hot chocolate, and here, it’s best to stick with the classics. Mini marshmallows and whipped cream are both excellent choices. If you want to add some variety here, flavored marshmallows and whipped creams are available as well. 
• Sprinkles can be far, far more than just those colored bits that come in a shaker. Crushed peppermints, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate shavings, chopped crème de menthe candies and more can add color, texture and a pop of flavor. Coarse sea salt is a more unusual choice that can beautifully contrast the sweetness of the drink and bring out the flavors in other ingredients like chocolate or caramel. And for a truly exotic option, add chili powder or flakes so adventurous guests can make their hot chocolate hotter in a different way. 
• Stirrers and spoons can be far more than just utensils once you add a little artistic flair. Instead of straws or silverware, consider peppermint sticks or pirouette cookies for stirring, and buy or bake edible spoons dipped in the chocolate of your choice as well. 

3. Pair Your Cocoa With The Perfect Cookies

Elevate the experience even further by offering your guests homemade cookies to nibble on in between sips of their cup of customized cocoa. Some of our favorites include:

• Gingerbread Cookies that have a seasonally spiced kick and chewy texture that’s great with hot chocolate. 
• Santa Macarons can bring a ho, ho, holiday accent that’s sophisticated as well.
• Brown Sugar Fudge lets guests double-down on their brown sugar enjoyment with a thick, rich favorite served in squares.
• Peppermint Brownies combine moist brownies with the bright flavor of peppermint to wake up the senses and soothe the soul. 

That’s it. Follow this helpful guide and you’ll be having joyful gatherings this holiday season and beyond filled with steaming hot chocolate, delightful cookies and pride in a job well done.