beauty essentials

  

Winter snowstorms--whether in your area or halfway across the country--are opportunities for excuses. An excuse not to work. An excuse to stay in sweatpants all day. And an excuse to drink hot chocolate.

The flipside of that excuse: If you're stuck at home all day with not much else to do but watch the snow fall, there's no reason not to make your hot chocolate the best it can be. Here are a few ways to give your drinking chocolate an upgrade.

1. Spike it with booze.

Get the recipe: Brandied Hot Chocolate

This just may be the best part about being an adult because, really, what isn't better with a bit of booze? Just stir in a shot of brandy, rum, or whiskey right before sipping. You're welcome.

2. Add serious spice.

Sure, you can infuse hot chocolate with cinnamon and it will undoubtly be delicious. But go beyond the warming spices and try the more fiery ones. Here, ancho chili powder and a red chile are added to the mix.

Get the recipe: Mexican Hot Cocoa

3. Pour it over ice cream, call it dessert.


Because what isn't better with a scoop of ice cream? Typically made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla gelato, this take on the classic Italian dessert swaps out espresso for creamy hot cocoa. Don't limit this decadent combination to just peppermint ice cream--vanilla, coffee, or chocolate are also pretty perfect.

Get the recipe: Hot-Cocoa Affogato with Peppermint Ice Cream

4. Go big with your toppings.


Fact: Canned whipped cream and mini marshmallows are so passé. Go a heavy-handed dollop of freshly whipped cream, instead. (A drizzle of caramel sauce doesn't hurt, either.)

Get the recipe: Caramel-Swirl Hot Chocolate