By: Alyssa Deguzman

National Hot Chocolate Day is an occasion to revel in one of the most popular wintertime drinks, hot chocolate. This delightful and soothing beverage has been cherished for generations, and it's not difficult to see why. It’s versatile and can be paired with a variety of flavors. National Hot Chocolate Day is the perfect opportunity to attempt new recipes and different flavors. Many coffee shops and cafes offer special hot chocolate drinks on this day, making it the ideal time to discover new variations of this classic drink.

When is National Hot Chocolate Day?

National Hot Chocolate Day is a yearly event and falls on the same date annually. For those who are fans of this comforting beverage, be sure to mark your calendars as it's coming up soon. Get ready with your unique recipes and celebrate this scrumptious day on January 31st.

Hot Chocolate Flavors

Hot chocolate is a simple yet delicious drink that can be made by heating milk or water and adding cocoa powder or chocolate pieces. The recipe can be easily customized to suit individual preferences by adding sugar, vanilla, or other flavors. One popular variation is to use chocolate bars or chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder, which creates a richer and more indulgent taste. However, using a powder is more convenient. Tea Zone Chocolate Powder is the perfect base for any hot chocolate recipe. It’s just as rich as using a chocolate bar or chocolate chunks when mixed with heated milk, and you can even combine it with chocolate chunks to make it extra creamy and rich.

National Hot Chocolate Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your ideal recipe. The beauty of this drink is its simplicity and versatility, making it suitable for everyone, from children to adults. Hot chocolate can be easily paired with a wide range of flavors and can be made at home with ease. For those who want to make their own hot chocolate, there are many ways to adapt the recipe to accommodate individual tastes. It can be as simple as adding flavored syrups, spices, or even a shot of espresso for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Trying different ingredients and flavors can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day.

Hot Chocolate Recipes

There are many different flavored hot chocolate recipes to try out. Here are a few popular variations:

1. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is a luxurious take on the classic hot chocolate. A perfect comfort for a cold winter day, it offers a unique combination of sweet and salty flavors. The warm and chocolatey drink is elevated by the addition of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt, resulting in a balanced blend of flavors that will linger on your taste buds. This variation of hot chocolate is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweetness and saltiness in their drinks.

Ingredients:
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone MochaBLAST Caramel Latte Powder
• 1 cup Milk of Choice
• Whipped Cream for Garnish
• Caramel Sauce for Garnish
• Pinch of Sea Salt for Garnish
• Crushed Pretzels for Garnish

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat your desired milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
2. Add 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder and 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone MochaBLAST Caramel Latte Powder then stir until the powders are fully dissolved.
3. Once the hot chocolate mixture is fully dissolved and heated through, pour it into a mug.
4. Garnish with Whipped Cream and a drizzle of Caramel Sauce.
5. Finish it off by adding a sprinkle of sea salt and crushed pretzels for an added touch of saltiness.

2. Vanilla Hot Chocolate

Vanilla Hot Chocolate is a comforting take on the classic hot chocolate. The addition of vanilla gives it a delicate sweetness that makes it perfect for a cold winter day. The warm and creamy drink strikes a balance between the rich chocolate flavor and the subtle sweetness of vanilla, resulting in a soothing and satisfying experience. This variation of hot chocolate is perfect for those who prefer a subtle sweetness in their hot chocolate. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious drink that deviates from the standard.

Ingredients:
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Vanilla Powder
• 1 cup Milk of Choice
• Whipped Cream for Garnish

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat Milk of Choice over medium heat until it starts to steam.
2. Add 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder and 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Vanilla Powder to the saucepan and stir until powders are fully dissolved.
3. Once hot chocolate mixture is fully dissolved and heated through, pour into a mug.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of vanilla powder on top and enjoy!

3. Mocha Hot Chocolate

Mocha Hot Chocolate is a rich and decadent take on the traditional hot chocolate. The combination of chocolate and coffee creates a unique and delicious flavor that is perfect for those who love both chocolate and coffee. This warm and comforting drink is ideal for a cold winter day and can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a pick-me-up. The balance between the chocolatey and coffee flavors makes this drink a great option for those who crave a richer and more intense flavor experience. Mocha hot chocolate is a perfect choice for those who want to indulge in the blend of chocolate and caffeine in their drinks.

Ingredients:
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone MochaBLAST Mocha Latte Powder
• 1 cup Milk of Choice
• Whipped Cream for Garnish

Directions:
1. Pour preferred milk into a small saucepan and heat on medium heat until it steams.
2. Add in 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder and 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone MochaBLAST Mocha Latte Powder to the milk and stir until combined.
3. Once mixture is heated pour into a mug.
4. Top off with whipped cream and enjoy.

4. Almond Hot Chocolate

Almond Hot Chocolate is a creamy and nutty variation of the classic hot chocolate. The addition of almond powder gives it a unique nutty, creamy flavor that makes it perfect for those who love nuts. This warm and comforting beverage is ideal for a cold winter day and can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert. Almond hot chocolate strikes a balance between the chocolatey taste and the nutty flavor of almonds, making it a great option for those seeking a richer and more intense flavor experience. This variation of hot chocolate is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of nuttiness in their drinks.

Ingredients:
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder
• 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Almond Powder
• 1 cup Milk of Choice
• Whipped Cream for Garnish
• Crushed Almonds for Garnish

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat your Milk of Choice over medium heat until it begins steaming.
2. Add in the 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Chocolate Powder and 2-3 tbsp Tea Zone Almond Powder then stir until dissolved.
3. Once mixture is combined, pour hot chocolate into a mug.
4. Top off with Whipped Cream and Crushed Almonds and enjoy.