9 Weird And Wonderful Variations On Hot Chocolate

Whether you're just snuggling up by the fireplace, looking for an appropriate winter pick-me-up, or hosting a holiday gathering, hot chocolate is a sweet way to warm up inside and out. No wonder it's one of the most iconic beverages of the season. But why not kick it up a notch? Naturally, such a quintessential beverage has spurred many variations. 

If you are a fan of creamy and spicy chai, then this hot chocolate is right up your alley. 

What goes better with heat than a little bit of spice? The addition of chili powder and cinnamon in this recipe adds an extra kick to every cup.

Does it sound oxymoronic? Yes! Is it weird and wonderful? Absolutely! And don't forget delicious, refreshing, and delightful. This recipe is classic, but with a chilly twist.

Inspired by the L.A.-based Coolhaus  this hot chocolate is brought to the next level, and then some, by adding not just one amazing ingredient (maple), but bacon, too! 

Max Brenner is all about chocolate, and his hot chocolate is literally a liquefied version of his favorite ingredient. The end result is rich, fragrant, and delicious, of course!

Peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in heaven, and are even better together in liquid form.

It's no secret that that salt (especially sea salt) pairs extremely well with chocolate... sometimes dangerously so. While adding a pinch to your classic hot cocoa recipe can add something special, this float uses salt to achieve a level of decadence and deliciousness we'll bet you've never experienced in a cup of hot chocolate. 

Do you want to kick the warming power of hot chocolate up a notch? Look no further than this recipe that uses tequila to add a little extra something cozy. 

Who says hot chocolate needs to be of the traditional brown variety? This white hot chocolate includes lavender, which adds a hypnotic fragrance.