15 Takes on Hot Chocolate

With meringues instead of marshmallows and extra-dark chocolate, this cocoa is decidedly for adults. An after-bedtime drink, for sure.

To make: Chasing Delicious

Serve this in the evening, and your kids will think they're getting a special treat. And only you will know the truth: that lavender's soothing effect mixed with the calming nature of warm milk will put them straight to bed. Sounds like a win-win to us!

To make: Jessie's Kitchen Chronicles

This recipe features an awesome, aromatic homemade chai spice mix. Make some extra, because who doesn't need chai spice sitting around the kitchen? (Seriously.)

To make: Happy Hearted Kitchen

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Making your own hot chocolate is already awesome, but add homemade marshmallows to the mix and you've basically got Mom of the Year all sewn up.

To make: Sassy Radish

Powdered milk makes this cocoa extra thick, and high-quality white chocolate makes it especially tasty. And the rainbow sprinkles? They make it beautiful, of course!

To make: Love & Olive Oil

Yes, there's even something here for those of you who love your cocoa … but prefer it milk-free. This instant recipe relies on pre-made vegan chocolate discs.

To make: Oh She Glows

Evoke memories of Christmas with a dash of peppermint extract and some (probably on final clearance!) crushed candy canes.

To make: Number 2 Pencil

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What's all the Nutella fuss about? Try this cocoa made with the creamy hazelnut spread, and you will be asking no more questions.

To make: Gimme Some Oven

Add an exotic flavor to your cocoa with some pure coconut milk. Then get really creative and tell your kids that "cocoanut" is being served.

To make: A Cup of Jo

Cookie butter gives this cocoa its distinctive graham-crackery taste. Add toasted marshmallows, and it's just like camping in a cup.

To make: The Cooking Actress

This one's literally a mouthful. Hm, and figuratively, too. Kaffir lime adds even more interest to this offbeat cocoa.

To make: Serious Eats

Aaaaand now we're on to the alcoholic cocoas. Hey, chocolate and the drink are both good things, right? Combined, they should be (and are!) basically unstoppable. Make it fun for a party by setting out a selection of favorite toppings.

To make: Snippet & Ink

We all love a good cup of Mexican hot chocolate. Add some tequila, and we're totally sold. (Don't forget the kids, who probably also love a good cup of Mexican hot chocolate. This recipe from The Creative Mama has them covered.)

To make: Creative Culinary

Crème de menthe puts an adult twist on the already-mentioned peppermint hot chocolate. Again, a good drink for when the little ones want to sip on the same thing as you.

To make: A Crimson Kiss

A simple mix of milk, bittersweet chocolate and white chocolate contribute to this delightful beverage.

To make: Joy the Baker