• Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Farmhouse Chic Living

Barefoot, Deep Roots, & Big Porches

  • Homemaking
  • Crafting

Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas

by FarmhouseChic

Quick Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas, Recipes, & Toppings

You’ll love these quick hot cocoa bar ideas with an easy hot cocoa recipe and more than 25 hot cocoa toppings for the ultimate cup of hot chocolate!

Who doesn’t love a delicious cup of hot cocoa!? 

Our hot cocoa recipe has been a staple on our family farm for generations. My father shares memories of my grandmother handing him a cup of homemade hot chocolate after sledding adventures in the cow pasture and around the bonfire every autumn. When my father married my mother, she sweetened the recipe like most things, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since. 

Nowadays, we bring out this treasured family recipe for the season in a hot cocoa bar! It’s actually pretty low maintenance once you set it up and a definite crowd-pleaser. 

Want to create a hot cocoa bar or hot chocolate station to be enjoyed all season too? 

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience; read the full disclosure policy.

You’ll love these quick and fun hot cocoa bar ideas with an easy hot cocoa recipe and more than 25 hot cocoa toppings for the ultimate cup of hot chocolate!

What is a hot cocoa bar?

A hot cocoa bar also called a hot chocolate station, is essentially an area designated for mixing up cups of hot chocolate. It includes everything you’d need, such as cups, spoons, and all the creative hot cocoa toppings you can imagine! 

It’s a fun seasonal way to let friends and family create their own decadent hot chocolate, a favorite among kids and adults. Similar to an ice cream bar, a hot cocoa bar allows guests to layer their own toppings once you’ve provided the main ingredient – hot chocolate, in this case. 

Guest can not only refill their own cup but can also try mixing different toppings. In turn, making a hot cocoa bar the best way to serve hot cocoa to a crowd. 

There are so many hot cocoa bar ideas, from simple to extravagant, and with the following tips, recipes, and unique toppings, you can create your very own! 

Related To: 15 Votive Candle Holder Ideas

Where’s the best place to put a hot cocoa bar?

The best location to put a hot cocoa bar depends on your needs and space. 

You can build a hot cocoa bar in a tray or across a charcuterie board that can be placed on a side table in the living room for watching movies, on your entry table as welcome refreshment for guests, or tucked into a corner of your kitchen for easy cleanup. 

Or you could set up a rolling bar cart or have multiple tiers and layers on the expanse of a sideboard, buffet, or hutch. 

See the creative hot cocoa bar ideas below for inspiration, and then find your perfect spot to gather supplies and establish your hot cocoa station.

There are so many hot cocoa bar ideas from simple to extravagant and with the following tips, recipes, and unique toppings you can create your very own!

How do you make a hot chocolate bar?

In other words, what do you put in a hot chocolate bar? Start with how you intended to make your hot cocoa, basic supplies such as cups and napkins,  and then choose from my list of over twenty-five unique topping ideas! 

1. Hot Cocoa Recipe

The first step in building a hot cocoa bar is deciding how you are going to make the hot chocolate. I’m not a big fan of individual hot cocoa packets, but they can be used along with a thermos of hot water. (Just be prepared for the trash they’re going to create.) Instead, fill a jar with homemade hot cocoa mix and make a sign with instructions on how many tablespoons to add for much easier cleanup. 

Another option is to make hot cocoa ahead and pour it into a large thermos or slowly heat it in a crockpot. You could use milk, in this case, instead of water for a richer taste. 

2. Basic Hot Cocoa Bar Supplies

Basic supplies to include your hot cocoa bar include mugs (I love these copper mugs) or disposal cups. Spoons, stir sticks, or paper or reusable straws. You may also want to add a hot cocoa sign, labels, or tags. 

25 hot cocoa topping you can't resist!

3. Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas for Toppings

What are good toppings for hot chocolate? There’s really no set list of toppings for hot chocolate, but this list of more than twenty-five should cover it! Place each in mini mason jars, bowls, spice jars, or swing-top glass jars and bottles – so you can see them. 

  • Marshmallows – mini, colored, or flavored
  • Sprinkles – choose them to match your color palette or party theme
  • Chocolate chips – milk chocolate, white chocolate, or semi-sweet, chunks or mini chips
  • Crushed candy canes or mini candy canes for stir sticks
  • Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups or peanut butter baking chips
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Sea salt 
  • Carame Sauce, soft gourmet caramels, or caramel bits
  • Chopped Andies mints
  • Praline pecans 
  • Chocolate dipped pretzel rods or golden pretzel sticks
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Lavender syrup and culinary lavender buds
  • Ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or cocoa powder in shaker jars
  • Butterscotch chips 
  • Vanilla, mocha, or hazelnut syrup designed for flavored coffee
  • Strawberry syrup or dried strawberries
  • Marshmallow toppers – classic snowflakes, snowmen, or seasonal Peeps are fun
  • Edible flowers
  • Crushed toffee, Heath bars, or toffee bits
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Whip cream – try flavored whip creams too
  • Rock candy sticks or pop rocks
  • Biscotti 

Related To: DIY Coffee Mug Candles

Hot Cocoa Bars Ideas For Setting Up Yours

Now that you’ve got your hot cocoa recipe, basic supplies, and loads of ideas for toppings, it’s time to put it all together into a full-on hot cocoa bar!

Host a Hot Chocolate Bar Party Just for Fun

How to put together a hot chocolate bar party to make the most luxurious hot chocolate while barely lifting a finger.

I don’t know who wouldn’t want to be invited to this party! Marzia shows us how to put together a hot chocolate bar party to make the most luxurious hot chocolate while barely lifting a finger. See how she does it here.

Build Your Own Hot Cocoa Bar:

That’s right you can build your own racks for a hot cocoa bar!

That’s right; you can build your own racks for a hot cocoa bar with these instructions. You’ll be able to display ALL THE THINGS to make a mug of hot chocolate just the way you like it. Use the station for holiday gatherings, at a winter wedding, or simply a night with friends and family. P.S. This includes hot cocoa printable tags for free too. 

Create a Hot Chocolate Station in Your Home:

When cold winter days are here to stay, create a hot cocoa station in your home.

When cold winter days are here to stay, create a hot cocoa station in your home. Kids will love having a friend over after school to share tasty treats and create their own custom hot chocolates! 

Winter Themed Hot Cocoa Bar Party Setup:

Hot cocoa bars are a great addition to any winter-themed party.

Hot cocoa bars are a great addition to any winter-themed party. Create the perfect low-maintenance hot cocoa bar with A.J.’s awesome ideas and helpful tips. And make sure to score her free printable hot cocoa banner. 

Bring a Hot Cocoa Bar Outdoors

Want to have a hot cocoa bar outside? No problem!

Want to have a hot cocoa bar outside? No problem! With the help of insulated cups or mugs, you can enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa made right outside with these tips. Everyone will appreciate a warm beverage in their hands.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

  • DIY Candle Making
  • Cranberry Clear Soap Recipe
  • Fireplace Candle Ideas For Your Mantel
  • Cranberry Floating Candle Centerpiece
  • Decorating With Cinnamon Sticks

Big or small, there’s always room for a hot cocoa bar in the wintertime! Which one of these hot cocoa bar ideas is your favorite? 

Pin these 25 plus hot coca bars ideas now and Tag #farmhousechicliving on Instagram to share yours with us.

You might also enjoy...

Farmhouse Handmade Gift IdeasThere’s almost nothing as satisfying as making a gift with your own hands. You’ll agree these farmhouse handmade gift ideas are one’s you’d love to receive too!
DIY Coffee Candle MugsMake a DIY coffee candle mug for yourself or give one to the coffee lovers in your life. They make quite an inexpensive gift when you upcycle a mug and make your own coffee oil.
Cranberry Floating Candle CenterpieceThis cranberry floating candle centerpiece is a simple, inexpensive to light up a special winter night. It’s my go-to winter candle centerpiece in your farmhouse.

Filed Under: Featured, Homemaking, On the Table, Seasons

Previous Post Dried Flower DIY Capsules
Next Post DIY Sugar Mold Candles

WELCOME

Kristy Founder of Farmhouse Chic Living

Kick-off your shoes and settle in for a slice of farmhouse living - barefoot and beautiful.

JOIN US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • DIY Candle Making
  • Cranberry Clear Soap Recipe
  • Fireplace Candle Ideas For Your Mantel
  • Cranberry Floating Candle Centerpiece

Farmhouse Chic Living Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate Farmhouse Chic Living earns from qualifying purchases.

OUR BEST

Keep dust and dirt out with our clever farmhouse cleaning tips, checklist, and simple DIYs.
Make the most of summer evenings spent outdoors with an outdoor floating candle bug repellent!
Love the Look of Pressed Flowers? Collecting and preserving pressed flowers and leaves has always been second nature to me. It was a treasured pastime, I now share with my young daughter. I’ve found adding flowers to clear soap is beautiful way enjoy them!
This cranberry vanilla sugar scrub recipe smells simply delicious - I can’t keep my hands out of it! Good thing it’s easy to make at home with only five ingredients.

farmhousechicliving

Is there anyway more lovely than a candle that mak Is there anyway more lovely than a candle that makes a statement all on its own? 

I made this creamy soy wax sugar mold candle and you too! Grab the supply list and instructions at Farmhouse Chic
As Magnolia Journal puts it, dried flowers and fol As Magnolia Journal puts it, dried flowers and foliage are lasting beauties, offering constancy and unfading beauty through the change of seasons. I couldn't agree more. Hydrangeas are one of my favorites to dry and display with their ever-changing color.
Lavender has the most inviting scent to relax and Lavender has the most inviting scent to relax and unwind, much like relaxing in a rocking chair on our front porch by the herb garden with a hint of lavender and basil in the fresh breeze to clear away stress.  Lavenders’ classic fresh, herbal scent invites us to de-stress and sit for a spell. ⁠
⁠
I’ve been making homemade lavender candles for as long as I can remember. The good news is making lavender candle melts right at home is easier than ever in just four simple steps!
Just for fun - imagine your home is a cup of coffe Just for fun - imagine your home is a cup of coffee...what would the flavor profile look like?⁠
⁠
Ours would be a medium roast with almond milk (because I want our home to feel buttery warm, with caramel syrup (since there's always something sweet to eat in the kitchen). ⁠
⁠
Your turn, what would your home be as a cup of coffee? ⁠
⁠
⁠
#dreamywhites #mutedcolors #athome #whiteinterior #homedecor #homepolish #coffee #morningcup
Load More Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

COPYRIGHT © 2019. Emma Theme by Lovely Confetti · DMCA.com Protection Status