By Izzy Giacoppo

There are several ways to make a comforting cup of hot cocoa, but many times, it is easiest to use instant hot cocoa. Although it’s just a package of brown dust, it unleashes such sweetness. But let’s be honest, the more time-consuming ways of making hot cocoa tend to create a more pleasing beverage. So how can we replicate the sophisticated taste of carefully crafted hot cocoa without any extra time? Our answer: add-ins!

The most basic way to enhance the taste of instant hot cocoa is to add cream. The beauty of this is that there are so many kinds of creams. There are plenty of types of milks that create different subtle flavors. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for more intense creaminess and thickness. Another kind of cream is coffee creamer. This works well as an enhancer because there are many creamer flavors that pair perfectly with chocolate.

For flavor enhancing, don’t be afraid to play around with spices. Cinnamon or pumpkin spice are great starts. They are not overpowering and add a satisfying amount of warmness. Nutmeg, ginger, or even cayenne can also be enjoyed in hot cocoa. If you prefer to keep it simple, adding a pinch of salt will bring out the richness of the chocolate. Another way to add flavor is with extracts like vanilla or almond. 

If what you want out of your hot cocoa is more cocoa, you can stir in pieces of chocolate until they are melted. Not only will this make it more chocolatey, but it will also make it a little thicker, similar to drinking actual chocolate. 

Maybe what you are looking for in your perfect cup is some sweetness. Something commonly paired with chocolate is orange. Don’t get freaked out, we aren’t telling you to mix hot cocoa with orange juice! Simply add some orange zest. If you want a combination of sweetness and warmness, you can add maple syrup.

So far, all of these additives work well for making hot cocoa more comforting, helping you unwind. But maybe you are looking for something with strength. So, there is nothing wrong with adding some coffee. A little caffeine boost and some bitterness are sometimes exactly what we need. For maximum strength, have fun with cream liqueurs. This can be chocolate liquor, pumpkin liqueur, or Irish cream.

Think of your instant hot cocoa as not the main ingredient, but the base. A little pool where you can blend creams, spices, extracts, and more for a unique flavor and texture in a short amount of time.