Everything You Need to Host the Festive Hot Chocolate Bar of Your Dreams

There’s cozy, and then there’s full-on holiday magic. If you want guests to walk in smiling and end the night with a customizable (and maybe a little boozy) treat, a hot chocolate bar is the move.

Forget the powdered drink mixes from childhood. Instead, imagine an elevated drink station with luxurious hot chocolate, gourmet add-ins, festive garnishes, and eye-catching mugs that make every cup feel special.

Hot Chocolate Bar Decor

1. Mud Pie Drinkware

For that luxe winter feel, start with some drinkware from Mud Pie. I recommend picking up a few of the adorable nutcracker mugs, and their tartan mugs are also beautiful. The detailing on the handles is so cute! These toile mugs are also great if you like a more chic vibe.

2. Sliner 3-Piece Hot Cocoa Bar Organizers

You eat with your eyes first, so your hot chocolate bar better look as good as it tastes! Thankfully, Sliner’s set of Hot Cocoa Bar Organizers is here to help. Each box sports a charming rustic farmhouse design, and there are three sizes to fit all your cocoa needs.

3. Hot Cocoa Banner

This Hot Cocoa Banner will be the star of your holiday party. It’s a fun little decor piece that ties the entire room together with its whimsical design and bright pop of color.

Hot Cocoa Essentials

4. Gearharts Fine Chocolates Maya Drinking Chocolate

Of course, every hot cocoa bar needs an indulgent drinking chocolate. The Maya option from Gearharts Fine Chocolates is rich, flavorful, and mixes up perfectly smooth and decadent.

This isn’t the bland powdered stuff sitting in the back of your pantry. Gearharts’ drinking chocolate is made with Venezuelan cocoa, ancho chile, orange, and cinnamon. Yum!

Ghirardelli’s Premium Indulgence Hot Cocoa Mix is a crowd-pleaser you can enjoy alone or dress up with mix-ins. It’s a classic for a reason, packed with expensive-tasting chocolatey goodness. I make mine with milk, but water does the trick too—it’s just that good.

Adult Add-Ons for Your Hot Chocolate Bar

6. Cheeky Cocktails Espresso Syrup

For guests who want to step up their cocoa game, add a shot of caffeine with this Cheeky Cocktails Espresso Syrup (also available in decaf). Just a splash will transform any regular hot chocolate into a cup of pure bliss. It’s a brilliant way to offer that signature espresso flavor without the added work of brewing coffee.

7. Bittermilk No. 7 Gingerbread Old Fashioned Mixer

Offer a cocktail-inspired cocoa option with the Gingerbread Old Fashioned Mixer from Bittermilk No. 7. While it’s designed for mixed drinks, it works wonders in hot chocolate, too. The cozy notes of gingerbread and warm spice will make you feel like you’re sipping holiday cheer.

8. Baileys Original Irish Cream

You can never go wrong with a splash of Baileys Original Irish Cream. Its creamy sweetness and silky texture pair beautifully with hot chocolate. An essential for anyone who prefers their cocoa to have a little kick!

9. Crown Royal Chocolate Whisky

Crown Royal’s Chocolate Whisky is another great option to give hot cocoa some depth and warmth. With a smooth, chocolate-infused flavor that blends seamlessly into hot drinks, you’ll never want to go back to plain cocoa. This unexpected choice feels luxe and festive without trying too hard.

Hot Cocoa Garnishes + Other Treats

10. James River Chocolate Co. Merry-Mint Bark

Once your drink is all mixed up, it’s time for the toppings and garnishes. Set out a pack of this Merry-Mint Bark for guests to grab as a sweet treat alongside or in their hot chocolate. Just break it up, stir it in, and watch the magic happen as the chocolate slowly melts and swirls into the cocoa.

11. The Fancy Marshmallow Co. Gourmet Marshmallows

You can’t have a hot cocoa bar without some marshmallows! The Fancy Marshmallow Co.’s gourmet options are big, fluffy, and flavorful—a show-stopping final touch. With fun colors, designs, and toppings, these marshmallows go way beyond plain white.

12. Mini Candy Canes

Candy canes are a necessity when hot chocolate’s on the menu. I like these mini, individually wrapped ones because they’re the perfect size and guests can take extras home with them. As a bonus, they’re also dye-free.

13. Beautiful Briny Sea Hooray Holiday Sprinkles

These Hooray Holiday Sprinkles from Beautiful Briny Sea add color and a bit of sparkle to whipped cream or marshmallow-topped mugs. Basically, they’ll elevate your hot cocoa bar from pretty to Pinterest-worthy.

14. Trader Joe’s Cookie Mug Hangers

Cookie mug hangers are some of my favorite hot cocoa extras. Trader Joe’s absolutely nailed it with these crunchy spiced cookies, which are equally cute and delicious. They fit perfectly on the edge of your mug to minimize crumbs, thank goodness!

15. Mightylicious Cookies

Satisfy every guest’s sweet tooth with a 4-pack bundle of Mightylicious cookies. You can choose from an assortment of mouthwatering flavors, like brown butter chocolate chip and salted peanut butter. There’s even a vegan option! Truly the perfect cocoa companion that’s built for dunking.