What Goes With Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate Pairings

We've all heard of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows. But did you know some cultures add chili to their hot chocolate? Who knew!

We discuss some of the best hot chocolate pairings from around the world to help you take your hot chocolate game to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Hot chocolate has become so popular because it's a simple recipe, easy to make, and can be enjoyed by itself.
• However, it pairs well with all kinds of things, including salty foods and sweet toppings.
• For a savory twist, consider nuts or popcorn.
• Lovers of all things sweet might want to try churros, cookies, mints, caramel, and cinnamon sticks.
• You can transform your hot chocolate into an entirely new drink by adding coffee or a liquor like spiced rum.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try some pairings from around the world, like chili or cheese.
• Pairings and extra ingredients are great, but remember that the most important part of hot chocolate is the cocoa mix you use to create it.

See Related: Non-GMO Vs. Organic: What Is the Difference?

Food Pairings That Go Well With Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate or hot cocoa is a drink that can truly stand on its own. Few things are better, especially on a crisp, cold day, than a steaming mug of delicious hot chocolate.

Part of the beauty of hot chocolate is its simplicity. All you need is cocoa mix and hot water. That's why it's so important to use a high-quality mix, like our everyday calming hot cocoa, which uses organic alkalized cocoa for a smooth, rich flavor.

But your hot chocolate experience could be seriously elevated with the addition of just a few simple ingredients. And there are plenty of foods that pair exceptionally well with hot chocolate, including many that may just surprise you.

Read on for a few suggestions to help you take your hot chocolate game to the next level.

Roasted Nuts

Surprised? Don't be. After all, sweet and savory is a classic flavor combination.

Hazelnuts, for example, pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate. If you really love a nutty flavor, you could also add a little hazelnut spread to your hot chocolate. 

Peanuts are another savory snack that pairs beautifully with hot chocolate. Again, you can enjoy them separately or add a dollop of peanut butter into your cup of hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.

Nuts add a salty crunch to your hot chocolate experience, and have the additional benefit of being a healthy snack in their own right. For example, many nuts are keto-friendly, and therefore make a perfect pairing for our Keto Cocoa Mix.

Air-Popped Popcorn

Popcorn is another great, healthy option to add a salty kick to your hot chocolate. Their savory flavor pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate's sweetness. 

Bonus: Does Hot Chocolate Powder Ever Expire?

Churros

For those of us with a sweet tooth, the best food pairings for hot chocolate are also sweet. And few sweet treats can beat churros when it comes to complementing hot chocolate's taste.

Don't be afraid to dip your churro into your cup of hot chocolate, either. It's a truly indulgent experience.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you can't get enough chocolate, specifically, consider pairing your hot chocolate with chocolate chip cookies. These are particularly good when eaten with hot chocolate made with warm milk. 

That's not surprising, considering the fact that cookies and warm milk are perhaps the most famous snack-drink combo of all time!

Tangy Foods

Now let's get creative. All kinds of fruits pair wonderfully with solid chocolate. So why not with hot chocolate, too?

Why not, indeed. You can, of course, choose to pair your cup of hot chocolate with any fruit. Fresh raspberries and strawberries are a particularly delicious accompaniment.

For an even more interesting flavor combination, consider something even more tangy, like tart apples. The sharp, almost acidic taste, combined with the creamy, exquisite flavor of hot chocolate, makes for a fascinating snacking experience.

Citrus fruits are another great option. They can also serve as toppings. Try grating a little orange zest on top of your next cup, for example.

Mints

The sharpness of mint can be a fascinating and delicious complement to the savory sweet flavor of hot chocolate. 

A peppermint stick, for example, is the perfect winter addition to a cup of hot chocolate. Mint chocolate is also a great choice.

If you really can't get enough of the mint taste, consider using one of our minty hot chocolate mixes, like our Grandma's Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Toppings to Make Your Hot Chocolate Even Tastier

We've covered some food pairings. But one of the great joys of making hot chocolate is piling your cup with toppings. 

Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is one of the most classic toppings for hot chocolate, and for good reason. It can help create a delicious, creamy texture, transforming a simple cup of chocolate into a real treat.

Marshmallows 

Another classic, marshmallows melt at a relatively low temperature (less than 100ºF). That means when they are added to hot chocolate, they create a unique velvety texture.

To try something new, try replacing your marshmallows with mini marshmallows. Their smaller size makes them quicker to melt and easier to drink.

Cinnamon Sticks

Of course, you can truly spice things up by adding, you know, actual spices to your hot chocolate. Cinnamon sticks are an excellent choice, and pair very well with churros, which are often dusted with cinnamon powder. 

Other spices that go well with hot chocolate are ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom. 

Chili Powder

Now we're talking real spice. This might seem strange, but don't knock it until you've tried it. The savory spiciness and even smokiness of the chili complement the rich, savory chocolate flavor of your hot beverage. 

Adding a dash of cinnamon and chili powder to hot chocolate is popularly known as "Mexican hot chocolate." 

Dark Chocolate Shavings

Dark chocolate is a perfect hot chocolate topping for anyone who wants a more intensely chocolatey flavor. 

Cheese

Adding cheese to hot chocolate might sound bizarre, but it's quite common in Colombia. At first, the cheese stays solid, adding a bite to your beverage. 

But over time, the hot chocolate melts the cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture.

You could also eat the cheese separately, as a food pairing.

Caramel Sauce

If your taste buds demand sweetness, caramel sauce is a no brainer. Add a generous dollop to make your hot chocolate taste like a professionally made drink.

Other Ingredients to Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate

We've covered toppings and pairings. But what about the actual ingredients within your hot chocolate?

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can make your hot chocolate creamy and add a unique sweetness to every cup. It might take longer to mix compared to water or other milks, but with patient stirring, everything will combine.

Consider using coconut milk with our dairy-free Mindful Organic Skinny Cocoa for a warm cup of hot cocoa with absolutely no dairy in sight.

Oat Milk

Another great option for dairy-free or plant-based hot chocolate lovers, oat milk can be heated up in the microwave in just a few minutes.

Spiced Rum

If you indulge in an alcoholic beverage now and then, why not try giving your hot cocoa a kick? All kinds of liquors pair well with hot chocolate, including spiced rum and Baileys Irish Cream. 

Coffee / Espresso

There's a reason espresso chocolates are so popular. The coffee/chocolate combination is one of the best out there, and hot chocolate is no different. 

Plus, adding a cup of espresso to your hot chocolate makes it caffeinated, transforming your treat to an energy boosting drink. 

Conclusion

There's no "right" way to enjoy hot chocolate. If you prefer the simple sweetness of hot cocoa with no additives, stick with that. 

But if you want to experiment, go for it. Just remember, the most important ingredient in a good cup of hot chocolate is the cocoa mix. So make sure you're starting with a high-quality mix!

Keep Reading: How to Make Refreshing Frozen Hot Chocolate

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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for health and mental wellness. We use natural ingredients to support both body and mind, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, designed to promote relaxation, calmness, and better sleep. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.