This was such an awesome idea for our New Year’s Eve Party this year. Because it’s our tradition to watch an outside movie (yep, even in 20 degree temps), I thought this was an amazing idea. It’s easy to set up and completely self-service making it the perfect touch to your winter party, whether you’re spending any time outside or just staying in the warm house. Place this bar somewhere near your dessert station. A cup of hot chocolate with holiday cookies and treats…yes please! See my post about cocktail stations for a party in a smaller home!

Here’s how I set up my bar and what I included.

I used this adorable drink cart (above) for my hot chocolate bar because I wanted everything visible and to have plenty of room. With two shelves, this worked perfectly.

Set up your bar near an outlet and plug in a large crockpot. I used Swiss Miss with milk. Just make the recipe for however many guests you’re expecting. Put it on high heat to start, then move it down to warm as the party gets closer and the cocoa is nice and hot. Put a ladle on top of the pot.

I set up a lazy Susan on the bottom shelf, and put plenty of holiday cups and napkins on that. People can turn that easily to get a fresh cup. I also put some holiday flavored syrups on the bottom shelf- peppermint and cinnamon (in regular and sugar free). I figured these would likely be used less than the other fixings, which I placed visibly on the top shelf.

Marshmallows of course. In addition to regular, I included these adorable holiday flavored- peppermint stuffed with chocolate. Look how cute they are with the holiday sprinkles on top.

Whipped cream. A classic topping for hot chocolate! I like to consider a sugar/fat free variety since it tastes the same but saves a ton of calories.

Chocolate syrup. Some people like a little drizzle on top, or to add a bit more richness to their cocoa, so I have it as an option.

Peppermint schnapps. Chocolate and peppermint is a match made in heaven! We went to some really cute little holiday villages (if you’re anywhere near Easton, PA during the holidays, check theirs out! (Easton Winter Village) They were selling hot chocolate with schnapps. It warms you right up, that’s for sure- and is crazy delicious!

Cinnamon schnapps. Along the same line as peppermint, it adds a different but just as yummy taste to cocoa. I couldn’t resist these tiny Fireball bottles by the Cashier at the liquor store. Adding a few to the bar was a nice touch.

Peppermint sticks. These are so festive and work really well as delicious cocoa stirrers. Cinnamon sticks are a great idea too!

Sprinkles. I have some I use on my coffee with cinnamon. I thought these would work really well on top of cocoa as well, and they did! Some holiday colored sprinkles (red, green) also are a nice addition to jazz up a cup of hot chocolate.

Enjoy this fun hot chocolate bar this winter! You don’t need to be a child to sip a warming and yummy cup with friends and family. Turn this idea into a coffee bar, too!