Delicious Hacks to Upgrade Your Instant Hot Chocolate

Instant hot chocolate doesn't have to be boring. Check out these tips for creating the ultimate treat for fall and winter.

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As soon as that first gust of crisp fall air hit my skin, I knew I was ready to start enjoying some hot fall and winter treats. Hot chocolate, an absolute classic, is perhaps my favorite cool-weather beverage. As a child, we only ever had instant hot chocolate in our house, so over the years, I’ve learned some tips and tricks for turning a boring pack of powder into a delicious evening treat. You can see my top three hacks below:

1. Choose Your Instant Hot Chocolate Carefully

When it comes to instant hot chocolate, there are all kinds of brands to choose from. As a kid, I grew up drinking Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix, which you can find at your local Walmart. You can find versions with or without marshmallows, and I definitely prefer the latter for reasons I'll explain in a moment. Additionally, I'll note that there are several other good hot chocolate mixes on the market alongside Swiss Miss, so you'll just have to find the one you like best.

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2. Use Milk Instead of Water for a Creamier Taste

In addition to choosing a good hot chocolate mix, you're also going to want to use milk instead of water. Milk will make your hot chocolate significantly creamier, adding a richness that you just can't replicate with water. If you're worried about extra calories, you can always use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. I grew up with 2% milk in the house, so that's what I tend to use today.

3. Add Spices to Enhance Your Hot Chocolate

Lastly, you can enhance your packet of instant hot chocolate by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also try adding a bit of vanilla or peppermint extract for some extra flavor. As I mentioned before, I prefer opting for the packets without marshmallows because I prefer adding my own. Sometimes, I'll even use marshmallow fluff on top instead of regular marshmallows; it just depends on my mood. There are all kinds of combinations you can try, so just have fun and enjoy!