3 steps to making the perfect winter hot cocoa bar
(BPT) - The winter months are such a wonderful time of the year. There’s so much to love about the chilliest season — the smell of the crisp air, fires in the fireplace, festive lights on every corner and even the seasonal drinks, especially hot cocoa. To help create a simple yet stylish and fun way to celebrate hot cocoa, Keurig teamed up with Savannah Kokaliares, the DIY and design maven founder of Classy Clutter, to share tips for creating the perfect hot cocoa bar for those cozy nights in or entertaining family and friends.
1. Design a festive setup.
Here is where you can get your creative juices flowing, inspired by the warm and cozy taste of a just-made cup of hot cocoa. Think flannel blankets and being nestled next to a burning fire, and bring that to your bar table or cart. Anything rustic screams festive, like a stump of wood or an evergreen garland or two. Remember the main star of the setup is the hot cocoa, so it can’t be overshadowed too much. Make sure it’s easy and fun for family and friends to make the perfect cup. Be sure to have a variety of hot cocoa flavors on hand, like the Swiss Miss Peppermint Hot Cocoa or Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa K-Cup pods.
2. Get creative with the hot cocoa accouterments.
The toppings and mix-ins can make a hot cocoa over-the-top delicious. Plus, it’s fun to make. Experiment with favorite creamers, syrups, candies and more to get the perfect combinations. For our hot cocoa bar, we used flavored syrups, many different kinds of marshmallows, chocolate dipped stir spoons, crushed peppermint, whipping cream and a few other fun toppings.
3. Prepare ahead of time.
There’s something about a cup of piping hot cocoa that can get you in the season’s spirit. However, we all know the season brings with it a million and one things to do. That’s why preparing for your hot cocoa bar ahead of time will make it seamless to really enjoy the winter moments. Design your bar (like mentioned above) then grab the few key pieces you’ll need to bring it all together - from decorations to signs to how you’ll make the hot cocoa on site. With the help of the Keurig K55 brewer preparing a hot cocoa bar is simple. At the touch of a button and under 60 seconds, a freshly made cup of hot cocoa is ready for you or your family and friends. Couple that simplicity with creating a truly festive hot cocoa bar, and your winter months will be perfection.
