Are you still making hot chocolate with a boring boxed mix from the bargain aisle at the grocery store? Friend, we just can’t let you keep drinking subpar beverages when there’s a whole world of chocolatey tastes, tips and tricks out there! Maybe you’ve been sticking with it because of convenience. Maybe it’s been more about time management. Or maybe you just don’t know all the variety you’re missing! Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered. Taking inspiration from Diply’s own list, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hot chocolate variations. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make mix, a time-saving trick, a crockpot version, new flavors or even new ways of serving it, there’s a recipe and a link here to help you. Consider it our holiday gift to you, and check them out!

1. Homemade 3-Ingredient Mix
   
   Everyday Food
   
   Going homemade doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience! This homemade mix is better than anything you’ll get at the store, but it’s still totally easy to prep and to make.
2. Instant Hot Chocolate Balls
   
   America's Test Kitchen
   
   Not a fan of powdered mixes but don’t have time to make your hot chocolate from the real stuff? Then you HAVE to try this GENIUS idea for make-ahead, microwaveable Instant Hot Chocolate BALLS – yes, balls – that can last for weeks in your fridge or even up to months in your freezer.
3. Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
   
   Another way to get wonderfully smooth and delicious hot chocolate without sacrificing ease? Use your crockpot! Try this creamy version that uses whipping cream and vanilla for an extra dose of flavor . . .
4. Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
   
   CookWithApril
   
   . . . or this version that swaps in soy milk and adds cocoa powder in addition to chocolate chips for a super-chocolatey version.
5. S’mores Hot Chocolate
   
   POPSUGAR Food
   
   Hot chocolate and s’mores already have so much in common, it was only a matter of time before they got together for the sweetest and most satisfying combination. Bonus— it’s really easy to make and to adjust to your personal preferences!
6. Sweet and Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate
   
   My Name is Yeh
   
   Instead of sugar, this hot chocolate gets its sweetness from either maple syrup or honey – your choice! – and then takes it up a notch with the addition of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a beverage that is truly special.
7. Extra-Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
   
   DPC
   
   Italian hot chocolate is the thickest we’ve ever tried, almost closer to a pudding than a beverage. If that sounds totally tempting, try this recipe, which achieves its thickness with an unexpected ingredient.
8. Rich Dark Hot Chocolate
   
   Buzzfeed
   
   Think hot chocolate is always on the milkier side? Think again, and embrace the darker, richer side of chocolate with this recipe from Jacques Torres.
9. Red Wine Hot Chocolate
   
   Imma Eat That via Diply
   
   We all know red wine and chocolate are the perfect combination, which makes THIS the most perfect hot chocolate idea we’ve ever seen. I mean, does it get any better?!
10. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
    
    Gimme Some Oven via Diply
    
    Who says hot chocolate has to be brown?! This Peppermint and White Chocolate version is sweet, fun, and SO perfect for the holidays.
11. Butterbeer Hot Chocolate
    
    Bakingdom via Diply
    
    Calling all Harry Potter fans! This magical, rich beverage will transport you straight to Hogwarts. And even if you’re not a fan of the boy wizard, you’ll still love the combination of butterscotch sauce, melted butterscotch chips and cocoa powder.
12. Marshmallow Shot Glasses
    
    Sometimes the best way to shake-up hot chocolate is to change the way it’s served! Try taking “shots” of the good stuff in these marshmallow shot glasses – especially perfect if you’re going for a more “spirited” version of the drink – or . . .
13. Gingerbread Marshmallows
    
    yoyomax12 - the diet free zone
    
    . . . keep the marshmallows more traditional by using them as a hot chocolate topper, but give the drink an extra shot of delicious by adding some homemade gingerbread flavor.
14. Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate
    
    Simply Kierste via Diply
    
    This easy recipe adds extra cinnamon and nutmeg to a rich and creamy chocolate base for a sweet beverage with just the right amount of spice.

You know the craziest thing about lists like this one? It’s only scratching the surface of all the possibilities! Be sure to check out Diply’s original list for even more ideas, then be sure to tell us which ones are your favorites!