Quick answer: a hot chocolate bar is a self-serve station: hot chocolate kept warm in a slow cooker, mugs, and a row of toppings led by whipped cream and marshmallows. Plan on 1-1½ cups of hot chocolate per guest and set the toppings out in small bowls with spoons.
What to set out
| Station | Items |
|---|---|
| The drink | Hot chocolate in a slow cooker on warm, a ladle, mugs or insulated cups |
| Whipped cream | A chilled whipped cream dispenser, or a bowl of stabilized whipped cream over ice |
| Marshmallows | Mini, jumbo and flavored marshmallows |
| Sauces | Caramel, chocolate and white chocolate sauce |
| Sprinkles and crunch | Crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, toffee bits, sprinkles, cookie crumbs |
| Stir-ins | Cinnamon sticks, peppermint sticks, flavored syrups |
| For adults (separate and labeled) | Irish cream, peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur |
The hot chocolate
Make it on the stove and transfer it to a slow cooker set to warm. Stir every 20-30 minutes so it does not settle or scorch. For the recipe and ratios see hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Whipped cream for the bar
Whipped cream is the topping guests reach for first. Plan on about 2 tablespoons of whipped cream per serving: 1 cup of heavy cream makes about 2 cups whipped, enough for about 16 servings. A charged whipped cream dispenser kept in a bowl of ice lets guests top their own mugs and keeps the cream fresh for the whole party; a bowl of plain whipped cream softens within the hour, so use stabilized whipped cream if you go that way.
- Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, peppermint and cinnamon; see whipped cream dispenser recipes.
- Adults: boozy whipped cream with Irish cream or bourbon, clearly labeled.
How much per guest
- Hot chocolate: 1-1½ cups (8-12 oz) each.
- Whipped cream: about 2 tablespoons each; 1 cup of heavy cream tops about 16 mugs.
- Marshmallows: a small handful each.
- Sauces and sprinkles: 1-2 tablespoons each.
Setup tips
- Arrange the bar in the order guests use it: mugs, cocoa, cream, toppings, spoons.
- Label everything, especially anything with nuts or alcohol.
- Keep dairy toppings cold and out for no more than two hours.
- Put a tray underneath for drips.
More party ideas: desserts for a crowd and coffee bar ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for a hot chocolate bar?
Hot chocolate kept warm in a slow cooker or insulated dispenser, mugs, whipped cream, marshmallows, sauces, sprinkles, stir-ins such as peppermint or cinnamon, and spoons and napkins.
How much hot chocolate do I need per person?
Plan on about 1 to 1.5 cups (8 to 12 oz) per guest, and a little more for a long event in cold weather.
How do you keep hot chocolate warm for a party?
Use a slow cooker on its warm setting, stirring now and then, or an insulated beverage dispenser.
How do you serve whipped cream at a hot chocolate bar?
A chilled whipped cream dispenser is the easiest: guests top their own mugs and the cream stays fresh. Otherwise set a bowl of stabilized whipped cream over ice.
