Drink Warehouse UK Blogs

Published on December 12, 2022

Celebrate with 13th December.

Chocolate was discovered in ancient times; however, the first origins of cocoa being made into a drink can be traced back to 500BC. It found its way to the Americas and would often it would be flavoured with vanilla and even chilli and served at all temperatures. It was introduced to Europe and became a luxury drink for the wealthy. In 1828, powdered chocolate was made and both the chocolate bar and the instant hot cocoa was born. Check out the DWUK variations to feature at your venue this winter! 

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 to 2 tbsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 250ml milk (any type)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together the cocoa, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla and serve. If you like it frothy, blend it in the blender. This recipe multiplies easily. When you get up to a quart of milk, use ¼ teaspoon salt.

  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 250ml milk (any type)
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  •  110g dark chocolate chips
  • 30ml Tia Maria  
  •  30ml V Gallery Marshmallow Vodka

Place a saucepan over a medium heat. Add cocoa powder and ¼ cup of milk. Whisk until the cocoa powder is mostly integrated. Whisk in the remaining milk until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract and chocolate chips and heat until the chocolate is melted for around 2 minutes. Stir in the Baileys. Serve immediately. 

  • 250ml milk (any type)
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips
  • 60ml Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1tsp Giffard Mint Syrup
  • Peppermint Candy Canes to garnish
  • Mini marshmallows to garnish

Place the milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over a medium heat while whisking frequently but do not boil. Add chocolate chips and Giffard Mint syrup and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips have melted. Add Baileys Irish Cream and garnish with marshmallows and a candy cane. Serve immediately. 

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About the author

Chloe Lewis

Chloe looks after all copywriting and proof-reading for Drink Warehouse UK, working with the Marketing team to deliver educational content to all our customers. She has spent many years in the hospitality sector, moving from behind the bar to now helping venues to stock their own. You can find more from Chloe about beer, cider, spirits, wine, non-alcoholic, soft drinks and RTDs all over our blogs, website, social media and Set The Bar magazine. 

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