As one of the (literally) hottest drinks out there, hot chocolate is a staple in many homes as well as cafes all over the world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, chefs and many members of the general public are interested in learning how they can make their hot chocolate experiences more interesting or “spicy.” If this is your objective, you should note that there are several ingredients you can add to your hot brew to spice things up a bit. Here are five:

1. Marshmallows.

Marshmallows are a wonderful addition to the traditional cup of hot chocolate. Marshmallows are soft, gooey treats. When added to your hot chocolate, they intensify the drink’s sweetness while also creating a cloud-like aesthetic that is nice to look at.

2. Cinnamon.

Like marshmallows, cinnamon is a wonderful addition to your cup of hot chocolate. Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the bark of several different types of trees, and the taste is an amalgam of sweet and spiciness.

3. Ice Cream.

Ice cream may seem like an outlandish addition to your cup of hot chocolate, but the effect is absolutely amazing. By putting this cold treat in your hot cocoa, it will acquire a thick, creamy texture. To ensure that this strategy is effective, be sure that your cup of hot cocoa is as hot as possible so the ice cream doesn’t make it too cold.

4. Orange Zest.

You might not have thought to add the zest of an orange to your hot chocolate, but it’s a wonderful tip to try. Simply take long strips (2 inches) of an orange rind and allow them to steep in the hot chocolate for a few minutes. Doing so will give your hot chocolate a pleasantly citrus-like flavor.

5. Coffee Or Espresso.

Both coffee lovers and hot chocolate lovers will likely be able to appreciate this ingredient. In fact, people have been blending the worlds of hot cocoa and coffee for quite some time now. The effect is the sweet, warm taste of hot chocolate with the added jolt that comes from caffeine.

Conclusion

If you’re a hot chocolate lover who is interested in spicing up your favorite drink, you should note that the strategies outlined here can help you do so. Try any or all of these ingredients and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised at the new twist on an old drink!