A hot chocolate is a firm drinking favourite across the country for all of the family. On a cold day, it's our go-to winter warmer.
If we're feeling adventurous, we might even go for added whipped cream and marshmallows topped off with chocolate sprinkles for the ultimate indulgent experience.
From the frothy milk to the smooth, rich chocolate taste, what's not to love about it?
If it wasn't so expensive, we would be buying a cuppa from our local coffee shop at least once a week, but alas, there are great options you can buy in store or online that can satisfy your cravings in the comfort of your own home.
You can use your favourite mug, inhale the sweet cocoa aroma and savour every last drop of your drink in front of the TV.
We've scoured the net to find the best hot chocolates you can make at home to satisfy that sweet tooth craving.
Best hot chocolate
1. Charbonnel & Walker The Chocolate Drink Original
This is a traditional drinking chocolate that once you try, will become a regular in your pantry.
Arriving in the classic white tin with gold and blue accents, this recipe was invented in 1875 and has stood the test of time.
The chocolate flakes should be mixed with hot water - but for an extra creamy taste, add hot milk to bring out the dark chocolate flavours. this brand is known for allowing people to enjoy real chocolate as a drink.
And for another use, why not try adding the flakes to your ice cream for an added choco boost.
2. Chulucanas Hot Chocolate
Made from only two ingredients: Peruvian single estate 50% dark chocolate powder and Barbados raw cane sugar, this drinking chocolate is deeply rich, creamy and hits that chocolaty craving just right!
It's advised to be mixed with full fat cows' milk for an extra creamy kick, but it also works well with vegan substitutes such as oat milk and almond milk.
Coming to you in a ribbon-tied glass jar, this is a sophisticated looking treat that you'll be reaching for when you need a pick me up.
Buy it now for £5.99 at Willie's Cacao
3. Our Signature Chocolat Chaud 1L
If you've ever tried the chocolat chaud of Parisian tearooms, you'll know how delicious it is. This offering from Paul allows you to recreate the experience the rich molten drink in your own home.
With this, there's no way you can go wrong in making it. It arrives in a one litre carton so all you need do is pour out your serving, heat, and enjoy.
"If you’re looking for the most delicious, flavoursome, rich and thick hot chocolate in the world, then congratulations - because you've found it. This hot chocolate is unlike any other, if you’re a fan of hot, melted chocolate as a drink, then look no further," says one reviewer.
4. ASDA Extra Special Fairtrade indulgent Drinking Chocolate
It's Extra Special and guilt free because of its Fairtrade associations.
Coming in at under £2.50, this is a great value and delicious tasting.
Made up of 40% cocoa powder, all you need to do is blend the powder with warm milk for an everyday chocolate boost.
It's been praised for its smooth texture, deep chocolate taste and not being too sweet or bitter on the tongue.
Buy it now for £2.48 from ASDA
5. Organic Vegan Hot Chocolate Powder
For the conscious eaters, this vegan, organic, gluten-free hot chocolate will still fulfill those sweet tooth cravings without impacting on your regular diet.
This hot chocolate power is even *slightly* good for you as it's high in magnesium and iron.
It's made from three key ingredients and these ingredients only: cold-pressed raw Peruvian cacao powder, coconut blossom for a natural sweetness, and the South American sweet fruit lacuna for a nutrient-rich addition.
Describes ad a 'hug in a mug' you can enjoy a heavily rich and creamy drink guilt free, knowing that coconut blossom is one of the most sustainable sweeteners in the world, while the lacuma is known for its antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.
Buy now for £4 at Green Goddess
6. Tesco Instant Hot Chocolate
Sweet and delicious, this cheap treat is a great addition to add to your larder.
Praised for its smooth, velvety texture, this instant chocolate drink hits is one for the sweet-toothed among us.
Just add hot water and you'll get your choccy fix.
7. Fortnum's Ruby Hot Chocolate
If you're looking for something a little different, this berry-flavoured drink from Fortnums is a delicious innovation that took 13 years of research.
It's made from specially selected coca beans to give a delicious berry fruit flavoured beverage.
Heap three teaspoons into a teacup, slowly stirring in hot milk to create a delicately rose coloured liquid with a strawberry aroma and sweet berry flavour.
As it's a little on the pricier side from Fortnums, this will work great a a gift of as a once in a blue moon treat.
Buy now for £12.95 at Fortnum & Mason
8. Dark Orange Drinking Chocolate
Watch out with this one - you might finish eating the chocolate balls before you even get the chance to mix them into a hot drink.
Arriving in cute glass mason jars, these dark orange chocolate pearls should be stirred into a mug of hot cows' milk to release the complex velvety hot chocolate experience.
The chocolate itself is dairy free, so perfect for the lactose intolerant and vegans.
More of a luxe drinking chocolate for the connoisseur, this style is also available in salted caramel, dark, and milk variations.
Buy now for £6.50 at Cartwright & Butler
9. 100% Colombian sugar-free Hot Chocolate Drops
For even more hardcore chocolate lovers, try these sugar free dark chocolate drops.
They are 100% cocoa solids made from sugar-free dark chocolate. It's dairy free, vegan, and suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.
Originating from Colombia made from local beans, all you need to do is warm a small amount of milk in a pan into a smooth paste, then whisk in some more milk as it warms and you'll create the perfect, richest, creamiest hot chocolate.
This drinking chocolate has a bitterness that is more akin to an espresso than a coffee shop hot chocolate, it's an acquired taste that you'll grow to love. It also means that you won't overdo it! Add sugar to taste to make it a little sweeter if needed.
Buy now for £7.25 from Chococo
10. Gnaw Chocolate Liqueur Hot Choc Shot
An adult treat here, this hot chocolate offering features a hot chocolate shot on a sticks with an Irish cream liqueur pipette shot to add in at the end for a boozy treat.
A great way to round off a fun evening, just stir in the chocolate shot (made with cow's milk) into some hot milk until it's fully melted and then add in the Irish cream for the full indulgent experience.
It's luxuriously smooth and a special once in a while treat.
It's gluten free and suitable for vegetarians, while the chocoholic in you will be fully satisfied!
