Lifestyle Lifestyle:Hot chocolate is like a friend with whom you share all the worries of your day. No matter how harsh and cold the winter is, a cup of hot chocolate always cheers up the soul. The warm, chocolatey goodness is everyone's favourite, and can even be a favorite drink on cheat days for the biggest fitness enthusiasts. A cup of hot chocolate is more than a drink—it's a beautiful moment. So this winter season, make yourself hot chocolate and let yourself enjoy the chocolatey winter fun. Here are some delicious recipes for you to try.

Hot chocolate is not the same everywhere. It has its unique forms in every culture. Must try these this winter season. (Shutterstock)Hot chocolate isn't the same everywhere. It has its unique forms in every culture. Must try these this winter season. (Shutterstock)Also Read: World Chocolate Day 2024: 5 Best Chocolate Dessert Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Sweet ToothHot chocolate seems to be everywhere in comfort.

Material

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp granulated sugar

¼ cup (about 4 tablespoons) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips

2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Take a saucepan. Add granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Then add milk and chocolate. For chocolate, you can melt chocolate chips, chunks or shavings for a dark and refined taste. Let it cook on medium flame. Keep whisking. Serve it in a cup and pour in the French hot chocolate called chocolate chaud.

Material

1 ½ cups whole milk

½ cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

½ tsp espresso powder

225 grams or 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)

Whipped cream

Method

Add milk, cream, espresso powder and powdered sugar to a saucepan. Beat until you see bubbles forming. But do not let it boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add chopped chocolate. Stir until melted. If necessary, return to low heat briefly to melt the chocolate completely. Serve hot with whipped cream. Dip a croissant in it and enjoy the hot chocolate. French hot chocolate is thicker, richer, and less sweet than regular hot chocolate. The cream gives it an even more velvety texture. Also Read: Are you bored of your old coffee? Try these trending recipes for a delicious variation Mexican hot chocolate has a spicy kick to the chocolate flavor. (Pinterest/@insanelygoodrecipes)Mexican hot chocolate has a spicy kick to the chocolate

2 cups whole milk (500 ml)

2 cinnamon sticks (use Mexican cinnamon sticks for a floral, sweet flavor), plus extra for serving

2 tbsp dark cocoa powder

½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon chili powder

2 tbsp brown sugar

Method

In a saucepan, add milk and cinnamon sticks over medium heat. Do not let it boil and keep stirring every 5 minutes. Wait until it becomes aromatic. Remove the cinnamon sticks, then add the cocoa powder, vanilla, chili powder and sugar. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk until smooth and frothy. Serve with cinnamon. Mexican hot chocolate is spicy and gives hot chocolate a subtle, sweet-savory twist. Spanish Hot Chocolate Spanish hot chocolate, also known as chocolate a la taza, is a dip for churros.

2 cups whole milk

1 cup dark chocolate (170 grams)

⅔ teaspoon cornstarch

2 teaspoons white sugar

½ tsp red chilli

Method

First, cut the chocolate into small pieces. Then add milk and cornstarch in a saucepan. Continue whisking until the cornstarch is dissolved. Adding the sugar is optional. It's up to you whether you want the hot chocolate to be sweeter or not. Keep whisking until the sugar melts and dissolves. Now keep on medium flame. Keep stirring until it starts boiling. Then take it off the heat. Add chopped chocolate and stir until it melts. If the mixture cools down too much, put it back on the flame for a while. For a spicy flavour, add red chilli and mix well. Pour into cups and serve immediately, ideally with churros. Spanish hot chocolate is usually served in small, thick cups, often dipped and eaten with churros. Spanish hot chocolate is thick and spicy because of the cornstarch. Also read: Delicious salty and sweet dishes made with coffee