This month, I really wanted to try making my own hot cocoa mix. I assumed it would be simple, but wasn’t sure where to find a great recipe. After a quick Google search, I found Alton Brown’s. I consider him to be a reliable resource, so I gathered the ingredients and whipped it together in about five minutes.

Although the recipe is simple, the flavors are rich and complex. It would be a treat for any chocolate lover in your life.

If you’re in to all things spiked, I think some peppermint schnapps would make a pretty delicious grown-up version.

Hot cocoa mix is also a perfect holiday gift. Stored in inexpensive jam jars, it looks quite pretty with a festive tag and sheer ribbon. It would also be great stored in cellophane bags and stuffed into a pretty mug. C. Wonder has some lovely coffee mugs online.