During this cold and depressing weather, we all need a litt.e bit of warmth and sweetness in our lives, and nothing beats an hot chocolate!

Colombia:

This first hot drink is one of the most unique ones in the list. Heat milk in a pot, add chocolate bars or tablets, and stir until melted, optionally adding a pinch of cinnamon or cloves; then pour into mugs and drop in pieces of fresh cheese to melt. I have yet to try this recipe, but it seems like a nice change that combines sweet and savory. Unfortunately, with the addition of cheese, this familiar drink may become even more deadly to those who are lactose intolerant (I know that this had never stooped any of us).

Ingredients:

• Colombian chocolate bars
• Water or milk (or both)
• Sugar (optional)
• Cinnamon (sometimes)
• Cloves (optional)
• Cheese (queso blanco or queso fresco)

Brazil:

Brazilian hot chocolate is beloved for its richness. It’s a popular comfort drink, especially during cooler months or festive times like Christmas.

For this extra creamy and sweet delight, combine whole milk and condensed milk in a pot, then melt in dark or milk chocolate and keep on stirring. You can add a stick of cinnamon for extra flavor. I have made this before, and I cannot go back. I advice any sweet-toothed maniac like me to give it a try.

Ingredients:

• Condensed milk
• whole milk
• Chocolate
• Cinnamon (optional)

Italy:

If you like thick things, i suggest this chocolate. It’s extra dense, and one of my favourite, but i admit i’m very biased on the matter. This version of hot chocolate is definitely more like a dessert than a drink,

It’s very comforting, and drinking it (or eating it, depending on the thickness) is really satisfying. To make it, melt chocolate (andor cocoa) with sugar and cornstarch in milk, and stir until it reaches a pudding-like thickness, or any thickness of you liking. It’s often served with whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• chocolate of your choice
• cocoa
• Sugar
• Cornstarc
• whole milk
• sugar(optional)

Belgium:

Belgium is famous for its high-quality chocolate, and the country’s hot chocolate is no exception. Thus, the list could never be complete without mentioning it. To make this rich beverage, heat heavy cream and melt in high-quality Belgian chocolate (though budget-friendly chocolate will do the trick for us broke students) until smooth. It’s served thick and creamy, often topped with whipped cream. For a little extra flair, you can add a splash of liquor. This recipe adds a bit of je-ne-sais-quoi to the mix, so if you’re feeling fancy, definitely give it a try!

Ingredients:

• Belgian chocolate
• heavy cream
• A splash of liquor(optional)

Bonus Recipe:

Anna’s mom’s hot cocoa:

This year, I went to my dear friend’s house, and she blessed me with hot chocolate. To make it, heat up some milk together with cocoa, sugar and some dark chocolate to melt into it. The secret ingredients are a dash of cinnamon and Kurkuma. This recipe will make you feel like you are drinking a million hugs 1010 would recommend it.

Ingredients:

• Any milk
• Cinnamon
• Kurkuma
• Dark chocolate
• sugar