The Best Holiday Cocoa Recipes, From Basic To Boozy

You're about to have a lot of Champagne. After, all, 'tis the season for holiday cocktail parties, office festivities, and the myriad other reasons to have some bubbly in your hand. Since we figured you're set there, we wanted to highlight the other necessary drink of the holiday season. There's nothing quite so nice as a mug of really great hot chocolate. We'll take Swiss Miss any day — no disrespect. But, a serious cup of cocoa is worth putting in just a little bit more effort. To that end, we've rounded up a handful of exceptional hot chocolate recipes.

Whether you're feeling a classic, rich-and-creamy cup or you'd like to get a little creative, these are all winners. Or, if you're looking for something a little more "grown-up," we've got you covered there, too. Between the socializing, the shopping, and that time you slipped in sidewalk slush last week, the holidays are a rough-and-tumble season. Just because you don't have a party tonight doesn't mean you haven't earned a drink.