After a few milder weeks, it looks like winter is finally here.

It’s time to break out the fluffy socks and dust off the hot water bottles in an effort to keep warm (if you haven't already). And, of course, the hot chocolate. So we’ve found four easy-to-make (and totally delicious) hot cocoa recipes to keep you nice and cosy this winter.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

This delicious recipe will put a twist on the iconic winter drink and definitely get you in the holiday spirit.

What do I need?

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/2 teaspoon red gel no taste food coloring
• Whipping cream
• Vanilla sugar

For the whipped cream: 

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (Don't have vanilla sugar? Add regular sugar and a drop of vanilla extract)

What do I do?

1. In a small pan, combine milk, chocolate morsels and food coloring.
2. Gently simmer until hot and all the chocolate is melted.
3. Use a small whisk to make sure everything is incorporated.
4. Top with freshly whipped cream.

For the whipped cream: 

1. Add heavy cream and vanilla sugar to a cold metal bowl.
2. Either whip by hand with whisk or with hand-held mixer until soft peaks form.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

If you're looking to take a step away from the more traditional hot chocolate taste, check out this recipe that will definitely heat things up.

What do I need?

• 6 cups milk
• 10 ounces chopped dark chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch or two of cayenne (optional)
• Marshmallows/cinnamon sticks for garnish.

What do I do?

1. In a pot combine the milk and chocolate.
2. Melt the chocolate over low/medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Once melted and the mixture is warmed through stir in the cinnamon and cayenne
4. Enjoy!

French Vanilla Hot Chocolate

Add a bit of extra sweetness to your hot chocolate this winter with this fab (and super easy to make) recipe. 

What do I need?

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Hershey's Cocoa, Special Dark (not unsweetened)
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons French Vanilla Creamer
• 1/2 teaspoon French Vanilla syrup (optional)
• Whipped cream or marshmallows

What do I do?

1. Pour one cup of milk into a mug and warm it your preferred heat
2. Once the milk is the right temperature, add 1 tablespoon Hershey's Cocoa, Special Dark and 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and mix well.
3. Stir in  1/2 tablespoons of French Vanilla Creamer – or more if you want it to be extra creamy - and 1/2 teaspoon French Vanilla syrup.
4. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings!

S'mores Hot Cocoa 

The campfire classic has been given a winter twist with this mouthwatering recipe you won't want to miss out on.

What do I need?

• 2 cups milk, any kind
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp light chocolate syrup
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp non-bitter stevia (or add 1-2 Tbsp more sugar to taste)
• pinch salt
• graham crackers, crushed (for lining rim)
• ½ cup marshmallows

What do I do?

1. Preheat oven to low broil and move oven rack to the second from the top - just high enough up to broil your marshmallows.
2. Heat milk and water in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat or scald.
3. Add cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, sugar, stevia and salt and whisk vigorously until combined.
4. Take a few marshmallows and rub them around the top of your mugs so the graham crackers will stick. Dip mug in graham cracker crumbs until well lined. You could also add some graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of your mug for extra graham flavor.
5. Pour in hot chocolate and top with 1/4 cup marshmallows each.
6. Carefully set mugs on the baking sheet in the oven and broil marshmallows until browned, watching carefully as to not let them burn.
7. Carefully remove from the oven with a towel and serve with holders or a small towel to protect hand from heat (they should cool quickly for handling).
8. Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and extra graham cracker crumbs for serving (optional).