By Laura Fuentes on Updated
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When cold weather hits, there’s nothing like an outdoor bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, that is until it turns lukewarm. Thankfully, I’ve got just the devices to keep your hot chocolate warm for hours!
Whether you want to go the electric route, the old-fashioned way, or take it high-tech, there’s something here for you.
Keeping Hot Chocolate Warm
Plan to host a bonfire or hot cocoa bar outdoors? Here’s what you need to keep everyone’s mug piping hot.
If you are near an electrical outlet, a coffee pot warmer makes it easy to transfer the delicious beverage from your stove-top to the outdoors. Keep it low, and the temperature will be just right!
However, a large thermos container is super handy if you’re in a setting with no electricity! Just make sure the hot chocolate is steaming before carefully transferring it into the container- more on this later.
Of course, you can only get so far with tips, so with no further ado, here are the best hot cocoa warming gadgets:
Classic Stanley Thermos
I’m convinced these were created for the purpose of keeping hot chocolate warm. Sizes are available in 1 and 2 quarts- plentyenough for 4 to 6 people.
Mug Warmer
Set your mug on this handy device and keep that hot cocoa the perfect temperature for along time!
Picnic Thermos & Mug
Need something for two? This vacuum-insulated thermos has you covered, but you’ll need an extra mug.
Personal Yeti Mug
You’re invited to a bonfire but refuse to drink anything but your own hot cocoa? I’ve got a single-serve mug just for you!
How Long Can You Keep Hot Chocolate Warm
Hot chocolate can stay warm for hours, but times vary based on the container or warming device used.
If it’s on a coffee warmer, it should stay at a consistent temperature of 160F on the warm setting, just make sure it doesn’t start to boil.
However, in one of the insulated thermoses or mugs above, you’re looking at a piping cup of cocoa for up to 12 hours. Of course, you’ll need to make sure the cocoa is simmering before transferring it into the container, this way, the heat will be trapped and keep everything nice and steamy.
Starting with a warm thermos container also goes a long way, which you can watch how to do in the video below:
Best Hot Chocolate Recipes for a Crowd
I can’t talk about how to keep hot chocolate warm without sharing my best recipes! You’ll find the classics and a few delicious varieties with peppermint, caramel, and white chocolate.
- Classic Hot Chocolate
- Hot Cocoa Mix
- Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips
- Caramel Hot Cocoa
- Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
- Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
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