I grew up on the powdered chocolate drink flavoring, dissolved in hot milk and served up with marshmallows. That’s still a pretty tasty way to give kids a good hot cocoa experience and happy hot cocoa memories.

But, can we talk about adult-pleasing hot chocolate? Deeply chocolate, not as sweet, but rich and satisfying. Let’s be a bit more particular and say that there is a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. Hot cocoa basically does without the fat that supports those swoon-worthy chocolate bars. Hot chocolate can be thick and dessert like on its own, or it can dilute with milk and supplant that old hot cocoa standby that is your childhood memory.

I start with cocoa because it contributes a flavor layer to hot chocolate that rounds out the character of that cup of chocolate goodness. Cocoa works best in this drink when it can bloom in very hot water before other flavors are added. Dark chocolate supports this robust hot chocolate that is a winner for adult gatherings – or for one or two snuggling under a blanket.

If you need a bit more winter cheer, you can always add the liqueur of your choice once the chocolate is mixed and heated through.