Olive McLean, a junior, worked at Caribou for four months, concocting wonderful, wintery drinks for the customers and herself. She especially loves hot chocolate because there are so many great ways to serve it. It is a perfect way to warm up during these cold months and with all of the varieties, there is something for everyone.

The classic cup of hot cocoa includes marshmallows or whipped cream, but there are other ways to personalize your beverage, too. “I love adding peppermint, and caramel is always good with it.  You can crunch up snickers” saidMcLean.

Senior Paul Nordquist currently works for Caribou and enjoys his job because of his nice co-workers. His favorite hot chocolate is the “zebra” with “milk and white chocolate.”

In your cup of hot chocolate, consider stepping beyond the traditional boiling water and store-bought packets. “It is better when you melt real chocolate, like real chocolate chips.  It is so much better than the powder” saidMcLean.  

Caribou is known for using real chocolate in all of their drinks and for Nordquist, using the real stuff is a must. “It tastes better” he said.

According to WhatsCookingAmerica.net there is a slight, technical difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Unlike hot cocoa, which is made from ground cocoa beans, hot chocolate still has the fat of the cocoa butter. The first hot cocoa included wine and peppers with the ground beans, and eventually sugar and milk were added, too. Originally, chocolate was only consumed as a beverage and began in warmer climates where the cocoa tree is grown.

With family coming to town, finals coming up, and winter activities kicking into high gear, life is going to get crazy for the next couple weeks. That is all the more reason to make yourself a steaming mug of hot cocoa because according toMcLean, “It’s comforting.”