Move Over, Mimosas! How to Host the Ultimate "Boozy" Hot Cocoa Brunch ☕️✨
Hey, brunchies! 🥂
Who says mimosas get to have all the fun at brunch? This winter, we're trading our citrus for chocolate and hosting the coziest, chic-est get-together ever: a Boozy Hot Cocoa Brunch!
It's the perfect festive party to host for your besties. It’s part cozy coffee shop, part chic cocktail party, and 100% delicious. Forget stressing over a complicated menu—this is all about a fun, interactive "Build-Your-Own" bar.
Ready to be the ultimate host? Here's our guide!
1. The "Main Event": The Boozy Cocoa Bar
Instead of a mimosa bar (we still love you, bubbly! 🤫), the drink station is your centerpiece. The trick is to offer variety!
The Cocoas (The Base):
We recommend 2-3 options.
The Classic: A rich, high-quality Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. This is the crowd-pleaser.
The Brunch Twist: A Mocha-Infused Hot Chocolate. This is our favorite! Just mix your hot cocoa with strong-brewed coffee (1:1 ratio). It's the perfect morning pick-me-up.
The Sweet Side: A creamy White Chocolate Hot Cocoa for those who love something extra decadent.
Mimi's Pro-Tip: Keep all your cocoas warm and low-stress in slow cookers! Set them to "Keep Warm" with cute ladles, and your guests can serve themselves all party long.
The "Spike It" Station (The Brunch Part! 🥂):
This is what makes it a Hobnob-style party! Set up a cute tray with small bottles, carafes, and handwritten labels.
Baileys Irish Cream (a must!)
Kahlúa (especially for the Mocha!)
Peppermint Schnapps (so festive!)
Frangelico (Hazelnut Liqueur)
Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur – try this in the white chocolate, it's a game-changer! 🍓)
Spiced Rum or Bourbon
And don't forget a classic bottle of Prosecco on the side! Some guests might want a traditional bubbly, or even get adventurous... a "White Cocoa Mimosa," anyone?
2. The Toppings: The "Hot Cocoa Board" Centerpiece
Why set out boring bowls when you can build a show-stopper? This is where you re-use your content!
We built our Ultimate Hot Cocoa Board and placed it right in the middle of the bar. It doubles as gorgeous, edible decor and the most amazing, interactive topping bar.
(P.S. You can find our full guide and shopping list for that board right here!)
It has everything you need: marshmallows, chocolate shavings, caramel, cookies, pretzels, and more. It's the "wow" factor every party needs!
3. The Food: The Sweet & Savory Brunch Balance
A boozy cocoa bar is sweet, so your brunch food needs to balance it out.
The Savory (The "Real" Brunch):
A Hearty Main: A Make-Ahead Savory Croissant Casserole. You bake it with egg, cheese, and either bacon or spinach. You can prep it the night before—a true hosting lifesaver.
Easy Bites: Store-bought mini quiches are always a hit and so easy to just heat and serve.
The Salty Board: This is a MUST to cut all that richness. Set out a simple board with salty pretzels, sharp cheddar, prosciutto, and mixed nuts. (It's also a great time to link to your classic Charcuterie Board post!)
The Sweet (That Pairs with Cocoa):
A "Waffle Dipper" Bar: Make or buy mini waffles and toast them. Serve them on a platter for dipping in the cocoa!
Donut Holes: A bowl of cinnamon sugar donut holes? Yes, please.
A Fresh Fruit Bowl: A big bowl of strawberries, raspberries, and banana slices adds a fresh, colorful touch.
4. The Vibe: Cozy Chic Details
The Music: Create a "Cozy Brunch" playlist. We love a mix of coffee-shop acoustic, chill R&B, and a little bubbly pop.
The Activity & Favor (Our Fave Idea!): Host a "Mug Exchange"!
On the invite, ask every guest to bring a cute, new, wrapped mug (set a $15-$20 limit).
Put all the wrapped mugs on a table.
Have everyone draw a number. Number 1 picks a mug and unwraps it. Number 2 can either steal Number 1's mug or pick a new one. (And so on, White Elephant-style!).
It's so fun, perfectly on-theme, and everyone leaves with a new mug for their cocoa!
And that's it! The perfect party to celebrate the coziest time of year.
If you host your own Hot Cocoa Brunch, we need to see it! Tag us on Instagram @HobnobLifestyle and use the hashtag #HobnobBrunch so we can share your cozy creations!
Stay cozy, brunchies! 🥂💖