15 Next-Level Hot Cocoa Recipes to Sip On

One of the best parts of winter is having an excuse to drink hot cocoa on the daily. Lucky for us, the days of pre-packaged mixes are long gone. Now you can treat yourself to hot cocoa made with coconut milk, white chocolate or even peanut butter. Whether you’ve been hitting the slopes hard or need to relax after a day of holiday shopping, these hot cocoa recipes are sure to warm you up, both body and soul.

1. Creamy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: If you’re making hot chocolate for a crowd, this is the way to go. Let milk, pumpkin pie spices and cocoa simmer in the slow cooker while you decorate the tree. (via Let’s Dish)

2. Hot Chocolate Rice Pudding With Tamarindo Candy: Hot cocoa is delicious on its own, but it’s even more fun when in dessert form. Leftover rice will never look the same. (via Donuts+Bolts)

3. Mudslide Hot Chocolate: Santa might need a little pick-me up after delivering gifts all night. Kahlua and Bailey’s Irish Cream make this a delicious adult version of the traditional classic. (via Lemons for Lulu)

4. Hot Chocolate Affogato: For those times when you can’t decide between hot chocolate and ice cream for dessert, opt for both. This drink is the best of both worlds. (via Baking a Moment)

5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Skip the pre-packaged hot chocolate and make your own from real, whole foods. Add anise and cinnamon for a special holiday flavor. (via Green Healthy Cooking)

6. Coconut White Hot Chocolate: Winter is the one time of year white chocolate gets its due. It tastes like it was made for coconut in this toasty beverage. (via Lemons for Lulu)

7. Mexican Hot Chocolate: If you’re looking for a spicy alternative to your morning coffee, go for this hot cocoa instead. The spices are sure to wake you up, and the chocolate will get you ready for the day. (via Lauren Kelp)

8. Maple Sea Salt Hot Chocolate: You only need five ingredients for this Paleo and vegan treat. The sea salt and chocolate were *made* for each other. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

9. Nutella Hot Chocolate + Marshmallow Sandwiches: If tomato soup and grilled cheese is the comfort meal of winter, this is definitely the comfort dessert. (via Brit + Co)

10. Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: Out of ideas for what to bring to a holiday party or potluck? Bring the ingredients and your slow cooker along for this yummy hot chocolate and save all the hours you would have spent baking cookies for your family and friends. (via Simply Stacie)

11. Pisco-Spiked Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate: Ever wonder what hot chocolate is like in different countries? Pisco, a traditional South American liquor, perfectly complements dulce de leche in this delightful treat. (via F & B Department)

12. Decadently Thick Italian Hot Chocolate: This hot chocolate tastes like it came straight from Willy Wonka’s factory. It’s one of the richest desserts you’ll ever have, and it’s just as delicious served cold. (via The Stay at Home Chef)

13. Cookie Butter Hot Cocoa Ice Cream Floats: If you thought traditional hot chocolate couldn’t get any better, you haven’t added ice cream or addictive cookie butter. After one sip, you may never go back to your old ways. (via Hungry Couple NYC)

14. Hot Chocolate on a Stick: Keep a batch of these at the ready and all you’ll need to do is warm up milk for a glass of hot chocolate on demand. (via Brit + Co)

15. Homemade Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate: This creamy drink is Paleo and vegan-friendly and will have you wondering why you weren’t making your hot cocoa with coconut milk sooner. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Ready for seconds? Follow us on Pinterest for more hot cocoa inspo.

If you're hunting for a new TV drama because you've already rewatched all of Brit + Co's best true crime documentaries, then don't you worry because Apple TV's new show is exactly the kind of thriller we've been waiting for — and it's perfect for true crime fans. But the best part is that Amy Adams is starring and executive producing! Here's everything we know about Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon...and The 10 Best True Crime-Inspired Books to hold you over until it premieres.

Keep reading for the latest news on Amy Adams' Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon.

Is there a Cape Fear remake coming out?

Amazon

Yes, we're getting a brand new Cape Fear, which is based on John D. MacDonald’s novel. This Apple TV show, which was greenlit in November 2024 and will have 10 episodes, will be led by Amy Adams, who will executive produce along costar Javier Bardem, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. Nick Antosca will write.

The movie follows J. Lee Thompson's 1962 movie and Martin Scorsese's 1991 movie.

What is Cape Fear about?

Attorneys Amanda (Amy Adams) and Steve are happily married and enjoying their life together. But when a killer from their past, Max Cady (Javier Bardem), gets released from prison, his presence threatens the life they've built together.

Just like Only Murders in the Building is a comical, campy look at true crime, and Big Little Lies is a sensual, feminist approach to mystery, Cape Fear takes a Hitchcock angle (even though it's totally going to hold me over until Big Little Lies season 3). According to the official synopsis, it's "an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century."

Who's in the Cape Fear cast?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Amy Adams and Javier Bardem star in Cape Fear as Amanda and Max, respectively. Stay tuned for the full cast list!

Is Cape Fear on Apple TV?

Universal

The new Cape Fear show is coming to Apple TV soon (check back here for the official Cape Fear release date), but you can watch both adaptations of the novel on the streamer now.

Figuring out what to stream is never easy. Read up on The 8 Best TV Shows On Paramount+ This Month for some great ideas!

Not only does Emily Henry's new novel Great Big Beautiful Life drop on April 22, but every single one of the author's already-published rom-coms is being adapted for the screen. Okay, that's majorly impressive! People We Meet On Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, will be coming to Netflix soon, and considering Beach Read was the second adaptation announced, it looks like Emily's first rom-com could be our next film. And fans have been spiraling about who could play January and Gus even before the Emily Henry movie was confirmed.

Well there are two actors at the top of the rumor mill for the Beach Read movie — and I am crossing all my fingers and toes we see them in the beloved roles.

Here's everything we know about the Emily HenryBeach Read movie cast rumors.

Did the Beach Read movie already find its Gus and January?

Jeff Spicer/Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

When Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri started posting selfies together, fans immediately picked up on their chemistry — and started calling for the two actors to star in a rom-com together. "The Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri romcom is imminent," one X user tweeted.

And when Emily Henry reposted one of their selfies on her story? Fans of the author's first romance novel immediately fancast the two actors as Gus and January. And with their personalities, and the way they complement each other, there's literally no one else I could see playing these roles at the moment.

While Emily "can’t confirm or deny anything with casting for any movie," the author did admit that "they would be amazing. I actually saw them being discussed [online] for several different roles — and I definitely have a favorite. But it’s fun, because different adaptations would either have one of them playing to type, or one of those adaptations would have them both playing to type, and one of them would have them both playing against type. It’s an interesting thing. I mean, they’re great, they could do anything.”

Are Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri in a rom-com together?

Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri haven't officially joined a rom-com together, but after Paul told Awards Watch he wants to do a romance movie with Ayo in "the next five years," The Bear actress agreed she's game...on one condition.

"If somebody writes us a good script," she says. "It has to be in an About Time vibe. Something that’s got, like, a heart, so he can still flex his drama muscles where it’s like, the covert rom-com. Like, still a rom-com, but we got to get something inventive."

Is Beach Read going to be a movie?

Amazon

Yes, the Beach Read movie is coming soon! Writer-director Yulin Kuang told Brit + Co exclusively that she "really cares" about giving fans of the book a good experience.

"I truly believe that art belongs to the audience once it's out in the world," she says. "And so saying too much, it feels prescriptive, you know? So I hope they enjoy it. I hope that they know that a lot of care is going into the adaptations. I remember what it's like to be watching with anxious hearts about the announcements of all my favorite adaptations. And so that's the main thing. I hope they know that I really, really care."

Who do you want to see in the Beach Read cast? Drop your favorite fancasts on Facebook and check out how You Can Read A Part Of Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life Right Now!

It's yet another week, bringing us to the halfway mark of March, the rejuvenating Spring Equinox, and Aries season! Every zodiac sign is in for their own unique experience, and I'm here to break it down for you. From Aries to Aquarius, here's what your sign can expect for the week ahead in your horoscope, according to the stars!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 16-23!

Júlia Lafulla

The Sun enters Aries on March 20, marking the start of the astrological New Year. The Spring Equinox is a time of hope and renewal, as flowers break through the frozen ground and the days grow progressively longer. Embrace the promise of spring and consciously uplift your spirit in the week ahead.

The Sun forms several beneficial aspects with other planets this week, encouraging us to explore deeply, appreciate beauty, and live with purpose and meaning.

On March 19, the Sun and Neptune align in the final degrees of Pisces, offering an opportunity to connect with our higher selves, recognize the unity of all things, and experience unconditional love. This ethereal energy is fleeting yet lingers for a few days. On March 22, the Sun conjoins Venus, the planet of earthly love, helping us rise above petty disagreements and focus on expressing and receiving love.

Natalie Davis

In the midst of the Sun’s movements, Venus forms a beneficial sextile to Pluto on March 21. This is the time to deepen connections with loved ones. Seek and share experiences that strengthen and make sacred your relationships.

Two days later, the Sun sextiles Pluto, bringing heightened focus, ambition, and determination to create meaningful change. Be mindful of obsessive tendencies and use this powerful energy to break bad habits and establish beneficial ones.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a Natal Reading.

Brit + Co

Read Your Sun & Rising Sign For Your Weekly Horoscope!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This is your time of year! Use the supportive aspects between the Sun, Neptune, Pluto, and Venus to begin the astrological New Year with love and cosmic abundance. Express your feelings through grand gestures and experience the uplifting energy of profound connections. Take time to communicate with loved ones and show them how much you value your relationships.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You will benefit greatly from introspection, meditation, or prayer. This spiritual influence can illuminate hidden aspects of your psyche if you are willing to face them honestly. Don’t just focus on perceived shortcomings; acknowledge how far you’ve come. Present yourself to the world with the confidence of an evolving soul.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

This social week is perfect for group activities and communal experiences. You may find yourself idealizing a more harmonious, cooperative future. Act on your desires to nurture meaningful connections. Your friendships remind you that together, we accomplish more. Express your authentic self and engage in vibrant exchanges of ideas. Keep an open mind and a receptive heart.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Pay attention this week to clues about your place in the world. Reflect on your career path and self-expression. Seek guidance from mentors or respected figures. Engage in deep conversations, but stay grounded as you explore new perspectives. Channel your intensity into transforming the mundane into something sacred.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

This is a time for adventure and self-discovery. Be open to new experiences and unexpected opportunities. Release limiting beliefs and pursue your interests with passion and curiosity. Whether through travel, learning, or creativity, seek out experiences that inspire and elevate you. Approach life with boldness and a full heart.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Therapeutic and introspective work will be transformative this week. Whether through professional therapy or personal reflection, embrace any opportunity for growth. Change takes effort, but the rewards are profound. Establish order in your surroundings to create a calm and receptive mind. Let your home be a sanctuary that nurtures your well-being.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

This week calls for balance in your relationships. Practice compassion and empathy, but do not sacrifice your own needs to keep the peace. Assert yourself with confidence while respecting others. Seek mutual understanding and fairness. If single, focus on self-love and speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Heal unresolved emotional wounds through honest conversations.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Are you using your time wisely? Take stock of your daily routines and see where you can be more efficient. Avoid excessive screen time and unnecessary distractions. This is a great week to establish new habits that support your well-being. Welcome the changes that come with the arrival of spring and embrace personal growth.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Make joy a priority in your daily life. Be mindful of how you express yourself to others. While it’s important to stay realistic, avoid slipping into negativity. Your natural optimism is vital for your own peace of mind and can inspire those around you. Balance responsibilities with creativity and fun. Infuse your daily life with enthusiasm and find ways to uplift yourself and others.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Your home is your sanctuary. Cultivate a peaceful environment and invite loved ones to share in your space. Strengthen your foundation with care and attention to your inner world. Reflect on what brings you comfort, and surround yourself with people and possessions that nurture your soul. Reflect on how your ancestors emerged from their struggles. Profound ancestral healing is available. Express gratitude for what you have and cherish the love that surrounds you.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This week, focus on clear and intentional communication. Practice active listening and recognize that not everyone processes information as quickly as you do. You’ll have many great ideas—make sure to express them in ways that others can understand and appreciate. Be patient and strive to foster meaningful connections in your immediate environment.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

As the Sun spends its last week in your sign, take this time to deepen your commitment to your values. Material possessions may hold increased significance. Reflect on your spending habits—are you using them to fill an emotional void? Your finances will be a key focus this week. Seek sound advice and examine how your relationship with money aligns with your long-term goals and sense of security.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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