This Vegan Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa Is Winter-Party Ready

Hot cocoa is a must in the winter, and this vegan slow-cooker hot cocoa is party-ready. We recommend a generous topping of whipped cream and vegan marshmallows, but you can even make it boozy if you like. Any way you serve it, the scent of this hot cocoa simmering in your slow cooker is reason enough to try it out.

Vegan Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa

(Serves 6)

Recipe Notes: This recipe can be doubled for larger parties. If you don't have time to make homemade coconut whip, Reddi Wip makes vegan whipped cream now that's legitimately tasty and easier if you're pressed for time.

Adults can spike their cocoa with any number of tasty liqueurs. We like Peppermint Schnapps, Baileys Almande, Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, and Galliano.

Leftover hot chocolate can be turned into ice cream. Just let it chill overnight in the fridge, then freeze the next day according to your ice cream maker's instructions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups unsweetened soy milk (or dairy-free milk of your choice)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3-1/2 cup sugar, to taste
  • 1 ounce chopped dark chocolate
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • vegan whipped cream, for topping
  • vegan marshmallows (like Dandies), for topping
  • edible gold luster dust, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker, then whisk vigorously until all of the cocoa powder is mixed in.

2. Set slow cooker to low. Let the cocoa cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Serve immediately, or set your slow cooker to warm, and let guests serve themselves during your party. Provide vegan whipped cream and marshmallows for topping. Garnish with edible gold luster dust (optional).

Follow us on Pinterest for and check out our Christmas dinner recipes for more inspo.

(Recipe and photos via Justina Huddleston/Brit + Co)

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Shutterstock

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Element5 Digital

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Shutterstock

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.

Spring is the perfect time to brighten up your meals with fresh flavors – but when it comes to cooking, we tend to rely on only easy, breezy recipes. Whether you’re craving vibrant salads, light pastas, or seasonal desserts, these 13 dishes make the most of the season’s best ingredients and come together in a total pinch.

If your meal routine needs a little refresh, these 13 easy spring recipes are just what you need!

Brit + Co

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

This vibrant spring salad is packed with seasonal ingredients and requires minimal effort (no oven needed, baby!), making it perfect for easy, breezy springtime cooking. Whether you serve it as a side or the main event, you'll enjoy the medley of both sweet and savory components like strawberries and feta. (via Brit + Co)

Kurt Andre

Spring Galette

This galette recipe is basically the epitome of spring with its rustic, no-fuss crust and fresh fillings. Its folded edges look oh-so elegant for any occasion! Plus, you could easily swap the fillings based on your cravings or preferences. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Crispy Baked Cod & Lemon-Garlic Aioli

While this dish is loaded up with protein and a deliciously crispy crust, it's still very light, fresh, and requires minimal prep for your springtime feasts. Adding lemon juice and capers brightens up each bite in no time! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Spring Vegetable Pasta

What better way to use the best seasonal veggies than to chop 'em up and throw 'em into a light pasta?! This easy spring recipe is also vegan-friendly! (via Crowded Kitchen)

The Endless Meal

Dill Carrots

Dill is an elemental part of spring recipes, and it tastes so good when you toss some fresh carrots in it alongside the lemon dill dressing and feta cheese this pick calls for. This would make a stunning side dish! (via The Endless Meal)

Averie Cooks

Fresh Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

Is it even spring if you don't make spring rolls? Requiring no heat whatsoever, feel free to pack yours full of carrots, cucumber, cabbage, basil, tofu, shrimp, and more – just don't skip the peanut sauce for dipping! (via Averie Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls

For a heartier spring recipe, these gyro bowls pull inspiration from Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and totally feel takeout-worthy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The First Mess

Extra Veggie Vegan Gochujang Noodles

These vegan gochujang noodles with *extra* veggies make a great, reliable meal for spring. You'll get some spice, some crunch, and insane freshness from all the seasonal ingredients! (via The First Mess)

Bowl of Delicious

Veggie Wraps

Get even more of a veggie fix with these wraps that includes tons of different ingredients. If you want to bulk 'em up with protein, slather the wraps in hummus and stack some steak or chicken into each one. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Barley & Sage

Creamy Summer Pasta with Fresh Corn, Zucchini, & Burrata

Dreaming of summer already? Us, too. This creamy pasta includes a medley of summery components like corn and zucchini for an ultra-satisfying bite. (via Barley & Sage)

Culinary Hill

Veggie Kabobs

If the weather's nice enough, you should definitely get your grill goin' for these healthy kabobs! They make a great option for eaters of all kinds, especially if you're throwing a patio party. (via Culinary Hill)

Live Eat Learn

Easy Passion Fruit Mousse

Now, onto the sweet stuff! Fruity desserts are bound to be big this spring – start with this insanely easy mousse that's tinged with passion fruit. Put the dish inside cute little cocktail glasses for extra flair! (via Live Eat Learn)

Takes Two Eggs

Strawberry Matcha Sago

Sago is a show-stopping sweet pudding dessert that's typically loaded up with tapioca pearls, fruits, coconut milk, and more. This recipie takes it to the next level with a blend of seasonal strawberry and caffeinated matcha. Yummm. (via Takes Two Eggs)

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If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.

This must be the week of astonishing book news because Liz Moore's The God of the Woodsis getting a TV adaptation! Published last year, the true crime-inspired novel received nods from the New York Times, NPR and PEOPLE. It also landed on our personal book club list, earning a 5-star rating from us.

If you stop everything to watch every "missing person" case that appears on TV, you'll love getting acquainted with The God of the Woods!

Here's everything to know about The God of the Woods series and why you should read the book before it comes out!

What is 'The God of the Woods' about? 

The God of the Woods starts off camp counselor Louise's realization that a prominent camper named Barbara Van Laar is missing. The young girl's disappearance has a trickle down effect that immediately reminds everyone of the similar situation that happened to her brother Bear years ago. It's ironic because everyone remembers how devastating the events surrounding Bear was, but everything isn't as it seems.

Not only are the Van Laars wealthy, they're also well-connected to resources that have helped them spin certain narratives that had damning effects on people unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. What's worse is there are some people in Shattuck who know more than the family thinks they do.

Why should I read it?

If you binge watched the Ruby Franke documentary, you'll love reading about the mysterious connection between the Van Laar children's disappearance and the effect it had everyone. It's told from various POVs, but the dots connect in such a way that'll leave your mouth hanging open.

Who's developing the series? 

According to Deadline, Sony TV's so impressed with working with Liz Moore that it's greenlit The God of the Woods and The Unseen World "for series development."

Who's producing it?

Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty will be executive producers for The God of the Woods TV series! Deadline also reports they're behind the Long Bright River series that's currently streaming on Peacock!

Has a cast been announced? 

Not yet! But we have a few ideas about who should play a few of the key characters! We'd love to see the following:

  • Sophie Thatcher as Louise
  • Alexander Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar III
  • Stellan Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar II
  • Jessica Chastain or Naomi Watts as Alice Van Laar

When will it premiere on TV?

A TV premiere date hasn't been announced yet, but we'll let you know as soon as it is!

Read 'The God of the Woods' Before The Series Premieres

Amazon

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

We can't wait to see how The God of the Woods series pans out!

In the meantime, learn more about Margaret Atwood's novel The Testamentsand it's upcoming TV adaptation!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I'm still reeling over the fact that Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong'o. Like WHAT! This is going to be the most beautiful movie of 2026 — especially since some of the first leaks from set show Tom Holland "out on the open sea without a single green screen in sight," according to X user @zoerosebryant. And y'all, not only is the scenery gorgeous, but so is Tom Holland. (To no one's surprise).

Keep reading to see the first The Odyssey set leaks of Tom Holland.

Tom Holland sets out on a hero's journey.

The first leaks we got of Tom Holland filming The Odyssey feature the Spider-Man 4 actor on a boat in Greece — and according to an extra who was on set, Tom was filming scenes of his character arriving in Sparta.

I'm a big fan of the curly hair (even though I remember Tom said he hated his long hair in Avengers: Infinity War because he felt like Prince Charming), but more than one person on the internet has compared Tom's look in The Odyssey to Elijah Woods' Frodo from The Lord of the Rings, and I can't help but laugh.

We also recently got a look at Tom Holland alongside Jon Bernthal as they hung out in a tent off camera (and without their capes) and again I say: the curly hair is doing wonders for me!

Christopher Nolan and Universal haven't confirmed who our favorite stars are playing (aside from the announcement that Matt Damon is leading the story as Odysseus), but rumors have started circulating that Tom Holland will play Odysseus' son Telemachus, who sets out to find his father and is protected by Athena, rumored to be played by Zendaya. This means my favorite couple could get plenty of screen time together, which is literally all I care about.

The rumors also say we could see Anne Hathaway as Odysseus' wife Penelope, Charlize Theron as sorceress Circe, Benny Safdie as Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, and Lupita Nyong'o as Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra. Stay tuned to find out! Until then, I'll be daydreaming about Tom Holland as Telemachus.

What do you think about the first The Odyssey set leaks? Tag us on Instagram with all your hot takes.