What’s this, you ask? Hot chocolate can indeed be made to taste even better! Even if you’re budget-conscious like me and prefer not to spend more than $1 on a box of hot chocolate mix, you’ll find a plethora of add-ins to enhance its flavor.

My kids love customizing their hot chocolate, and it helps them cope with my refusal to purchase those pricey Keurig hot chocolate cups. Here are seven delightful hot chocolate recipes to enjoy this fall!

1. Marshmallow Fluff

Forget simply tossing in a few mini marshmallows. Show your cocoa who’s in charge by topping it with marshmallow fluff! Sold in jars, just a tablespoon of this marshmallow goodness will outshine any mini marshmallow. This brand offers both regular and strawberry flavors!

2. Cereal Marshmallows

Did you know you can buy just the marshmallows from your favorite cereals? Take a look at Medley Hills Farm Cereal Charms Marshmallows 1 lb for a fun addition to your hot chocolate or holiday baking. Amazon carries a pound of these delights for as low as $10—one of my favorite add-ins!

3. Nutmeg

This spice is perfect for elevating your hot chocolate. Start with just a pinch and adjust to taste, as it’s easier to add more than to remove it. Both ground nutmeg and nutmeg extract work wonderfully. I often use this brand.

4. Orange Candy

Many people adore the pairing of chocolate and orange. Toss in a piece of hard orange candy and allow it to dissolve in your hot cocoa for a novel taste. You can also experiment with a few drops of orange extract—add little by little, tasting as you go for the desired flavor. This old-fashioned orange candy is perfect for this!

5. Cherries

Add some cherries along with a splash of their juice for a delightful chocolate-covered cherry experience. For adult versions, try soaking the cherries in a liqueur of your choice before adding them to the mix!

6. Ice Cream

Yes, it will melt! That’s the idea! Adding ice cream is akin to incorporating cream into the hot chocolate, creating a rich and decadent treat. Try mint, vanilla, or even chocolate ice cream, and finish it off with whipped cream and sprinkles for a sundae-style hot chocolate.

7. Frosting

Stir in a spoonful of your favorite frosting to sweeten your drink and introduce diverse flavors. Imagine all the flavor combinations you can create!

These seven hot chocolate recipes to try this fall are straightforward and can transform ordinary hot chocolate into a memorable experience. With such fancy drinks, who needs those expensive K-cups?