Favorite Festive Mugs for Halloween + Next Level Cocoa Ideas

You guys know I love festive mugs and have amassed quite a collection for virtually any occasion. Whether I am sipping a cup of tea, a latte or homemade hot chocolate, there is nothing like a cute mug to add a little whimsy to the occasion.

Halloween is all about ghosts, pumpkins and black cats so picking up a festive mug or two is a fun way to celebrate Halloween every day. In addition, a cute mug is a great (inexpensive) gift idea for a favorite teacher, service provider or friend. Add a packet of coffee or cocoa, some cute coffee stirrers or gift cards to make it even more special. Here are some of my favorite festive mugs for the season:

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Festive Mugs for Fall

While some of these mugs are definitely Halloween in theme, others like the pumpkins could stay in rotation throughout the fall season. Imagine steaming mugs full of butternut squash or homemade tomato soup served in the whimsical decorated floral pumpkins. They would be so charming on your Thanksgiving table!

Kick Your Cocoa Up a Notch

One of my most favorite beverages for cool fall and winter days and evenings is homemade hot cocoa. Last year I shared my crockpot recipe for homemade hot chocolate which is so yummy on it own. Today I wanted to also share a few ideas for kicking up your hot chocolate to the next level with fun additions or mix-ins:

Lavender Hot Chocolate – Lavender Lattes have gained popularity in recent years so it makes sense that hot chocolate would be great place to infuse a little lavender for a sophisticated take on the classic hot chocolate recipe. Simply steep about 1 Tbsp of lavender (dried, organic) per 4 cups of milk for about 5-8 minutes. Strain and then continue adding cocoa ingredients. Lavender will add a floral note that is delicious.
Spicy Cinnamon & Maple Hot Chocolate – To my recipe add: 4 Tbsp maple syrup (add up to 2 more Tbsp to taste), 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne and a pinch sea salt. This creates a rich cocoa with spicy hints and heat that builds from sip to sip. Perfect for cold days!
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa – To my recipe add: 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. This combo creates a spicy, gingerbready (is that a word) treat that is perfect for the holidays. Be sure to garnish with plenty of whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie!

Which one of these scrumptious variations sounds the best to you? I am itching for the heat to die down so I can be whipping up batches of these tasty cocoas! Yum!