Comparing British and American Hot Chocolate

For this week's tasting, Tarah and I compare British and American hot chocolate with a bonus entry thrown in for good measure. But which hot chocolate will win?
For more videos like this, subscribe to Lost in the Pond right here on KZbin: / @lostinthepond
Can't get enough of Lost in the Pond? Follow us at these places too.
Patreon: / lostinthepond
Facebook: / lostinthepond
Twitter: / lostinthepondus
Instagram: / laurence.m.brown
Website: www.LostinthePond.com

[@maxxmaxwell9051]

Some of us "old school" hot chocolate lovers actually make it with Hershies cocoa powder, sugar and milk.

[@jstringfellow1961]

Yeah, I'm not about to microwave my hot chocolate or use water.

[@Hellheart]

Damn right! Also, as a Pennsylvanian (Philadelphian) I am loyal to Hershey's chocolate. Swiss Miss is the absolute worst.

[@engletinaknickerbocker5380]

I remember whisking the frothiness, and adding a few crystals of salt and vanilla to that Hershey's chocolate.

[@Ladiofthewoods]

A dash of vanilla in it too

[@DonMachado]

I don't think that No Sugar Added Swiss Miss is a fair comparison to full sugar drinking chocolates.

[@maticstudios]

Swiss. Miss Instant Piss

[@michaelwargo5301]

AGREED

[@CT-my3kr]

Insert The Office "Thank You!" GIF here

[@SherriLyle80s]

One or both may have health issues and cannot consume a lot of sugar.

[@kanemary56]

Agreed

[@rebeccabello3103]

I use a disk of Abuelita's hot chocolate in my chile beans. Adds a deep rich flavor. Chocolate isn't just for sweets.

[@animatorstanley]

How have I never thought of this?! I'm stealing it from you, lol.

[@nellgwenn]

I put it in green chili stew. Also it's used in moles.

[@davidcruz8667]

Correct, the traditional use of chocolate (Cacao) is in food, and when it was used as a drink it did not have sugars, and milk as a drinking medium was unknown on this continent in the areas where Cacao grows. Mole is an example of an excellent meat stew made with, among other things, chiles, chocolate, bananas, herbs and ground nuts.

[@davidcruz8667]

@@nellgwenn correct.

[@Birdbike719]

@@nellgwenn brilliant

[@PixelatedH2O]

Am I getting this correct that two of the three were prepared with water instead of milk? That's unfair. Milkless hot chocolate is automatically inferior.

[@goosebump801]

Adam Porter Exactly!

[@OldFashionedAF]

I merely went by the instructions. 💁

[@handsolo1209]

The ones where you only add water have powdered milk in them anyway. The only difference is how much milk and what kind of milk. They are all similar enough to each other though, and you don't have to deal with that skin that you get on hot milk.

[@SangosEvilTwin]

@@handsolo1209 if you're getting skin on your hot milk, you may be overcooking it. I've never had a skin on mine when making hot chocolate.

[@kanemary56]

Agreed

[@juliebaker6969]

The difference in the Mexican chocolate that you described as "biscutty" is that it has cinnamon in it.

[@jwb52z9]

I forgot about the cinnamon part. I am surprised he didn't end up with one of the brands that has hot peppers in it from Mexico further south.

[@juliebaker6969]

@@jwb52z9 they're not as readily available in the USA. The brand they got is made by Nestle, you can find it just about anywhere.

[@allanrichardson1468]

A thousand years ago the Aztec King was the only person allowed to drink hot chocolate (unsweetened).

[@Munjeeomma]

Thats true and the Mexican Vanilla which has a very distinct flavor.

[@Astavyastataa]

And Masa I think, right?

[@PlainOlPatty]

The gingerbread men fighting with the light sabres is pretty great

[@funkdaddy3.0]

Yep, I grew up with my grandma making Hersey's Hot Cocoa (from scratch, not in a little bag) and, to me, all other hot chocolate pales in comparison.

[@Jilliscious]

Same and I made it that way for my kids and now my grandkids.

[@AddilynneLastname]

true American hot chocolate is always always Hersheys based be it the powdered cocoa or syrup it's good to see other people correcting this in the comments, thanks, ps good to see other people realizing all this stuff about Swiss miss is pure bullshit

[@catmomjill]

When I was a kid, we made hot chocolate on the stove. We'd use cocoa powder, add sugar and milk... it was good, but it seems to me it took a while to make.

[@jacquelinehagedorn4562]

Yes! That should be considered real American hot chocolate( before they started processing everything ) I prefer that type. You can really taste the difference between the processed typed ( with all kinds of who knows what in it) & the homemade hot chocolate . The vanilla added into homemade hot chocolate really makes it taste good 😋

[@Trevin_Taylor]

We also did this.

[@RyuuTenno]

You can do that with the Swiss Miss stuff too. But yes, making the hot cocoa is so much better

[@julieharden2433]

That's how my mom made it as well. When I'm in the mood for real hot chocolate, I use the stove top method as well. So delicious.

[@manchestertart5614]

If you used cocoa powder then you made cocoa. If you used Drinking chocolate you made hot chocolate.

[@ThomasB-656]

I really like Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate, but you have to take it home and put it in your freezer for 24 hours when it MIGHT be down to a drinkable temperature.

[@juliestockmeyer5871]

MrTgb12345 Same with their coffee!! Got a scalded tongue first time I ever had it!! Memories... 👅

[@szqsk8]

MrTgb12345 😄😄👏👏

[@Hiraghm]

ah, memories. Dunkin Donuts' double-chocolate donuts with a cup of hot chocolate...

[@Hiraghm]

@Truth Willout Hey, I'm doing my best to contribute to it!

[@deliarealtor]

LOL

[@susanoakeshauf]

Swiss Miss with water?! It must be made with milk!

[@bookmovietvworm]

I have never made Swiss Miss with milk, only water. As per the instructions lol, Im not creative

[@TwistedGlitter]

It tastes way better with water. I used to hate it when I made it with milk. Nesquik goes better with milk though

[@scarlettg.5772]

@@bookmovietvworm it's on the box under the add water part "for a richer taste add milk" instead. If you do so just make sure not to heat it too long, it will turn out weird. I like it better myself, but some don't. It's always worth trying for yourself to see it you do.

[@connorsmith3282]

Scarlett G. The trick when making it with milk is to heat it up around 30 seconds so it mixes better, then heat up to your preference. Otherwise the milk does turn out disgusting

[@tj_2701]

swiss miss is garbage

[@theragingplatypus4743]

Everyone I know in America that makes hot chocolate uses Nesquik or Hershey's syrup...most Nesquik. Swiss miss is for camping and sometimes, children.

[@baseballjustin5]

Swiss Miss is my go too, (mainly because it's cheaper and I'm a broke college student, and I like my Marshmallows in my HC

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I agree. Hot chocolate in America is made with Nestles Quik, Hershey’s Syrup, or Hershey’s powder. And they aren’t mixed with water. They are mixed with milk...whole milk, 2% milk, or Skim milk (which ever choice you prefer). It sounds like the hot chocolate Starbucks used to sell is like the chocolate served in parts of Europe and the Middle East. I would have loved to try this drink.

[@KF7AIK]

Your Swiss Miss was Sugar Free. That might have made a difference.

[@Isabella66Gracen]

It was indeed! Why would she do that?? Of course Lawrence isn't going to like it.

[@mariagdesjardin1000]

Whoa, there! Sugar-free chocolate is nearly as barbaric as marshmallows.

[@wullaballoo2642]

I had sugar free hot chocolate, it tasted like there were fifty spoons of sugar in it, all I could taste was sickly sweetness.

[@TheSuzberry]

Yuck. Sugarless is horrible.

[@Killstone12]

Suzanne Berry True it just tastes like flavored hot water, always get the sugared versions

[@Sgt_SealCluber]

"It's like when you have too many ice cubes in a beer glass." Why am I listening to this man's taste test?!? 🤣😜

[@pityparty9955]

Sgt SealCluber He puts ice in beer?

[@riada4996]

@@pityparty9955 "Do you want that beer on the rocks? Who puts rocks in the drinks? 😄 Do you want that beer cold or lukewarm? Yes, please. 😄

[@nemo227]

@@pityparty9955 I'm pretty sure that's a mortal sin rather than a venial sin.

[@nemo227]

@@remley8877 Somebody, somewhere, always wants to tell other people what they can do. It must be a facet of human nature since it's been going on since the beginning of recorded history. BTW, I wouldn't put ice in beer. Most beer tastes best quite cold but I've found that stout can be flavorful cold or mildly cold or room temperature. I've never tried it warm.

[@killermonjero]

"The same sort of idea holds true in other parts of the US like Pennsylvania where one can purchase a 6 pack to go, but not more th as n 2 6 packs in a single transaction from a bar, or cafe, and possibly in a gas station or grocery store in the last 2 years provided that a bar or liquor store has closed down permanently and sold their liquor liscense to said cafe or store, or like Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi, in which one can freely buy beer or wine after noon on sundays most anywhere, though again Kentucky stopped selling any alcohol in most gas stations in 2016, provided that it is after noon onSunday, vs California, my least favorite state, mostly because the oppressive government, yet you can freely buy alcohol and or marijuana most anywhere in the state at any time of the day or week, day or night, as opposed to Colorado, where in Colorado Springs, one can only buy 3.2 % beer at a has station or grocery store, but can freely buy very high grade marijuana 24 hours day next door at the local dispensary." Granted, that's not the longest sentence I've ever seen, but it might be the longest run-on sentence I've ever seen.

[@robnorris4770]

This should have been a blind taste test.

[@ChrisPage68]

I don't know if they know any blind people.

[@tj_2701]

Agreed

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

I know a man who installs blinds, will he do?

[@annelovell4952]

I agree also

[@chandlee3968]

Is anybody gonna call them out for making the Swiss Miss “no sugar added” version?

[@pjschmid2251]

It’s blasphemy pure and simple.

[@ChrisPage68]

No, because it's better for you.

[@jajalarue]

I drink this one being diabetic and it tastes like chocolate flavorish hot water. It's very disappointing.

[@katannep7798]

I didn’t even notice this! The blasphemy! It’s like making peanut butter and jelly on sour dough bread... 🤣

[@goosebump801]

Simply Complicated Yes, I imagine so! Have you tried Giant’s Keto Cocoa with MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder? It has only 1.5g of carbs per serving, including 1g of fiber, and contains stevia rather than sugar. It’s not “the real thing,” but is a pretty decent hot, chocolatey drink in its own right.

[@michaelclark737]

"Yellow film in the snow"... OMG your wife's eyes! Priceless reaction!

[@moxiedawn4370]

How can we take a hot chocolate rating seriously from a man who puts ice in beer?

[@manchestertart5614]

He doesn't put ice in beer! He meant that having marshmallows in hot chocolate was like having ice cubes in beer,making it unnecessaryily difficult to get to the drink.

[@mplwy]

😂

[@wb6wsn]

@@manchestertart5614 He could just drink his beer through a straw, but I'll bet there a Brit social prejudice against that too.

[@ChrisPage68]

@pisswobble He'll learn..he's probably never been out of his state.

[@wb6wsn]

@@ChrisPage68 An epic display of stupidity put on by one Pagemonster and one Pisswobble; both apparent Anglophiles of dim wit and sullen disposition.

[@Jennifer-is8bv]

You can NEVER have too many marshmallows in hot cocoa. Also, I make my Swiss Miss with milk rather than water. It makes it creamier.

[@Anabel30100]

With Carnation Milk it will taste better

[@ashke33]

Me too....

[@squeeerle]

I always heat the water in the microwave and then add milk for about a 50/50 water milk solution, because I want it now but milk tastes better.

[@donnaj.2689]

Coffee creamer will do the same thing. In fact the coffee creamer, heavily added, thickens the chocolate to where you feel like you are drinking a melted, thick chocolate, nougat bar❣ Fabulous! But I prefer Abeulita over all of them because it has cinnamon in it❣

[@tiffprendergast]

Noo

[@mrmoshpotato]

"It always comes back to Starbucks with you." The annoyance in Laurence's voice is hilarious.

[@tiffprendergast]

Nothing wrong with Starbucks

[@cheapolegunguy]

A liquid s'more is called a s'mess :)

[@jilliemc]

Cinnamon! Mexican hot chocolate has cinnamon in it. ;)

[@Perktube1]

But is it spicy hot?

[@_KingOfCalifornia]

Perktube1 not abuelita.

[@katannep7798]

And Laurence hates cinnamon 😆

[@johnp139]

It wasn’t listed in the ingredients.

[@ivetterodriguez1994]

@@Perktube1 No. Also Ibarra is my favorite.

[@socalrockergal3727]

Ghirardelli hot cocoa/chocolate is the best with whip cream! Oh Mexican hot chocolate is delicious too! Growing up in California I grew up with it 😋 Cinnamon is also an ingredient in the Mexican hot chocolate I drink.

[@robertmurphy2794]

SoCal RockerGal I had never had Ghirardelli until I moved here to WI about an hour north of Chicago and it is by far better than Swiss Miss especially when made with milk!

[@goosebump801]

Robert Murphy I advocate making Swiss Miss with milk, too...though Ghirardelli made with milk is likely better. I’d be interested in apples-to-apples comparison (i.e. make each with milk, put marshmallows in each, and make sure each is hot.)

[@Hiraghm]

only cinnamon? No jalapeno? No guacamole? Shocking.

[@robertmurphy2794]

Goosebump 801 in that taste test I dare say you come out the winner either way lol

[@mpetersen6]

@@robertmurphy2794 I'll even bet you get your Gheradellis at the outlet store in Pleasant Prairie.

[@artaxAF]

How dare you use "low sugar" Swiss Miss for the comparison!

[@darrenjorgensen1917]

I love Tara's hat and dress and the Jedi gingerbread sweater is pretty cool too. Very festive, thanks for another fun production. Now, I've got to go find some hot chocolate/ cocoa to drink...

[@drakawinkle584]

Basically, you ate baking chocolate. I'm in Arizona at we put chili powder or nutmeg/cloves in the abuletas. It brings out the roasted chocolate beans that it is made from. Then top it with whip cream and a little more spice.

[@juliebaker6969]

Not quite baking chocolate. Baking chocolate is totally unsweetened, and lacks the cinnamon that Mexican chocolate has in it.

[@goosebump801]

Draka Winkle That sounds DIVINE! Wow.

[@sdhefnerable]

@DrakaWinkle I must try Abuelalitas (sp?) the AZ way. It sounds wonderful. Edit: The correct spelling is Abuelita. I HAD to look it up. 🙃

[@books4_kids]

When I was little, my mom would always break off a little piece of the Abuelita chocolate for me to eat by itself. And I Do the same now for my son. It's perfectly okay to eat on It's own. 😁

[@ainekellan6295]

I can take or leave marshmallows in hot cocoa, the must is it being made with hot milk though. I like to add a little vanilla extract and cinnamon to mine.

[@2dashville]

I always found Swiss Miss too sweet. Unfortunately, my favorite was discontinued years ago, Carnation Hot Chocolate. Haven't tried Cadburys yet. Hershey's Cocoa has a recipe on their can if you don't mind making it from scratch and you can control the sweetness. Milk fat ratio can also be adjusted by using low fat, 2%, whole milk, half n half, or heavy cream. It's excellent.

[@MeanLaQueefa]

2dashville carnation is discontinued? Wtf

[@valeriemcdonald440]

@@MeanLaQueefa It's still sold in Canada

[@greendiamondglow]

You haven't lived until you've had hot cocoa with a mountain of whipped cream topped up sprinkles and stirred with a peppermint stick.

[@Wubba2Write]

That sounds so good! :-)

[@leighsutherland6222]

Nope. Candy canes and sprinkles do not fo in hot chocolate.

[@mungosmum]

Camille Pendragon You forgot the booze

[@robertromero8692]

I make my hot chocolate WITH heavy whipping cream and Hershey's Special Dark cocoa. :)

[@sharonflowers66]

Or cinnamon sticks

[@adoseofcare]

Personally I like whip cream on top of my hot chocolate. You two are a pretty adorable couple, by the way.

[@julianaylor4351]

I sometimes put squirty aerosol cream on my hot chocolate.

[@cocotaveras8975]

Julia Naylor Yes because it adds flavor 😁😁

[@_KingOfCalifornia]

Julia Naylor sometimes I put shaving cream on it

[@beccaborowske2503]

We often did ice cream

[@julianaylor4351]

@@_KingOfCalifornia You really should stop drinking hot chocolate drink when you're supposed to be shaving.😂

[@xCPTxNEMO]

“Hot Biscuit” - sounds like a Hot Chocolate tribute band.

[@grassfedmilkmomma]

I counter their 'limp biscuit' with 'hot biscuit'

[@volzman2172]

And the band Sexual Chocolate.

[@barbarachieppo8290]

@@volzman2172 There's going to be a 'Coming to America' part 2 😀

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Not a "Hot Tuna" cover band?

[@Catbytes]

have yall forgotten the band "Hot Chocolate"? not that i was a fan, i wasn't.

[@LlyleHunter]

You didn’t test Nestle’s Quick made with hot milk. So good.

[@shilohauraable]

Or Hershey chocolate syrup! Yummo! 😋

[@barbarat5729]

Yes. The real way to make hot chocolate! With real milk!

[@Inessence4]

Yes! Quick made with milk warmed on the stove or Hershey’s Syrup is what I grew up with.

[@tricityladytn]

That's what I grew up on. Heated in a saucepan, with skin on the top! On special occasions, Mom would melt some marshmallows in there!

[@tybooskie]

Nestle actually makes a pretty good hot chocolate mix.

[@mysterytruthseeker]

Tara was looking a little strange today. Maybe it’s the beard. Lawrence, you looked wonderful with your blonde hair.

[@Haradin13]

I'm still having a hard time with the ice cubes in beer comment.

[@manchestertart5614]

Laurence didn't mean he likes or has ice cubes in beer. He was saying that the marshmallows got in the way of getting to the hot chocolate, like having ice cubes stopping him getting to his beer. Who in their right mind would even think about watering down beer with ice? Not Laurence, or anyone.No not even us in the UK 🇬🇧 ❤️😂😂😂😂😂 Beer is cold from the fridge, as is Lager and cider. Unless you want some sort of spicy Christmas drink, then you might warm up some cider.

[@Markle2k]

Julie, marshmallows don't interfere with the hot chocolate, they enhance it when they are introduced before it becomes a drinkable temperature. Letting it grow tepid before their introduction was a bit of a fail.

[@ChrisPage68]

@@Markle2k You shouldn't have to chew a drink - unless it's Guinness. 😉

[@Markle2k]

@PageMonster What are you going on about? Marshmallows dissolve in the hot liquid. They make it more creamy.

[@NunYaO]

Unless the ice is in a Ziploc to keep the pitcher cold! 😂😂😂

[@pityparty9955]

Homemade with Hershey’s cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and WHOLE milk or half and half. Mmmm-MMM

[@tarmaque]

I'm telling everybody, but try it with _brown_ sugar and a dash of salt.

[@karinhart489]

Yes, we had a brown tin of Hershey’s cocoa powder in the cupboard for ALL the recipes that might need chocolate. You had to add sugar & milk... I think you warmed up the milk and stirred in the powder & sugar so it all evenly dissolved. Later I had Swiss Miss out of a tin on Girl Scouting trips because you only needed hot water to make it & we were surprised at how much we liked it.

[@Poppins-ut3bs]

Hersheys chocolate tastes of vomiy-

[@Poppins-ut3bs]

Hersheys chocolate tastes of vomit- disgusting!!!!

[@bmarzke]

It would seem that you would use regular swiss miss and not the "no sugar added" version, to compare to the others out of fairness. Also, they still sell swiss miss with marshmallows in it.

[@bmarzke]

@4Freedom4All ARE marshmallows a thing? I'm not so sure anymore.

[@bmarzke]

@4Freedom4All Hot chocolate in a ball? You're tellin me it comes in ball shape? You take one great thing, make it in the shape of another great thing, and that is one AMAZING THING! What a time to be alive! Next you're gonna tell me something like there's a marshmallow that tastes like a s'more, essentially cutting out the chocolate and graham cracker middle men to just deliver pure flavor!

[@bmarzke]

@4Freedom4All Fun for kids huh? I, uh, don't have kids. Think it would still be fun for a man in his 30's who's still a kid at heart?

[@grimiskitty1120]

You can still get swiss miss with those dried marshmallows in it. :3 It's sooooo yummy

[@katannep7798]

grimiskitty yup...just bought it for my kids yesterday!

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

Are those gingerbread men fighting with light sabers on his sweater? "If in doubt, follow your nose." Toucan Sam perhaps?

[@markgaudry7549]

Ghihardeli Breakfast Chocolate. Hersey's hot cocoa. You left out the two purest and most classic drinks in this field. Do it over please.

[@ChrisPage68]

Do it over what?

[@markgaudry7549]

Just have a proper comparison between the ones already done and the two I mentioned as well as any other brands that came up in comments, That would give a better picture of hot chocolate in the US. That is all I meant.

[@tj_2701]

And Carnation

[@LlyleHunter]

And Quick with milk not water

[@goosebump801]

Mark Gaudry I agree! But make all with milk (“for richer flavor”) - no water with any of them! Make sure all are hot. And finally, use proper technique to mix the Hershey’s cocoa powder with sugar and a small amount of milk in the mug before pouring in the hot milk.

[@burningbeard9478]

Put a giant scoop of fluff in your hot chocolate....you're all welcome 😎

[@barkboingfloom]

That sweater / jumper you're wearing is awesome. Gingerbread men with lightsabers? YES!!! I paused your video and tried to find one for myself but they're all sold out now. :(

[@robertkoons1154]

Mrs Lost is absolutely wrong. Real American hot chocolate is made with HERSHEY'S COCOA powder, sugar, and whole milk, or Hershey's syrup and whole milk. Marshmallows are optional. Swiss miss is watery because you add water not milk.

[@tiffprendergast]

I add milk

[@PeiPeisMom]

Mexico is in North America, though, not Central America.

[@gregtheredneck1715]

Technically speaking Central America Is in North America!

[@Markle2k]

Greg is correct. Central America is more of political or cultural definition than a geographical one. However, that definition usually excludes most of Mexico. Geographically, North America begins at the border of Panama and Columbia.

[@bullettube9863]

Holly Bilski: That's true, though culturally Mexico is lumped in with Central America.

[@shirleyk7647]

Markle2k 🇨🇦 In Canada, although we know Mexico is part of North America, when we say ‘North America’, or ‘North American’, we are usually talking about just the US and Canada alone, or anything culturally inclusive to only the United States and Canada, for example ‘North American’ food, North American laws, sports, houses, etc.

[@Dangic23]

@@Markle2k *Colombia Never Columbia

[@mscavsfan]

I really love watching you two together!

[@janisemom]

My husband and I love you, Lawrence, we really do. But your wife is just so adorable! We look forward to the videos she’s in.

[@MsJennabird]

I grew up on carnation hot chocolate. And i put marshmallows in my hot cocoa and scoop them out with a spoon and eat them like hot cocoa/marshmallow cereal

[@jeandiatasmith4512]

I always liked the Carnation better than Swiss Miss. It was thicker and creamier. I usually have to do 2 packs of Swiss Miss to make one cup or it's like water to me. Of course, nothing's better than the Hershey's cocoa version - just takes longer to make.

[@MsJennabird]

@@jeandiatasmith4512 yeah, never been a fan of swiss miss either but ive never had the hersheys

[@Markle2k]

I prefer the creamier texture of Swiss Miss, but I wouldn't kick anyone out of bed for bringing me either.

[@tj_2701]

@@Markle2k nothing creamy about swiss miss that stuff is garbage compared to Carnation.

[@kellylaflash1016]

Carnation was my favorite. I drank gallons of that over the years.

[@davenorthwater741]

You need to redo the test with equal hot temps.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

the only one that was really cold was the one he declared the winner, so i don't think there's much point in doing it again.

[@emerald637]

Out of all the excellent American hot chocolates to choose from, William Sonoma, Harry & David, even Trader Joe's brand, you chose Swiss Miss? Why???

[@thec4fourhundred520]

Swiss Miss is boring. Bland.

[@findingvintagetreasures8158]

Omg! Fairly new subscriber... first time I’ve seen you two together. This video was so fun! You guys are great together.

[@daryllennon1216]

I love dunking graham crackers in my hot chocolate. Grew up with home made hot chocolate made of cocoa powder, sugar and whole milk and cream.

[@dg8708]

A "hot biscuit" has a different meaning to me, but I have the maturity level of a12 year old.

[@litigioussociety4249]

I'm surprised you didn't taste test Hershey's Cocoa Powder, which is far more traditional and American than Swiss Miss packets. Also, there's any heated form of chocolate milk, which would include Hershey's syrup and Nesquik. When it comes to cold, chocolate milk, I always preferred to use Hershey's syrup.

[@drizztcat1]

I appreciate the double host setup. Need to see more of that.

[@jca111]

The temperature difference is mainly caused by the different mugs - so how can you use that as a criteria for which is best?

[@johnp139]

jca111 exactly! Pretty stupid. Heat all to the same temperature and then test.

[@Loruca]

The Cadbury's was microwaved, which loses heat fast, so that's a factor. But you may be right about the mugs.

[@Manganra7]

I’m American and do not like marshmallows in my Swiss Miss.

[@tamoshanter6268]

As always, hilarious video. Love the Star Wars gingermen sweater!

[@exitthroughthedoor]

The best hot chocolate ever: melt a 3 Musketeers bar in 1.5 cups of hot milk, stirring until dissolved and smooth. Inspired by Mr. French in Family Affair.

[@kokoken1]

I'm sorry, but I disagree with the addition of marshmallows. They change the flavor, and the idea was to compare the hot chocolates. If you add marshmallows to one, you should do it to all of them -- a fairer comparison.

[@janicesullivan8942]

Having tasted Cadbury hot chocolate, I have to give the Brits two thumbs up. Cheers!

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

Lmao! Love the banter between you two.

[@SeanLamb-I-Am]

I'm so glad you tried Abuelita's, that's one of my favorites. But you forgot to add the peppermint schnapps to the Swiss Miss....

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Some secrets to better hot chocolate: Use whole milk. Add some cream or half and half. My best hint..add one or two tablespoons of real maple syrup.

[@Camboninja94]

Sprinkle or two of cinnamon

[@tarmaque]

Always add a few shakes of salt, and use brown sugar. You'll thank me.

[@Isabella66Gracen]

I always add a little half &half or cream as well. A dash of salt adds a little somthin' great as well.

[@tarmaque]

@@Isabella66Gracen Yeah, it just never tastes quite right to me without the salt. (I'll tell you a secret: Sometimes I make it with 100% half-and-half.)

[@Isabella66Gracen]

@@tarmaque that sounds divine! I'll give that a shot. ❤😁

[@ShadowDrakken]

Funny thing with Abuelita is a lot of people were up in arms when Nestle bought it out because they changed the recipe quite a bit. It used to be a richer flavor with some cinnamon to it.

[@ayakotami3318]

I know and I miss it! 😢

[@kommunismkiller728]

Love the videos! Great video as I sip on my Godiva dark hot chocolate. Cheers from Detroit Michigan mate.

[@gandydancer823]

When I was a kid in the 60s and 70s my hot chocolate was Hershey's chocolate syrup in milk warmed on the stove.

[@denisegrimm3230]

Swiss Miss makes a dark variety that is my favorite. I make it with milk instead of water.

[@CoffeeLover-mz7bk]

Marshmallows are mandatory Lawrence!

[@ChrisPage68]

Not on my planet.

[@sdluedtke3368]

OMG You can't tell the difference between pumpkin vs sweet potato pies and now you mucked up the hot chocolate tasting too. You're fired again. Hahahaha

[@tearalewis7532]

I JUST made me so swiss miss and sat down to watch you tube, and saw this notification. Hahaha Had to share.....now i will watch.

[@myboyz9391]

Tara I LOVE your specs!

[@christelheadington1136]

Today I bought some Holiday Mint M&M's. I will let a few melt in my mouth,as I watch.

[@ChrisPage68]

What's a Holiday Mint? 😜

[@christelheadington1136]

@@ChrisPage68 It's like their every day mint, but the coating is either red white or green.

[@scarlettg.5772]

I love Swiss Miss! I literally just got done drinking a glass before finding this video lol. It really makes a difference if you make it with milk or water, milk is better. I'm going to be trying these other brands now too. Great video by the way!

[@smyles58]

I enjoy watching you and your wife banter!

[@michaelhurley3171]

Love your shirt Laurence. Ginger bread men in a light saber battle. Where do I get one?

[@historygeekslive8243]

Me too. I was just staring at his shirt the whole time 🤣🤣

[@katannep7798]

He wore it last year too, so I’m guessing it’s old and not really available anymore.

[@julianaylor4351]

Who likes Green and Black's drinking chocolate?🍫☕😍

[@bobprice9541]

Didn't know of a Green and Black's drinking chocolate, but I have had the Green and Black's chocolate bar. Whole Foods carries them here in the USA. I found that it has a strange aftertaste. Hope the liquid version doesn't have that taste.

[@julianaylor4351]

@@bobprice9541 Green and Black make very pure chocolate bars with not much sugar in them, but although there isn't a lot of sugar in the chocolate drink either, it does have a smoother less bitter taste. It's sold mostly by Waitrose and Sainsbury's in the UK which are very middle class supermarkets, but you might be able to also find it on line in the US or you could try an upmarket grocers. If you can find an upmarket food hall inside a department store they might have imported it, but it is a quite pure drinking chocolate and you might only like it if you add extra sugar.

[@floradiamonds]

Are there any out-take videos? I do hope so, because I'm really enjoying these!

[@chicagodaddy1]

I remember the old Swiss Miss jingle: “Swiss Miss instant cocoa with mini marshmallows”.

[@sneedmando186]

This comment thread is so wholesome

[@johnbowers6258]

Until you get to the loathsome comment by Travis L, 17 minutes after yours. Content of Lost in the Pond ... Great. Travis L ain't gettin' nothin for Christmas

[@robcrawford7780]

When Swiss Miss first came to consumers, the individual packages containing the mix, was plain white, and stayed that way for years.

[@juliebaker6969]

Quite true. It was always a guessing game in our house. My grandpa had a habit of putting the packets all into one box, regardless of whether it had marshmallows or not. You never knew which kind you would get. I don't think he ever realized there was a difference, he just saw two open boxes of what he thought was the same thing.

[@ethereal1257]

Your star wars gingerbread sweater is the best!!! I love your sense of humor sir. Where is the Gheradelli hot chocoloate?

[@sundaygraphic8576]

It's August as I'm watching this, but when you make your next Swiss Miss, instead of water, use heavy cream. Also try atole. You'll LOVE it!

[@stevenvarner9806]

Real dark chocolate powder, sugar, and milk (or almond milk) heated on the stove. A teaspoon of real vanilla is a nice touch also. That's real hot cocoa.

[@joepennant]

Where's Ovaltine? The ones from Trinidad and Singapore are my favorites and the British version...has changed from my childhood. The American version? Bleh. It's just malt chocolate sugar. Mostly sugar. Then there is Milo. It doesn't really matter where that is made, it's all the same.

[@violetskies14]

I loved ovaltine as a kid. My grandma used to make it for me. I stayed with her each weekend and she'd make me one before I went to bed.

[@amandajones661]

I was born and raised in NC and ended up in TN, only one state away and I've been homesick my whole life. I can't even think about how much you must be homesick most of the time.

[@angl149341]

can i just say that i love that you guys are using the mugs from kringlemarket 2018 in this video.

[@daniellefrank2572]

I grew up with the brand Stephen's. They have many flavors, my favorite is peppermint and my husband is the dark cocoa

[@MrRShoaf]

I remember Stephens, that was good stuff.

[@laurahubbard6906]

@@MrRShoaf Stephen's is still available. I get it at Safeway.

[@toomuchgarden6898]

You know with this being a pre-recorded video you could have just made one cup at a time then they would have all been the same temperature. Also, why on earth would you put ice cubes in beer?!

[@jasonprocellous5268]

Best Christmas Sweater ever. They still sell the version with dehydrated marshmallows. My favorite way to have hot chocolate is with whip cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top

[@alienonion4636]

You two are awesome!

[@sststr]

Oh jeez, that first chocolate made me go listen to a song I absolutely love: A Mis Abuelos, by Arturo Sandoval. He's Cuban, and it features a lot of flamenco guitar, so it's kind of all over the place, but one hell of a fantastic song! :D Nothing to do with chocolate, or with Christmas, just a good song. Go look it up and give it a listen.

[@goosebump801]

sststr My, but that was fun! The trumpet was very soulful, before the full band comes in....

[@angietyndall7337]

What no whipcream with any of the Hot Cocoa?

[@ChrisPage68]

"whipcream"? Is that like whipped cream?

[@sarahleonard7309]

My father taught me how to make hot chocolate with straight sugar and cocoa powder, like what you would use to bake a cake. It is really strong! And I love it.

[@amandajones661]

That mug that retains heat is amazing! I want one.

[@om5746]

Was the abuelita hot chocolate made with water? If it is, they should try it with milk

[@books4_kids]

I was wondering the same. I've never heard of anyone making it with water. 😄

[@Hiraghm]

Actually, it was Toucan Sam who said follow your nose.

[@michaelbrennan6123]

Hiraghm “it always knows...”

[@georgemaster689]

I love getting hot chocolate for Christmas.Great gift.

[@squeeerle]

I never left the marshmallows in long enough to completely dissolve. Lol I didn't know that was a thing 😂. The look she gave when he made the rationing crack. 😆

[@spencerkieft6021]

It's a crime that you didn't try the Land O Lakes hot chocolate mix. 😔

[@jenniferpearce1052]

Land o'Lakes is scrumptious!

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

Land O Lakes us where it's at.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

It's hard to find Land 'O Lakes. If we're lucky, there's a variety box at Costco during the winter holidays.

[@spencerkieft6021]

@@LoyaFrostwind I'm sorry about that. What a shame. I could always find them but I guess I never actively look for them. It's always serendipity.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

@@spencerkieft6021, I can sometimes find them at a local grocery store, but they're not discounted for Costco volume purchase, hence more expensive.

[@keeleh21]

Good chemistry between you two!

[@biancag2461]

I grew up with Swiss Miss and then I tried Abuelita's a few years ago and have never gone back. Love that cinnamon flavor!

[@chainman100]

My personal recipe for hot chocolate is always made in this fashion in a pot heated on the stove : -milk 8 oz, -2 oz heavy cream, - chocolate powder mix add 2 more scoops in addition to recommended amount for one serving (if powder is in single packets use 2 instead of 1) - healthy dose of Hershey syrup to your preference. -stir until HOT, not warm. add whip cream if so desired and enjoy.