Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of lobbing snowballs in the backyard.

Teas, hot toddies, coffees and mulled ciders certainly can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple.

Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from premade packets, but many such packets are loaded with sugar.

Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to le…