Whether you're five years old or 55, nothing beats the warm and cozy feeling of slipping into your softest jammies with a homemade hot chocolate in hand.
While powdered hot cocoa mix may be more convenient and less messy, there’s nothing quite as good as homemade hot chocolate. The rich and decadent flavor of real chocolate mixed with creamy, frothy milk will blow your fuzzy slippers off! And if you really want to warm up quickly, add a bit of your favorite booze.
We put together five heavenly spiked hot chocolate recipes for every palate. Whether you prefer peppermint mocha, toasted marshmallow, or classic hot chocolate, we have the perfect creations for you. There’s even a non-dairy option for those who want to skip the milk altogether. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the next snow day.
How to Make The Best Boozy Ice Cream At Home
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Buzzing Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
This decadent peppermint hot chocolate will have you buzzing in more ways than one. Between the mocha cold brew and peppermint schnapps, you’ll be the life of the party while rocking around the Christmas tree all night long.
Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup mocha cold brew
- 2 oz. dark chocolate
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
1. Heat a saucepan on low and add the milk and both types of chocolate.
2. Whisk chocolate and milk until combined and then slowly add the mocha cold brew and whisk some more.
3. After about a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the peppermint schnapps.
4. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of festive crushed candy cane pieces.
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Classic Hot Chocolate With Baileys
You know the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? That’s exactly how I feel about this feel-good timeless hot chocolate recipe. Skip the fancy toppings and spices and cozy up with this classic combination of warm, rich chocolate and creamy Baileys Original Irish Cream.
Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1½ oz. dark chocolate
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 oz. Baileys Original Irish Cream
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
1. Heat a saucepan on low and add the milk and both types of chocolate.
2. Whisk chocolate and milk until combined.
3. After about a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the Baileys.
4. Serve warm in a glass mug with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup and chocolate shavings.
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Spicy Spiked Hot Chocolate
This kickin’ spicy hot chocolate may be the best way to warm up on a snowy winter day. The aromatic spices pair perfectly with a mixture of dark and semi-sweet chocolate—this is definitely not your average cup of hot cocoa.
Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 oz. dark chocolate
- 1 oz. milk chocolate
- 2 oz. spiced rum
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel syrup (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
1. Heat a saucepan on low and add the milk and both types of chocolate.
2. Whisk chocolate and milk until combined. Add spices and continue whisking.
3. After about a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the spiced rum.
4. Serve hot in a mug with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup (and a tiny pinch of cayenne if you want extra heat).
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Tipsy Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate
There’s something so irresistible about chocolate and marshmallow together in one delectable dessert or in this case, hot chocolate. Prepare to get toasted with our delicious alternative to a classic s’mores.
Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 oz. dark chocolate
- 1 oz. milk chocolate
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- 1 oz. coffee liqueur
- 4 large marshmallows
- Graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
1. Heat a saucepan on low and add the milk and both types of chocolate.
2. Whisk chocolate and milk until combined.
3. After about a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the Kahlua and coffee liqueur.
4. Serve warm in a camper mug.
5. To roast the marshmallows, use a metal-skewer or any type of heat-resistant long utensil, and roast your two marshmallows at a time over a low-medium flame on your stove.
6. Top the hot chocolate with the toasted marshmallows and enjoy.
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Loaded Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate With “The Works”
Who says you need milk for a creamy, frothy hot chocolate? This boozy beverage is made with an almond and unsweetened coconut vanilla creamer and it is so incredibly good. To make it extra festive and fun, go wild with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or whatever you have in the pantry.
Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:
- 1 cup Nutpods Unsweetened Vanilla Creamer
- 2 oz. dark chocolate
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 ½ oz. cinnamon schnapps
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Sprinkles or chocolate shavings (optional)
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
1. Heat a saucepan on low and add the non-dairy creamer and both types of chocolate.
2. Whisk chocolate and milk until combined.
3. After about a minute or two, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the schnapps.
4. Serve warm in an oversized mug with a mountain of whipped cream and all of the toppings that your heart desires.
