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Spiked Hot Chocolate (3 Boozy Variations)

Leanne Neill
Hot chocolate is already a comfort drink, but adding a splash of alcohol turns it into a cozy, grown-up indulgence that’s perfect for cold nights and holiday gatherings. This spiked hot chocolate starts with my favorite homemade base, The Best Hot Chocolate, and finishes with one simple upgrade: a shot of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, or spiced rum (or your favorite spirit). Each variation brings its own flavor profile, but all three deliver rich chocolate flavor with a warming adult twist.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 mugs

Equipment

  • 1 Small Saucepan
  • 1 Measuring Cups
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Shot glass

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder
  • 1 ½ tsp Cornstarch
  • 2 cups 2% Milk
  • 3 oz Chocolate dark
  • 3 tsp Sugar optional
  • 1 shot Baileys, Kahlua, rum or spirit of your choice

Topping

  • 1 Whip cream and/or marshmallows
  • 1 Chocolate shavings or chips
  • 1 Chocolate sauce

Instructions
 

  • Prepare a batch of my Best Hot Chocolate according to the recipe instructions, but don't add the vanilla extract (unless you want the vanilla flavor as well). Once hot and smooth, remove it from the heat and pour into 2 mugs.
  • To each mug, stir in 1 shot (1½ oz / 45 ml) of your chosen alcohol: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Spiced Rum, or other spirit of your choosing.
  • Taste to determine if you want to add sugar and/or more alcohol.
  • Top as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Add alcohol after heating. Never boil the hot chocolate after adding alcohol, heat can dull the flavor and burn off the alcohol.
  2. Use a rich hot chocolate base. Alcohol slightly thins the drink, so starting with a creamy, full-bodied hot chocolate makes a big difference.
  3. Stick to one shot per mug. One shot adds flavor without overpowering the chocolate. You can always adjust to taste.
  4. Choose quality ingredients. Good chocolate and good alcohol matter, this is a simple recipe where flavors really shine.
  5. Finish with toppings. Whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup make these drinks extra special.

    FAQs

    How much alcohol should I add to the hot chocolate? One standard shot (1½ oz) per mug is perfect for flavor and balance.
    Can I make spiked hot chocolate ahead of time? You can make the hot chocolate base in advance, but add the alcohol just before serving to retain flavor and potency.
    Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes! Almond milk works well—just choose an unsweetened variety for best results.
    What’s the best alcohol for hot chocolate? Baileys, Kahlua, and spiced rum are classics, but peppermint schnapps or bourbon also work well.
    Is this recipe kid-friendly? The base hot chocolate is, but once alcohol is added, this becomes an adult-only drink.