Warm Up with Boozy Hot Chocolate

A rich, steaming cup of hot chocolate is a comforting drink known by many names—and many variations—throughout the world. And it’s not just for kids!

This particular recipe is only for adults thanks to a hearty dose of alcohol. Whipped cream and mini marshmallows are optional.

What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?

First, let’s clarify the distinctions between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different drinks.

Hot cocoa consists of cocoa powder, sweetener, and a hot liquid. Hot chocolate, on the other hand, blends melted chocolate (which can be dark, semisweet, milk, or white chocolate) with a hot liquid; sweetening is optional based on your chocolate choice.

Milk Options for Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a versatile drink and pairs well with various bases. While milk or cream is popular, non-dairy options are equally delicious. I particularly enjoy light coconut milk or cashew milk.

What Booze Is Best?

The possibilities for spiking hot chocolate are endless, but here are a few personal favorites:

• Most creamy liquors work wonderfully and usually have a low ABV, allowing you to enjoy a cup without the need for a nap. Kerrygold Irish Cream and Tempus Fugit Crème De Cacao are great picks (a little extra chocolate never hurts).
• For a spicy twist, try adding an amaro. It adds depth with a bittersweet touch. Amaro Lucano or Averna are well-balanced choices that complement, rather than overpower, the chocolate.
• If you prefer straightforward liquors, go for bourbon, rye, aged rum, or even vanilla vodka. Experiment with what you have!

Toppings for Boozy Hot Chocolate

Childhood memories of hot chocolate often involve mini marshmallows, so why not elevate your drink now? Consider these additional fun toppings:

• Whipped cream: Whether sweetened or plain, a dollop on top melts, enhancing the creaminess of your drink. Feeling adventurous? Add a touch of Angostura bitters to your whipped cream for an extra kick.
• Sprinkles: Increase the nostalgia by sprinkling colorful sprinkles over your whipped cream.
• Chocolate shavings: Adding more chocolate on top of your melted chocolate drink? Why not?

More Toasty, Boozy Drinks

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• 2 cups whole milk

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

• 3 ounces of your choice of liquor, such as bourbon, rum, or a cream liqueur

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles

1. Warm the milk:

   Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer but does not boil (look for small bubbles around the edges).

2. Add the chocolate:

   Add in the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully combined and smooth, about 5 minutes. There should be no remaining chocolate specks, the color should turn to a milk chocolatey brown, and the pan bottom should be coated with the mixture.

3. Remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients:

   Remove from heat and stir in the liquor, vanilla extract, and salt.

4. Cool slightly and serve:

   Allow to cool to a safe drinking temperature for about 5 minutes (still hot but not scalding). Pour into heatproof mugs. If a skin forms while cooling, whisk for a few seconds to mix it back in.

   Enjoy as is or with your chosen toppings.

   Love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
721	Calories
34g	Fat
83g	Carbs
11g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories	721
% Daily Value*
34g	43%
Saturated Fat 20g	99%
24mg	8%
158mg	7%
83g	30%
Dietary Fiber 5g	18%
Total Sugars 76g
11g
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 304mg	23%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 650mg	14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is based on an ingredient database and should be considered a rough estimate. Where multiple ingredient options are provided, the first one listed is used for nutritional calculations. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included.