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    Home » Recipes » Smoothies, Juices & Drinks

    Easy Spiked Hot Chocolate

    Published: Dec 30, 2022 by Sally Cameron · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    3828 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy spiked hot chocolate recipe is an easy to make sweet indulgence. The spirits take it up a level for an adult hot chocolate that will warm you to your toes on a chilly night, yet it's easily made a non-alcoholic hot chocolate for kids. It doubles as dessert and a cozy winter drink in winter months, with a variety of spirit options.

    Hot chocolate in a glass mug with whipped cream.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Recipe Substitutions
    • Liqueur and Spirit Variations
    • Recipe Instructions
    • Cocoa Powder Tips
    • Hot Chocolate Bar For a Party
    • Sweetener Options
    • Serving Options and Garnishes
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Chocolaty Recipes
    • ⭐️Did you Make This?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why This Recipe Works

    • It's warming, rich, and chocolaty
    • It's the perfect drink for snuggling around a warm fire to take the chill off.
    • It's made with two terrific liqueurs; Bailey's and Amaretto, but you can make it alcohol-free or vary the spirits.
    • Make it without the booze if preferred (or for kids).
    • Options for spirits and fun garnishes below.

    Recipe Ingredients

    Spiked hot cocoa ingredients labeled

    See recipe card for quantities. Easy spiked hot chocolate has simple ingredients with lots of options to customize, much better than a packaged hot cocoa mix.

    • Whole milk: Whole milk provides a smoother, richer drink and creamy hot chocolate versus low fat, plus you'll add whipped cream on top for more richness that melts in.
    • Cocoa powder: Buy unsweetened cocoa and sweeten to your preferred level. Two options are the "dutched" cocoa powder treated with alkali, or natural cocoa powder which is unprocessed. Learn more abut cocoa powder below.
    • Heavy whipping cream: For an optional whipped cream topping, or use coconut milk for non-dairy. Buy a small container and whip it yourself (or use the canned stuff).
    • Spirits: A combination of Amaretto liqueur (almond flavor) and Bailey's Irish Cream (the original is a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, chocolate and vanilla) work well. See options below for other spirits that go well with chocolate or use your favorite liquor.
    • Vanilla extract: Buy real vanilla extract, not artificial vanilla. Vanilla paste works too.

    Toppings: So Many Options

    Choose your favorite topping. Grated nutmeg, crushed peppermints, shaved chocolate or white chocolate, and sprinkle of cinnamon (or a whole cinnamon stick) or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Some people love mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, or candy canes. Choose your favorites.

    Recipe Substitutions

    • For a vegan or non-dairy hot chocolate, use almond milk or oat milk for the base and top with coconut whipped cream. Use diluted, canned whole coconut milk for a truly rich indulgence.
    • Substitute homemade almond milk for the best flavor, and use the rest for a morning smoothie.
    • Go alcohol-free for kids version, make hot chocolate with whole milk, cocoa, cinnamon, and a little vanilla along with a little sweetener, skipping the liqueurs.
    • For no sugar, use monk fruit or a monk-fruit based syrup.

    Liqueur and Spirit Variations

    If Bailey's Irish Cream or Amaretto are not your thing, there are lots of options for liqueurs and spirits in easy spiked hot chocolate. Try dark rum, peppermint schnapps, bourbon, creme de menthe (minty), whiskey, Kahlua, Frangelico (hazelnut flavored), or Nocello (walnut), Chambord (black raspberry), chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, or vanilla vodka.

    Chef's tip: Go slow adding liqueurs and spirits as they are strong. Start with a little, less than you think, then add to get to the right level for yourself. It doesn't take much.

    Starting to mix hot chocolate in a pot.

    Recipe Instructions

    In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat bring it to just under a boil. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sweetener, and cinnamon until smooth. Add the spirits to each glass, pour in the hot chocolate, then top with whipped cream and add any desired garnishes. Simple!

    Cocoa Powder Tips

    You'll find two main types of cocoa powder: dutched and natural. Dutched cocoa powder mixes easier with liquid and is darker colored. Natural is lighter colored but higher in nutrition from higher flavanols. Both provide rich chocolate flavor.

    There are many good brands. I've used Hershey's cocoa (available everywhere), Valhrona cocoa powder, and Ghirardelli cocoa powder. For organic, try Navitas.

    Is it cocoa or cacao? Here's an article with a good explanation. Store cocoa powder in an airtight container in a cool pantry and it lasts for about 3 years. 

    Mixing hot chocolate in a pot with whisk.

    Hot Chocolate Bar For a Party

    For holiday parties and a batch to serve a crowd, do this. Make plain hot chocolate in a larger pot on the stovetop, then keep it hot in a slow cooker. Make it with no liquor and allow guests to add or not.

    Set up a fun bar with the spirits and garnishes (see below) and allow guests to add what they want. If you don't want to buy big bottles of booze, buy small or airline size.

    Sweetener Options

    To sweeten your hot chocolate try the following:

    • Agave syrup
    • Rice bran syrup
    • Monk fruit blend - either granular or powdered
    • Unrefined sugar
    • Organic coconut sugar - adds a caramel flavor
    • Chocolate liquid stevia drops
    • Keto sugar-free simple syrup
    Hot chocolate with whipped cream topping in front of a fireplace.

    Serving Options and Garnishes

    Here are garnish ideas for serving for spiked hot chocolate:

    • Whipped cream
    • A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or warm spices
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Candy canes, sticks or crushed peppermint
    • Chocolate shavings (use a zester)
    • Chocolate sprinkles or mini chocolate chips

    Whipped Cream Notes

    Hot chocolate just would not be the same without whipped cream topping. Use a hand mixer or an immersion blender to whip your own. Add a little vanilla and sweetener first. For the easy way, get a can of real whipped cream. Read the label for icky ingredients (like partially hydrogenated oils).

    I use a neat tool called an Isi Thermo Whipper. It’s a cool kitchen tool and bit of an indulgence, but you can do a lot more with it than just whip cream or coconut milk (for vegan or dairy-free).

    Recipe FAQ's

    What is the best milk for hot chocolate?

    Whole cow's milk for the rich creamy taste, but you can use oat milk, homemade almond milk, or a combo if you don't do dairy. Even low fat milk works. Don't make it with water, its too thin and you lose the creaminess. Macadamia milk is another good option. Read ingredients for any additives.

    Is hot chocolate healthy to drink

    It is without the alcohol, for sure. Chocolate is a good source of flavanols, a category of phytonutrients, with health benefits. Natural cocoa powder offers more benefits than Dutched or processed cocoa powder. Other factors are type of sweetener and type of milk, but yes, it can be healthy. Here's a good article.

    Does hot chocolate help you sleep or relax?

    Once again, it's the flavanols but also other beneficial chemicals. Many consider hot chocolate as a sleep-promoting beverage as cocoa can help to lower blood pressure (here's an interesting study).

    More Chocolaty Recipes

    • german chocolate brownies
      German Chocolate Brownies (gluten free, dairy-free)
    • chocolate maca energy smoothie
      Chocolate Energy Smoothie with Maca
    • dark chocolate sorbet
      Dark Chocolate Sorbet Recipe (Dairy Free)
    • bittersweet chocolate pudding
      Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding (Dairy Free)

    ⭐️Did you Make This?

    If you make this recipe, please comment and let me know, and if you loved it, please give it a 5 star rating! They really help other readers.

    📖 Recipe

    Easy Spiked Hot Chocolate

    Sally Cameron
    This adult hot chocolate drink doubles as dessert and an after dinner drink. Adjust the sweetness and chocolate to your taste preference. For those who do not indulge in spirits or for kids, skip the alcohol. It’s still delicious. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 189 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Basic hot chocolate

    • 2 cups whole milk sub coconut, oat, or almond milk
    • 3-4   tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon sugar or preferred sweetener add to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional

    Whipped cream (optional)

    • ¾ cup heavy cream well chilled, then whipped

    Optional spirits (see notes below for more options)

    • 2-3 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
    • 2-3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

    Optional garnishes

    • Grated nutmeg, crushed peppermints, shaved chocolate, ground cinnamon, chocolate sprinkles

    Instructions
     

    • In a small to medium saucepan, bring milk to just under a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sweetener and cinnamon until smooth.
    • Add half of each liqueur into two tall mugs (skip for kids). Carefully pour in the hot chocolate. Top with a little whipped cream, or a lot! Garnish as desired.

    Notes

    Sweetener options: Sugar, agave syrup, rice bran syrup, coconut crystals or liquid stevia, monk fruit blend, or sugar-free keto syrup made with monk fruit.
    Whipped cream note: It's hard to whip just a small amount of heavy cream by hand, so I've listed ¾ cup. You won't need it all. 
    Spirits note: If Bailey's Irish Cream or Amaretto are not your thing, there are lots of options for spirits. Try dark rum, peppermint schnapps, bourbon, creme de menthe (minty), whiskey, Frangelico (hazelnut flavored), or Nocello (walnut), Chambord (black raspberry), chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, or vanilla vodka.
    Nutrition calculation full recipe: Including all of the heavy cream and spirits, the numbers are 588 kcals, 12 grams protein, 43 grams fat, 28 grams sugar, 33 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber. 
    Nutrition calculation basic recipe: Without spirits and cream, 189 kcals, 22 grams carbs, 9 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, 18 grams sugar. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 9gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 396IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 311mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Simply Tia says

      February 22, 2012 at 6:41 am

      This is so rich, decadent and right up my alley. Another of your recipes that I'll be making!
      Thanks Sally.

      Reply
      • Sally Cameron says

        August 21, 2018 at 9:55 pm

        Thanks Tia! Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Sally says

      February 21, 2012 at 8:41 am

      This IS indulgent, and I agree, it would make a great dessert (so easy). I've been making your version of hot chocolate (without the booze and cream) this winter as a snack when I crave something sweet. I've pared it down to skim milk and very little sweetener (calorie watching!) and once I got past the skim milk, I found it to be a great afternoon pick-me-up. How lucky for you to get a break--sounds fab!! Lately business trips by my spouse involve New Jersey, not quite the same 🙂

      Reply
      • Sally says

        February 21, 2012 at 8:52 am

        Agreed Sally! I should have made a note. For a skinny and less indulgent version, use low fat milk and skip the liquor. I also want to make hot chocolate with my homemade almond milk, add a little vanilla and agave or stevia. No whipped cream. That would be a pretty healthy version.

        Reply

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    chef sally cameron | afoodcentriclifecom.bigscoots-staging.com

    Welcome! I'm Sally, a classically trained chef (but you don't have to be!). My passion is cooking fresh healthy food and sharing it with others.

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