Spiked Hot Chocolate

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This rich and creamy classic is the perfect way to savor the cold winter months. Spike hot chocolate never tasted so good!

This decadent treat is the perfect way to savor those chilly winter evenings with loved ones or make the holiday season extra special. This gourmet hot chocolate recipe uses simple ingredients but doesn't take any shortcuts. The extra care and attention required to craft your boozy hot cocoa will reward you with the most luxuriously cozy winter drink you have ever savored.

What is Spiked Hot Chocolate?

Spiked hot chocolate is your favorite cold weather childhood treat all grown up and full of booze... kind of like half of my childhood playmates. You can use any ol' hot cocoa mix to concoct this drink, but you will really transform regular hot chocolate into something truly special if you make your hot cocoa from scratch.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Milk - Higher fat milk will create the most indulgently creamy hot chocolate. Whole milk is the best thing to use.
Semisweet Chocolate - Milk chocolate or dark chocolate are both great substitutions that still provide rich chocolate flavor. Using real chocolate will result in a much richer drink than using cocoa powder.
Egg Yolk
Baileys Irish Cream
Optional - A half teaspoon of vanilla extract can be added if desired.

How to Make It

I already have a detailed write-up on how to make homemade hot chocolate. We will be using that recipe as a base for this homemade spiked hot chocolate recipe. Making your hot chocolate from scratch is much richer and creamier than any hot chocolate made from a powder mix, I promise. The key is slowly cooking an egg yolk with the milk and chocolate. It acts as a fantastic thickener.

To being, heat milk and chocolate together over low heat in a small sauce pan. Whisk to combine. Then in a separate saucepan gently heat the egg yolk over low heat while whisking to prevent curdling. Whisk until it is smooth and creamy. If your yolk curdles, start over with a new egg.

Slowly spoon the milk and chocolate mixture into the beaten yolk. Repeat until all of it is combined then add the liquor. Serve your alcoholic hot chocolate in cocoa mugs with whipped cream.

Pouring Baileys Irish Cream into Spiked Hot Chocolate.

Recipe FAQs

What do you spike hot chocolate with?

You have a lot of options when making a spiked hot chocolate. My favorite liquor to add to hot chocolate is Baileys Irish Cream, its luxurious creamy flavor blends perfectly with chocolate. However, peppermint schnapps is another great option, as is Kahlua, rum, or brandy. Your choices for this festive cocktail are only limited by your taste preferences, so grab your favorite alcohol and enjoy!

How much alcohol should I add to hot chocolate?

Like many other mixed drinks, one size does not fit all. I like a 1:3 ratio of alcohol and hot chocolate. However, if you like the alcohol to be more subtle, you can certainly add less. Conversely, add more alcohol for a stronger punch.

Is hot chocolate good with a shot of expresso?

Yes! Coffee, chocolate, and Baileys make an incredibly delicious combination. Feel free to add a shot of expresso into this spiked hot chocolate recipe.

What are the best hot chocolate toppings?

The best toppings for serving with a hot mug of cocoa are candy canes, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, a shaved chocolate bar, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You could even add a whole cinnamon stick for a little spice.

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Spike Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy spiked hot chocolate is a perfect way to savor the season. Cold weather never tasted so good!

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 6

Servings:

Calories: 535kcal

Author: Fox Valley Foodie

Equipment

▢
2 Small saucepan
▢
Cocoa mug

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup whole milk (divided)
▢ 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
▢ 1 egg yolk
▢ 3 oz Baileys Irish Cream (more or less to taste)

Serving

▢ whipped cream

Instructions

Heat ¼ cup of the milk and all of the chocolate over low heat in a saucepan and whisk to thoroughly combine.
In a separate pan set on low whisk the egg yolk until smooth and heated, being careful not to let the yolk curdle.
Slowly add chocolate mixture by the spoonful into the yolk while whisking continually. Add the remaining milk and heat to temperature.
Add Baileys to a mug, and pour in hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream.

Notes

Candy canes, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips make great garnishes for your boozy hot chocolate.

If you prefer not to make the hot chocolate from scratch, you can simply add Bailey to any pre-made hot chocolate.

This can be made in advance if you wish to serve it at holiday parties. It can be kept at serving temperature by placing it in a slow cooker set on the "Warm" setting.

IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE check out my Peppermint Coffee Hot Chocolate too!