This Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipe is a cozy, indulgent drink that warms you from the inside out. Rich, creamy hot chocolate becomes even more comforting when finished with a splash of bourbon and a hint of peppermint.
A Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Classic hot chocolate with marshmallows is a winter staple, and this spiked version hits all the right notes. Bourbon and chocolate pair beautifully, and a splash of peppermint schnapps lifts the drink with a cool finish.
The hot chocolate base is suitable for the whole family; simply omit the bourbon and peppermint schnapps for a kid-friendly version. For adults, add the spirits at the end for a perfectly balanced, warming cocktail.
Making hot chocolate from scratch is well worth the effort. It’s far better than boxed mixes — creamier, more chocolatey, and easily customized to your taste. Once you try homemade, you’ll likely never go back to packets.
How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Start by gently heating whole milk and heavy cream together in a small saucepan over low heat. When the mixture is warm and small bubbles begin to appear at the edges, whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
For the boozy version, stir in about 1 ounce of bourbon and 1/2 ounce of peppermint schnapps at the end. Adjust the amounts to your preference — use more or less spirit depending on how strong you like it. A single shot is a good starting point and keeps the drink smooth and drinkable.
For a festive touch, rim your mug with crushed peppermint candies. Dip the mug rim in a little corn syrup or simple syrup, then press it into crushed peppermint for a pretty and flavorful edge.
Pour the hot chocolate into the prepared mug and top liberally with marshmallows. Skip the tiny dehydrated marshmallows from packets — pile on real marshmallows for maximum indulgence. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Looking For More Dessert Cocktails?
- Peppermint White Russian
- Apple Pie Shots
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini
- RumChata Blackberry Fool
Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Author: Dan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 Serving
This Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipe will warm you up from the inside out. Use the non-alcoholic version for kids, or finish with bourbon and peppermint schnapps for an adult treat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 ounce bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps (optional)
- Marshmallows for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies for rimming the mug
Instructions
- Dip the rim of a heat-proof mug into corn syrup or simple syrup, then press into crushed peppermint to coat the rim.
- Heat the milk and cream in a small saucepan over low heat until small bubbles form at the edges.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and peppermint schnapps if using. Return to low heat briefly to warm through, about 2–3 minutes, but do not boil.
- Pour into the prepared mug, top with marshmallows, and serve immediately.
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American