14 Must-try Hot Chocolate Cocktails

If you think hot chocolate is just for kids, think again! These 14 must-try hot chocolate cocktails blend rich, creamy cocoa with liqueurs and spirits for the ultimate adult indulgence. Get ready to sip, savor, and warm up with these decadent drinks!

Spiked Hot Chocolate (With Vodka, Rum, Or Whiskey)

Spiked hot chocolate is an adult twist on a comforting classic. This treat combines rich hot chocolate with your choice of vodka, rum, or whiskey for a warm, flavorful drink. Below are three simple recipes to enjoy.

Vodka Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 ounce chocolate vodka
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan.
2. Stir in cocoa powder until dissolved.
3. Add chocolate vodka and mix well.
4. Top with whipped cream.

Rum Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 ounce dark rum
• Mini marshmallows for garnish

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk in a pan over medium heat.
2. Mix in cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add dark rum and stir.
4. Garnish with marshmallows.

Whiskey Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 ounce Irish whiskey
• Grated chocolate for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a small pot.
2. Blend in the cocoa powder.
3. Pour in Irish whiskey and combine.
4. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top.

These recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy hot chocolate with a spirited kick. Choose your favorite spirit and indulge.

Baileys Hot Chocolate

Baileys Hot Chocolate is a delightful treat. Combining rich chocolate and Baileys Irish Cream, it offers a cozy experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup of Baileys Irish Cream
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Heat the Milk and Cream:

• Pour the milk and heavy cream into a medium-sized saucepan.
• Heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edge.

Add Chocolate Chips:

• Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips.
• Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts and the liquid is smooth.

Incorporate Baileys Irish Cream:

• Lower the heat slightly.
• Gradually mix in the Baileys Irish Cream.

Sweeten and Season:

• Add the sugar and a pinch of salt.
• Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.

Serve:

• Pour into mugs.
• Optional: Top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate (With Peppermint Schnapps)

Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps is a warm, festive drink. It’s perfect for cold evenings. The combination of rich chocolate and mint makes it a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ounces peppermint schnapps
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Continue heating until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
4. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
5. Divide peppermint schnapps between two mugs (1.5 ounces each).
6. Pour hot chocolate mixture into the mugs.
7. Top with whipped cream and garnishes.

Kahlúa Hot Chocolate

Kahlúa Hot Chocolate blends the rich flavors of cocoa and coffee liqueur. It’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml Kahlúa
• 120 ml Hot Chocolate
• 1 pinch Chocolate Shavings

Instructions:

1. Heat 120 ml of hot chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the hot chocolate is warm.
3. Stir in 30 ml of Kahlúa.
4. Pour the mixture into a mug.
5. Garnish with a pinch of chocolate shavings.

Irish Cream Hot Chocolate (With Irish Cream Liqueur)

Transform your hot chocolate into an indulgent treat with Irish cream liqueur. This blend promises rich flavors with a creamy finish. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or small gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
2. Add chocolate chips and sugar. Stir until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in Irish cream liqueur.
4. Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

You can also add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Enjoy this rich and creamy hot chocolate with a twist.

Hot Chocolate With Amaretto

Enjoy a cozy evening with a delicious hot chocolate with amaretto. This drink pairs the rich flavor of chocolate with the smooth, almond notes of amaretto. It’s perfect for a winter night or a special holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. (45ml) Amaretto
• Splash of Vanilla Vodka
• 6 oz. (180ml) Hot Chocolate
• Whipped Cream
• Slivered Almonds
• Grated Chocolate

Instructions:

1. Heat hot chocolate until steaming.
2. Add amaretto and vanilla vodka to your mug.
3. Pour the hot chocolate over the liquors and stir.
4. Top with whipped cream, slivered almonds, and grated chocolate.

For a bit of flair, warm your mug by filling it with hot water. Then, pour out the water before adding the ingredients. This keeps your drink hotter for longer.

Hot Chocolate With Grand Marnier

Hot chocolate with Grand Marnier is a rich and flavorful drink. It combines the warmth of hot chocolate with the citrus notes of Grand Marnier. Perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 dash of cinnamon
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat Milk and Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Melt Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Cinnamon: Stir in a dash of cinnamon. This adds a warm, spicy note.
4. Incorporate Grand Marnier: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Grand Marnier.
5. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Hot Chocolate With Frangelico

Adding Frangelico to hot chocolate creates a rich, nutty drink. Frangelico, with its hazelnut flavor, pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 oz dark chocolate
• 1.5 oz Frangelico
• 0.75 tsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, brown sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low. Do not boil.
3. Add dark chocolate. Whisk until smooth.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in Frangelico.
5. Pour into a mug. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Mexican Hot Chocolate (With Tequila And Chili Powder)

Mexican hot chocolate with tequila and chili powder offers a delightful twist. The warmth of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the kick of chili and the smoothness of tequila. It’s a treat perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 oz Mexican chocolate (Ibarra or Abuelita)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (100% cacao)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 oz tequila
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to warm up.
2. Add Chocolate & Cocoa: Add the Mexican chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
3. Season: Add the cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
4. Combine with Tequila: Once the mixture is well-blended and hot but not boiling, remove it from the heat. Stir in the tequila.
5. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream if desired. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

RumChata Hot Chocolate

RumChata Hot Chocolate is a delicious blend of sweet and creamy flavors. This comforting drink is perfect for cold days. You’ll love its combination of rich chocolate and smooth RumChata.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 ounce RumChata
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, warm 1 1/2 cups of milk over medium heat until steamy.
2. Add cocoa and sugar: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved.
3. Melt chocolate chips: Add 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Mix in RumChata: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 ounce of RumChata.
5. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
6. Optional Toppings: Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or marshmallows to taste.

Hot Chocolate With Bourbon

Hot chocolate with bourbon is a cozy, adult twist on traditional hot cocoa. It adds a rich, warm flavor to the classic drink. Here is a simple recipe to make your own at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 ½ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ounces bourbon (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and 3 ½ cups of milk.
2. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue to stir and heat until the milk is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the bourbon until well combined.
5. Pour into mugs. Optionally, top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (With Caramel Vodka Or Liqueur)

Create an indulgent treat by combining creamy hot chocolate with a kick of caramel vodka or liqueur. The salted caramel flavor adds a sweet and salty balance, perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (or a milk alternative)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 cup caramel vodka or liqueur
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Extra caramel sauce and chocolate shavings (optional, for garnishing)

Instructions:

1. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until there are no lumps.
3. Heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the milk mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Add the caramel sauce and sea salt. Stir constantly until the caramel dissolves.
5. Remove from the heat. Add the caramel vodka or liqueur and heavy cream. Mix well.
6. Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream, additional caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings if desired.

S’mores Hot Chocolate (With Marshmallow Vodka And Chocolate Liqueur)

Create a cozy and indulgent hot chocolate drink with a s’mores twist. S’mores hot chocolate combines rich chocolate flavors with marshmallow vodka and chocolate liqueur for an adult treat.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ounce marshmallow vodka
• 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
• Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
• Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)

To make:

1. Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in marshmallow vodka and chocolate liqueur.
4. Pour the mixture into a mug. Top with mini marshmallows.
5. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the marshmallows. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.

Cherry Hot Chocolate (With Cherry Liqueur)

A Cherry Hot Chocolate with cherry liqueur offers a unique twist. This drink combines the warmth of hot chocolate with the sweet, tangy flavor of cherries. It’s a perfect option for winter gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup cherry liqueur
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
• 7 tablespoons cherry juice
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

Heat the Milk Mixture:

• Pour the milk, half-and-half, and chocolate syrup into a large pan.
• Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

Add Cherry Flavors:

• Stir in 7 tablespoons of cherry juice and 1/3 cup cherry liqueur.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

• Using an electric mixer, beat the whipping cream on medium speed until foamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and remaining cherry juice.
• Continue beating until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Drink:

• Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
• Top with the homemade whipped cream.
• Garnish each mug with a maraschino cherry.