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Top 5 Adult Hot Chocolate Recipes

By chef Henry

These delicious spiked adult hot chocolate recipes are warming cocktails that combine rich homemade hot chocolate with your favorite liqueur for the perfect cozy drink.

Adult hot chocolate recipes

Need a warming, cozy drink with a little kick? Try adult hot chocolate! For me, spiked hot chocolate hits differently than other warm cocktails.

I love a good mulled wine or Irish coffee, but there’s something about that nostalgia of wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cocoa. Adding a splash of aged rum or peppermint schnapps makes pure comfort with just the right amount of sophistication! After testing many variations, are my favorite ways to make a cup of adult hot chocolate.

My top adult hot chocolate recipes

Adult Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing better at taking the chill off than a homemade Adult Hot Chocolate recipe! This mug of liquid cocoa is rich and creamy, with an intense depth in chocolate flavor. A hint of aged rum or bourbon, and it gives it a warming complexity with notes of vanilla and oak.

Peppermint Patty

Here’s a warm and cozy adult hot chocolate for mint lovers: the Peppermint Patty! This hot chocolate is spiked with two liqueurs, adding both mint and chocolate flavors to the rich body of this drink. It’s great with homemade hot chocolate, but you can also make it with purchased hot cocoa mix.

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Looking for a sweet, sumptuous adult hot chocolate for chilly days? Kahlua Hot Chocolate is a creamy drink full of big flavor: deep chocolate, vanilla notes, and the rum and caramel finish of Kahlua. The Kahlua is nuanced and subtle, but it’s there: adding a warming effect to each sip. If you’re a fan of this coffee liqueur, this is the winter cocktail for you.

Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate

Need a stunning adult hot chocolate for winter entertaining? Try Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate! It’s rich and chocolaty, with just the right smoothness from the cool mint finish. Peppermint schnapps is a holiday tradition in my family, and it’s just right for adding to this creamy drink.

Baileys Hot Chocolate

Love Baileys? Then here’s a warming hot cocktail to put on your to-drink list: Baileys Hot Chocolate! It’s got the best deep chocolaty flavor, accentuated by the chocolate and vanilla notes with the fruity finish of Irish whiskey. Serve this sweet hot alcoholic drink anytime you need a wintery pick me up: or it’s great for the holidays or a snow day. 

Substitutions and variations

  • Non-dairy options: All these recipes work well with my Vegan Hot Chocolate made from oat milk; you can also use almond milk or coconut milk.
  • Lower alcohol versions: Cut the spirit amounts in half if you want just a hint of flavor without the full alcohol content.
  • Mocktail versions: Replace the alcohol with flavored syrups. Use vanilla or almond extract for the classic version, peppermint extract for minty versions, or a splash of strong coffee for the Kahlua-inspired drink.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe, or stir in some cinnamon and nutmeg for warm spice notes.

Storing and reheating tips

Adult hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the plain hot chocolate base ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add the alcohol just before serving so the spirits don’t evaporate during reheating.

For parties, I make a big batch of hot chocolate and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low, then add the liquor to individual mugs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use store-bought hot chocolate mix?

Absolutely! While homemade tastes better, you can use a quality instant hot cocoa mix in a pinch. Just prepare it according to package directions and add your spirit of choice.

What’s the best rum for adult hot chocolate?

I prefer an aged rum like Bacardi 8 for the vanilla and oak notes. Spiced rum also works well if you want additional warming spices.

How much alcohol should I add?

Start with the recommended amounts in the recipes (typically 1 to 1.5 ounces per serving) and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away.

Can kids have these recipes without the alcohol?

Yes! Simply omit the spirits or replace them with flavored syrups. The homemade hot chocolate base is fantastic on its own.

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Top 5 Adult Hot Chocolate Recipes

Peppermint Patty Drink
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Try these spiked adult hot chocolate recipes when need a cozy drink! Each one is warming and deliciously creamy.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup homemade hot chocolate (or vegan hot chocolate)
  • For the alcohol:
    • Spiked Hot Chocolate: 1 ounce aged rum or bourbon
    • Peppermint Patty: 1 ½ ounces Creme de Cacao and 1 ½ ounces peppermint schnapps
    • Kahlua Hot Chocolate: ¾ ounce Kahlua
    • Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate: 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
    • Baileys Hot Chocolate: 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
  • Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Homemade Hot Chocolate (or use pre-made mix).
  2. Stir in the alcohol of choice. 
  3. Top with whipped cream if desired.

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More hot alcoholic drinks

Looking for more inspiration? There are plenty more warming drinks for winter: many of them not nearly as sweet and decadent as these. Here are a few more hot alcoholic drinks to try:



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