Along with snowball fights and brave carolers, a steaming mug of hot chocolate is a childhood pastime that’s synonymous with the season.
But if you’re all grown up and looking for a more…mature version of the beverage that’ll really warm you up, we suggest adding a shot of some ‘good stuff’ in your brew.
Boozy hot chocolate is something most people won’t say no to. And if they do, it’s endlessly flexible, with the chocolate, spices, and liqueur all interchangeable to taste.
To start, whiskey and Irish cream are classic Christmas staples, and a safe, welcome addition to any hot chocolate recipe.
When it comes to dark chocolate brews, consider mezcal, citrus liqueur, and chili spices if you’re after a spicy, smoky south-of-the-border edge. For white chocolate fans, mixing with ginger liqueur makes for an extra creamy, fragrant drink.
Regardless of what you choose, remember to use chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks instead of the powdered stuff if you really want an authentic hot chocolate that’s indulgent and rich – and don’t forget the whip cream!
Spicy and Smoky Mexican Hot Chocolate
Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz. chopped dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp. mezcal
- 2 Tbsp. Cointreau
- ⅛ Tbsp. chili powder
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- Kosher salt
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Mix the milk and chocolate chunks in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a simmer (medium-low heat); stir occasionally, until smooth. Don’t let it boil!
Now, take off from the heat, and add in the mezcal, Cointreau, chili powder, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. Divide into cups, and garnish with cinnamon and cinnamon sticks!
Spiked White Hot Chocolate with Ginger
Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz. quality white chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup cognac
- 2 Tbsp. ginger liqueur
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Ground ginger, for garnish
Just like the previous recipe, combine milk with the white chocolate chunks in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, again stirring until smooth, and again avoiding a boil. Take the pan off the heat, and whisk in the cognac, ginger liqueur, and vanilla. Divide the contents, top with whip cream, and dust with ground ginger!
Creamy Irish Hot Chocolate
Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup strong coffee
- 3 oz. chopped dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp. Irish whiskey
- 3 Tbsp. Irish cream liquor
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
You know the drill – pool the milk, coffee, and chocolate chunks into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir till smooth; don’t let it boil. Remove from heat. Whisk in whiskey and cream liquor; divide and top with whip cream and shavings. Enjoy!
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