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The Ultimate Decadent Boozy Hot Chocolate (Featuring Bailey’s and Bourbon Options)

Close-up of rich boozy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
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This recipe translates professional technique into a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying adult hot chocolate. Make it with Irish cream or bourbon for a perfect winter warming drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream OR 1/2 cup Bourbon (for spiking)
  • Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the mixture just begins to steam around the edges; do not let it boil.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
  3. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the warm milk mixture until fully dissolved and smooth.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and thick. This step builds the decadent base.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. If serving immediately, stir in your choice of alcohol (Baileys or Bourbon) now. If you are setting up a hot chocolate bar, keep the base warm and add the spirit to individual mugs.
  7. Pour the boozy hot chocolate into mugs. Top generously with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • For a hot chocolate bar, keep the chocolate base warm on the lowest heat setting. Offer small carafes of Baileys, Bourbon, and perhaps dark rum so guests can spike their own dessert hot chocolate to taste.
  • Use high-quality chocolate; this is the difference between standard cocoa and decadent chocolate cocktails.
  • If you prefer a less rich drink, substitute up to 1 cup of the whole milk with water or brewed coffee.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/boozy-hot-chocolate-recipe/