Baileys Hot Chocolate

This Baileys hot chocolate will fast become your new go-to holiday drink. It’s rich, creamy, and just boozy enough that you know it’s Christmas. 

It’s perfect for a bit of indulgence after a long week or for something slightly wicked on your next date night.

No matter if you indulge alone or with company, this steamy mug of chocolatey goodness is sure to warm you up.

It’s just sweet enough, though you can adjust the hot chocolate to your liking. 

The best part? You can be sipping this by the fire in just five short minutes.

Ingredients in Baileys Hot Chocolate

You only need four ingredients to make this warm cocktail, and two of them are optional. That said, is whipped cream ever really optional on hot chocolate?

I’ll let you decide.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fantastic Baileys hot chocolate recipe:

• Baileys® Original Irish Cream – This won’t come as a surprise, though you could use Baileys Almande for something sweet and vegan. Depending on the time of year and where you live, you could even use their salted caramel, orange truffle, coffee, or chocolate luxe flavors.
• Hot chocolate – I always recommend making your own hot chocolate (don’t worry, I have a recipe for that below), but if you have to use a packet, I suggest you look for Godiva’s Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Starbucks also has a great choice.
• Whipped cream – Feel free to use a can of whipped cream if this is just for one. 
• Chocolate topping – This could be syrup, melted chocolate, or chocolate shavings. Whatever you like best.

I mentioned above that you should always try to make your own hot chocolate whenever possible. So with that in mind, I’ve found a couple of recipes to help! 

Both of these recipes are enough for four servings.

Hot Chocolate Option 1: 

This is the best recipe for a classic and delicious hot chocolate. It uses milk instead of water for a creamier finish and even includes melted chocolate in the mix for added decadence.

• 4 cups of milk (can be dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• 1/2 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or in chips)
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

To make this hot chocolate:

1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan, and then add the cocoa powder and sugar. 
2. Heat gently and whisk until the mixture is warm.
3. Add the chocolate and whisk until the liquid is smooth and slightly thick.
4. Whisk in the vanilla and serve.

Hot Chocolate Option 2:

Where the recipe above is something you’d see all over the states, this recipe is strictly French. French hot chocolate is thick, sinful, and insanely dreamy. 

• 2 cups of whole milk (if making this vegan, use coconut milk as it’s thicker)
• 6 ounces of good quality dark chocolate (chopped or in chips)
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (brown or white)
• Pinch of sea salt

To make this hot chocolate:

1. Pour the milk into a medium-sized saucepan and heat until you see bubbles.
2. Add the salt and chocolate and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Let the liquid heat until it starts to simmer, constantly whisking until it thickens (3 minutes).
4. Add the sugar and whisk to dissolve.
5. Pour and serve.

How to Make Baileys Hot Chocolate 

This drink couldn’t be easier to make!

Start with the hot chocolate. This could be something you make from scratch or a simple packet that just needs hot milk. It’s totally up to you. 

Next, add the Baileys nice and slowly, so the cold liquid doesn’t shock in the hot chocolate. 

Finally, top it with a mountain of freshly whipped cream. I like to add chocolate shavings to mine, but chocolate syrup would work, too.

Now, just find a cozy spot, grab a good book, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

This drink might seem like a no-brainer, but I have a few little tips to make sure it’s perfect every time!

• If you don’t have (or don’t like) Baileys, Kahlua is the next best choice. 
• Make this 100% vegan with coconut milk hot cocoa and Baileys Almande, a sweet dairy-free liqueur that’s every bit as creamy and addictive. 
• Give this a kick with cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
• Use peppermint schnapps instead for something refreshingly festive.