Spiked Hot Chocolate- Sweet and creamy hot chocolate spiked with Kahlua and topped with a dollop of tasty whipped cream. It's heaven in a mug!

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This is the one of the best spiked hot chocolate recipes to whip up for a cozy night in. The rich chocolatey flavors of the cocoa mixed with liquor taste absolutely amazing, and it’s so simple to make!

Get ready to cuddle up with a sweet mug of this spiked hot chocolate. It’s delicious and sure to be a winter favorite!

HOW TO MAKE ADULT HOT CHOCOLATE

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients:

Water
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Milk
Heavy cream
Pure vanilla extract
Kahlua
Whipped cream, optional
Chocolate syrup, optional
Mini marshmallows, optional

Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, add the water, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over medium heat while whisking continuously.

Then, follow the steps below to finish up this simple and delicious spiked hot cocoa recipe:

While continuing to whisk, add the milk and heavy cream. Allow to cook until heated through.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the Kahlua.
Then, add the vanilla and stir until mixed.
Ladle the mixture into mugs.

The recipe makes about 6 servings depending on the size of your mugs.

Once the hot chocolate is ladled into mugs, add your toppings! My favorite toppings are whipped cream, chocolate syrup and mini marshmallows which is what I used for this recipe.

TIPS FOR MAKING SPIKED COCOA

Along with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, candy bar pieces, maple syrup, chocolate curls, and cinnamon sticks are some other tasty additions to this hot chocolate!
Depending on how strong you like your drinks, make sure to add the liquor little by little and taste as you go. This is the best way to figure out the perfect ratio for what you prefer!
If you’re serving spiked hot chocolate at a gathering or party, consider having a customizable hot chocolate bar! Let the guests choose their toppings and add-ins and enjoy!

up close shot of hot cocoa in a mug with marshmallow topping

CAN I DOUBLE OR TRIPLE THIS RECIPE?

This recipe is super easy to double or triple for guests or parties with larger crowds! Just make sure the pan or pot you are using is large enough depending on how much you are making.

glass mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate syrup

WHAT IS THE BEST ALCOHOL FOR HOT CHOCOLATE?

In the recipe I'm sharing today, we used Kahlua, but there are other alternatives that will also taste amazing.

Bailey’s Irish Cream, bourbon, rum, vanilla vodka, or peppermint schnapps would also be great options. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

CAN I USE A STORE-BOUGHT HOT COCOA MIX FOR THIS RECIPE?

A homemade mix will always taste the best, but feel free to use a purchased hot chocolate mix if you’re really in a crunch!

CAN YOU KEEP LEFTOVER HOT CHOCOLATE?

This recipe obviously tastes best when it’s warm and fresh, but, yes, you can keep leftovers. Store any leftover cocoa in an airtight food storage container in the fridge.

When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat it in a small pot or in a mug in the microwave.

Spiked Hot Chocolate