Get cozy and unwind with a mug of our Baileys Hot Chocolate! It features rich chocolate, creamy Baileys, and warm vanilla extract. This decadent hot chocolate requires minimal effort and only takes a few minutes to make.
This hot chocolate recipe is great for a fun night in and accompanies a hot chocolate charcuterie bar perfectly. If you want to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this drink, check out our Oat Milk Hot Chocolate recipe.
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About this Recipe
- Taste - The flavors are extra rich and the baileys adds a fun kick.
- Texture - The hot chocolate is creamy and the whipped cream top is fluffy, just how we like it!
- Effort - All you need to do is warm the ingredients, add the Baileys, then enjoy.
- Time - Prep takes just a few minutes!
Ingredients
- Baileys Original Irish Cream - Baileys Irish cream is an Irish cream liqueur that is whisky based often used to make creamy cocktails. It can also be enjoyed straight. It is deliciously creamy with vanilla and chocolate flavors and a light hint of Irish whiskey.
- Milk or dairy-free milk alternative - Milk is the rich and creamy base of the hot chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which is very rich and chocolatey, or standard cocoa powder.
- Sugar - Sugar adds extra sweetness to the hot chocolate.
- Chocolate - Melted chocolate provide the signature chocolatey flavor, we recommend using a rich chocolate like semisweet or dark chocolate chunks or chips.
- Vanilla extract - Vanilla extract adds a warm complexity to the drink.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Warm ingredients - Add milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Whisk until warm, but not boiling.
- Add chocolate - Add chocolate to the mixture. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and blended with the milk.
- Add Baileys - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Baileys Original Irish Cream.
- Serve - Divide into mugs and serve immediately. Serve with whipped cream and cocoa powder, chocolate syrup/chocolate sauce, or chocolate shavings.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, all of the ingredients for this recipe are gluten free.
No, it shouldn't. Baileys typically only curdles in juices and soda.
No, research shows that drinking even small amounts of alcohol could be potentially harmful for your baby. We recommend following up with your doctor on this issue.
No, Baileys does not contain caffeine. Note there is a little caffeine in the hot chocolate from the cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
No, Baileys Irish cream does not need to be refrigerated either opened or unopened. However, once you have mixed the Baileys and hot chocolate, you should sore the chocolate mixture in the fridge.
Substitutions
- Dark chocolate - Use high percent dark chocolate if you want to make your hot chocolate extra rich.
- Milk Chocolate - Use milk chocolate if you prefer a lighter and more sugary chocolate.
- Kahlúa - Replace Baileys with Kahlúa coffee liquer for a more coffee flavored hot chocolate.
Variations
- Cinnamon sticks - Adding cinnamon sticks subtly infuses cinnamon spice into the hot cocoa.
- Baileys hot chocolate bombs - Add Baileys chocolate bombs for extra chocolatey goodness. Hot chocolate baileys bombs are milk chocolate shells filled with mini marshmallows which are meant to be stirred into the hot chocolate.
- Deluxe - Add regular or vegan marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles or pirouettes to the hot chocolate for extra pizzazz.
- Kid friendly - Add a ginger bread man hanging on the side for a crunchy addition.
- Candy cane - If you like peppermint hot chocolate, add a candy cane and let it melt into the hot chocolate to add the peppermint taste.
- Cookies - This hot chocolate is perfect for dipping any cookies.
- Less sweet - Omit the granulated sugar from the recipe for a less sweet and more pure hot chocolate taste.
Storage
This spiked hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it over the stove over low heat.
Top Tips
- For a long-lasting hot cocoa, serve the hot cocoa in double-walled glass mugs to keep the cocoa hot and the outside cool to the touch.
- To adjust the sweetness, add more or less sugar.
- Whisk the hot chocolate frequently while on the stovetop so it doesn't burn.
- For a fun night in, serve with a Hot Chocolate Bar.
Other Ways to Enjoy Baileys
- Add it to coffee
- Use it as a topping for your favorite ice cream
- Enjoy it in a mixed drink or cocktail
Did You Like This Recipe?
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Baileys Hot Chocolate (Spiked Hot Cocoa)
Equipment
Ingredients
Baileys Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups milk or dairy-free milk alternative
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or Demerara sugar
- ¼ cup dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips chunks or chopped chocolate
- 4 tablespoon Baileys Original Irish Cream
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Warm ingredients - Add milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a saucepan and warm on medium-low heat. Whisk until warm, but not boiling.2 cups milk or dairy-free milk alternative, 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or Demerara sugar
- Add chocolate - Add chocolate to the mixture. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and blended with the milk.¼ cup dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips chunks or chopped chocolate
- Add Baileys - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Baileys Original Irish Cream.4 tablespoon Baileys Original Irish Cream
- Serve - Divide into mugs and serve immediately. Serve with whipped cream and cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or chocolate shavings.Whipped cream, Cocoa powder, Chocolate syrup, Chocolate shavings
Notes
- This spiked hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it over the stove over low heat.
- For a long-lasting hot cocoa, serve the hot cocoa in double-walled glass mugs to keep the cocoa hot and the outside cool to the touch.
- To adjust the sweetness, add more or less sugar.
- Whisk the hot chocolate frequently while on the stovetop so it doesn't burn.
- For a fun night in, serve with a Hot Chocolate Bar.
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