This Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate is the warm hug you need on chilly days! It’s rich and chocolaty, with a little kick from the bourbon that makes it extra special.
While sipping this cozy drink, I can’t help but feel like a kid again—if only kids could enjoy this too! Perfect for chilly nights, it’s sure to keep you warm and smiling!
For an even more delightful touch, I love to top mine with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It’s such a fun treat to share with friends during the holidays!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich creaminess to the hot chocolate. If you want a lighter version, feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk. I personally enjoy using oat milk for a slight sweetness and creaminess.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds deep chocolate flavor. If you’re in a pinch, consider using hot cocoa mix, but remember it may add extra sugar to the drink.
Bourbon: A good-quality bourbon is key for that distinct kick. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, rum or whiskey can also work well as substitutes. I find that each spirit brings its unique character to the drink.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate gives a nice meltiness to the hot chocolate. Dark chocolate or even milk chocolate can replace it if you prefer a sweeter or more intense flavor.
How Can I Make the Smoothest Hot Chocolate?
Getting a smooth hot chocolate is all about how you combine the ingredients right from the start. Start by mixing the cocoa powder and sugar with a little milk to create a paste. This prevents any lumps, making your drink creamy.
- Heat the pan on medium, not too high to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Whisk constantly to blend well as you gradually add the milk.
- Make sure the mixture is heated gently; don’t let it boil.
- When adding the chocolate chips, remove it from heat to avoid scorching.
With these steps, your Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate will be velvety smooth and oh-so-delicious!
How to Make Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup good-quality bourbon
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Pinch of salt
- Mini marshmallows for topping
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make, so you can enjoy a warm mug of this cozy treat in no time—perfect for those chilly evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Base:
Start by placing a small saucepan on medium heat. In the saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will be the base of your hot chocolate.
2. Create a Smooth Paste:
Slowly pour in about 1/4 cup of the milk while whisking constantly. This will create a smooth paste, helping the cocoa and sugar fully dissolve and preventing lumps. It’s important to take your time here!
3. Heat the Milk:
Once the paste is smooth, gradually add the rest of the milk. Keep stirring often as you heat the mixture. You want it to get hot but avoid boiling it. This step brings everything together nicely!
4. Melt the Chocolate:
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) into the saucepan. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should look luscious and inviting!
5. Flavor it Up:
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and the bourbon. This is where the magic happens—mix them in thoroughly so every sip is deliciously spiked!
6. Serve & Top:
Now it’s time to pour the hot chocolate into mugs! Top each serving generously with mini marshmallows. This not only looks adorable but also adds a fun, sweet touch.
7. Drizzle (Optional):
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the marshmallows. It looks great and tastes even better!
8. Enjoy!
Grab your favorite blanket, curl up with your warm mug, and enjoy your cozy Bourbon Spiked Hot Chocolate right away. You deserve it!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milk options like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that different milks may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still create a delicious hot chocolate!
Can I Prepare This Hot Chocolate in Advance?
Yes, you can! Make the hot chocolate up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to bring back the creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or omit it altogether. The chocolate chips already add sweetness, so it should still taste great without the extra sugar!
Can I Add Other Flavors to This Hot Chocolate?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding flavored extracts such as peppermint or almond for a twist. You can also sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm flavor!