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Spiked Hot Chocolate
This cozy Spiked Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfect for chilly nights. Made with real chocolate, warm milk, and a splash of walnut liqueur, it’s the ultimate boozy hot chocolate for winter gatherings or relaxing at home.
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Take the chill off with this rich and creamy spiked hot chocolate, the ultimate cozy winter cocktail for adults. We skipped the store-bought mix for a decadent homemade hot chocolate, made irresistibly boozy with a dreamy walnut liqueur and a cloud of maple whipped cream.
More Cozy Drink Recipes We Love ⭐ Frozen Hot Chocolate | Boozy Creamsicle Float | Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
Take the chill off with this cozy winter drink that will warm you from the inside out. There are so many ways to enjoy hot chocolate, from frozen hot chocolate to hot chocolate stir sticks.
If you’re looking for a cheery holiday drink to serve adults this holiday season, get ready to give three cheers for homemade spiked hot chocolate with alcohol that is rich and creamy. Skip the store-bought hot cocoa mix, and make this easy and irresistible homemade hot chocolate that is ideal for adding a touch of booze (this one's only for the grown-ups!).
💡 Why This Recipe Works
We test our recipes, then test, and test again, to make sure they'll work out perfectly in your home kitchen. Here's why we think you'll love this hot chocolate for adults:
Extra Creamy – made with real chocolate chips for a smooth, rich texture (no powdery mix here).
So Perfectly Delicious – the walnut liqueur adds warmth without overpowering the chocolate.
Cozy & Comforting – a blend of whole milk and cream is unbeatable.
Spiked Hot Chocolate Ingredients
To make spiked hot chocolate, you'll need:
For the Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 ounces North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur
For the Whipped Cream
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur
- ½ teaspoon confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
Substitutions and Additions
Milk - No whole milk? That's ok. Substitute 2% milk (or even 1% if that's all you have). Your hot chocolate will be a bit thinner, but it will still taste delicious.
Chocolate Chips - Use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer over the dark chocolate.
Maple Syrup - You can skip the maple syrup, but it provides a depth of flavor that is unique in tasty in this recipe. Substitute with brown sugar instead, or replace it 1:1 with agave syrup, honey, or (if you like your drink extra sweet), caramel sauce.
What Can I Use Instead of Walnut Liqueur?
The walnut liqueur (like North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur) adds nutty warmth and depth to alcoholic hot chocolate, but there are plenty of easy swaps depending on what you have on hand and whether you want to keep it boozy or make it non-alcoholic.
North Forest Kreme also makes Peppermint Kreme or Pumpkin Kreme flavors, and both will work beautifully with this recipe.
Instead of North Forest Kreme, you can try:
🍫 Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa) - less nutty with a rich mocha flavor
🌰 Hazelnut Liqueur (Frangelico) - keeps some of the nuttiness but adds in the warmth of vanilla
🥜 Amaretto (Almond Liqueur) - sweet and rich, and tastes wonderful with the whipped cream
🍦 Irish Cream (Baileys or similar) - turns this into a sweet vanilla and cocoa dessert-drink.
Make It Alcohol-Free:
If you prefer a booze-free version:
- Walnut extract → Use just a few drops (⅛ teaspoon = 1 ounce liqueur equivalent).
- Hazelnut syrup or almond syrup (coffee syrups like Torani or Monin) → Use 1 tablespoon.
- Extra cream + a drizzle of caramel or brown sugar syrup → for richness and warmth without alcohol.
How to Make A Boozy Spiked Hot Chocolate
FIRST STEP: In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
SECOND STEP: Heat milk on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to boil.
THIRD STEP: Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the chocolate.
FOURTH STEP: Add North Forest Kreme™ Walnut Liqueur, or the flavor of your choice.
FIFTH STEP: In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, North Forest Kreme™ Walnut Liqueur, confectioners sugar, and maple syrup. Whip until stiff peaks form.
SIXTH STEP: Top with maple whipped cream or marshmallows. Garnish as desired.
🍫 Delicious Garnishes And Toppings For Spiked Hot Chocolate
Serve your hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, some chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes.
If you're looking for toppings that are less traditional and a bit out-of-the-box, you can try:
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder dusting – adds a simple, elegant touch
- Hot fudge drizzle – doubles down on that rich, indulgent look.
- Toffee bits – adds crunch and caramel flavor.
- Crushed cookies – like Oreos, gingersnaps, or biscotti for texture.
- Sea salt flakes – enhances the chocolate and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon stick garnish – classic, cozy, and perfect for holiday parties.
☕️ Serving Suggestions
This spiked hot chocolate is the ultimate holiday cocktail for cozy winter nights, Christmas parties, or relaxing weekends at home. Serve it with festive desserts like peppermint cookies, gingerbread cookies, or a slice of chocolate cream pie for a rich, indulgent treat.
Our hot chocolate stir sticks make a fun addition to a hot chocolate bar — just set out toppings, liqueurs, and whipped cream so guests can customize their own mug of this boozy hot cocoa.
FAQs
Can I make spiked hot chocolate ahead of time?
You can prepare the hot chocolate base (the part you make on the stove) in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove and whisk it until smooth, then add the liqueur just before pouring into mugs.
How do I make my hot chocolate extra creamy?
This hot chocolate is already very rich and creamy. But you can use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream if you want a thicker spiked cocoa. Whisk thoroughly while heating, and avoid allowing the pan to bubble.
How should I store leftover spiked hot chocolate?
If you have leftovers, pour the cooled hot chocolate into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky texture before serving.
How can I more easily serve spiked hot chocolate at a party?
This recipe is perfect for holiday parties and girls' nights. You can multiply ingredients easily to make a bigger batch. Keep it warm in a slow cooker or insulated drink dispenser. Set up a quick topping bar (see ideas above) for an extra fun night in.
What's the best alcohol for hot chocolate?
We think some of the best liquor for hot chocolate are North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Frangelico, or peppermint schnapps — they all blend smoothly with rich, creamy cocoa.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
This cozy Spiked Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfect for chilly nights. Made with real chocolate, warm milk, and a splash of walnut liqueur, it’s the ultimate boozy hot chocolate for winter gatherings or relaxing at home.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 ounces North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur
For the Whipped Cream
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon North Forest Kreme Walnut Liqueur
- ½ teaspoon confectioners sugar
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
DIRECTIONS
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat milk on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate.
- Add North Forest Kreme™ Walnut Liqueur, or the flavor of your choice.
- In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, North Forest Kreme™ Walnut Liqueur, confectioners sugar, and maple syrup. Whip until stiff peaks form
- Top with maple whipped cream or marshmallows.
Notes
- Melt the chocolate nice and slow. If you melt it too fast, it will become grainy.
- Don't let the chocolate boil or you'll risk a burnt taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 610mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 988IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 439mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
sandra says
So good, really. I thought the chocolate would make it too sweet but it was actually smooth and tasty - a bit like a Starbucks hot chocolate with a liqueur kick. thanks!