Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate

Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate is creamy and rich, making it a delightful cup to cozy up to on a cold winter night. Topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, it’s an easy warm cocktail to indulge in.

about this baileys hot chocolate

I love hot chocolate.

It’s one of those warm mugs that I can never resist… but I am so NOT into the packet stuff.

I mean, there are some good ones out there, I will grant you that. However, they never seem to have the rich and chocolatey flavor that I crave.

So, I make mine at home. I mean, when you have chocolate in the pantry at all times, why wouldn’t you indulge in it in the form of a mug of something warm and sweet?

Of course, what would an indulgent cup of cocoa be without the addition of booze?

The creamy Baileys Original Irish cream is just the right pairing for the dark and slightly bitter chocolate. Oh, and I added in a little vodka for a little extra KICK.

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you are having friends over, by the way! I plan to sip a mug and watch Encanto yet again… 😉

Pair mugs of hot chocolate with a batch of chai snickerdoodle cookies or gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!

ingredients

milk – I recommend using whole milk, but 2% milk will also work in this recipe.

cocoa powder – preferably use Dutch-processed if you can get your hands on it! Be sure that it is at least unsweetened cocoa powder.

sugar – granulated sugar is all you need for this recipe.

chocolate – I recommend using either dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate for this recipe. You’ll need one 4oz chocolate bar! You can also use dark chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand – no need to chop them up. I also like to have chocolate shavings to top off the hot chocolate at the end! To do this, simply use a peeler to shave off pieces from a dark chocolate bar.

vanilla – always reach for the pure vanilla extract! My favorite is Nielsen Massey – their Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract is amazing.

irish cream liqueur – Baileys Irish Cream is the star flavor in this hot chocolate! You can also use your favorite brand if you have a preference other than Baileys.

vodka – pick the best vodka that is in your budget! Since you are using this vodka in a cocktail, there’s no need for it to be the top shelf. I recommend Tito’s or Absolut (splurge for Absolut Elyx if you want to!).

this recipe’s must-haves

A chef’s knife and cutting board is a must for chopping up the chocolate! However, if you are using chocolate chips, you can skip these tools.

To make the recipe, you’ll need a saucepan and a wooden spoon. If you are planning to double or triple the recipe, choose a bigger pan like a Dutch oven.

Finally, to top everything off, get out your stand mixer or electric handheld mixer to make freshly whipped cream.

here’s how to make baileys hot chocolate! 

Heat Up Milk

Heat up the milk with cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until everything is dissolved and the milk is hot.

Add in Chocolate and Booze

Add in the chocolate, baileys, and vodka, stirring until the chocolate is melted. Divide the mixture between two mugs and topped with whipped cream. I like to sprinkle shaved chocolate on top too!

Pro Tip: use your vegetable peeler along the edge of your chocolate bar to get shaved chocolate!

tips for success

for a crowd. This baileys chocolate recipe serves two, but you can easily multiply the recipe to serve a crowd! I like to keep mine warm on the stovetop or in a slow cooker set to the warm setting.

top it off. Use fresh whipped cream to top off the mugs of hot chocolate baileys cocoa! You can also sprinkle on a bit of shaved chocolate as well.

Other tasty hot chocolate recipes: The Best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate | Boozy Zebra Hot Chocolate | Pumpkin Bourbon Hot Chocolate | Boozy Coconut Hot Chocolate

does baileys curdle in hot chocolate?

No, it will not curdle in this recipe. The only reason Baileys Irish Cream would curdle is if it is mixed with something acidic like lemon juice.

can I make this ahead of time?

I highly recommend making this recipe to order because it tends to be better when fresh off the stove. However, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container once it’s cooled down. It keeps for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, add it to a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it’s warmed through.

Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my booze recipes page!

what to serve with baileys hot chocolate

Whenever I make hot chocolate, I am usually in the mood for some cookies too! So here are some of my favorite cookies to pair with this boozy baileys hot chocolate:

chocolate covered oreos

christmas shortbread cookies (a personal favorite of mine around the holidays!)

snickerdoodle cookie bars with eggnog frosting

italian rainbow cookies

salted caramel butterscotch cookies

If you want more cookies to choose from, you can check out my cookie recipes page!

Do you love all things Baileys? Check out this baileys hot fudge sauce!

how to store and reheat

Store. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container once it’s cooled down. It keeps for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheat. To reheat, add it to a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it’s warmed through.

Finally, if you make this boozy baileys hot chocolate recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!