Boozy Hot Chocolate (spiked With Your Favorite Liquor)

This spiked hot chocolate is rich, cozy, and exactly what you want on a chilly evening. Made with real cocoa, melted chocolate, and a splash of your favorite liquor, it’s an easy upgrade that turns a simple mug into something truly special.

Looking down on Spiked Hot Chocolate in a glass mug - 1

This spiked hot chocolate is perfect for cozy gatherings, an at-home date night, or those chilly evenings when you want something extra comforting in your mug. It’s rich, chocolatey, and just boozy enough to feel like a treat—simple to make, but completely satisfying.

You only need a handful of ingredients to bring it together. Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the hot chocolate its deep cocoa flavor, while brown sugar or maple syrup balances the bitterness with gentle sweetness. Whole milk makes it luxuriously creamy, and semi-sweet chocolate chips melt in for extra richness. Finish it with your liquor of choice—bourbon, dark rum, whiskey, or Baileys all work beautifully—and top it off with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder for the coziest final touch.

Best alcohol for spiked hot cocoa

You can use just about any liquor you love, but these options pair especially well with rich, chocolatey cocoa:

Baileys Irish Cream: Adds a creamy, lightly sweet finish that melts right into the hot chocolate. The classic version is always a win, but flavors like salted caramel, espresso crème, or tiramisu are fun to try, too.
Bourbon: Brings warmth and subtle smokiness that balances the sweetness of the cocoa beautifully.
Dark rum: Adds gentle sweetness and a hint of spice. Spiced dark rums, like Captain Morgan, work especially well.
Whisky: Offers a rich, slightly smoky flavor that makes the drink feel extra cozy.
Coffee liqueur: Chocolate and coffee are a natural pair—adding something like Kahlúa turns your mug into a mocha-style hot chocolate.
Vanilla vodka: Gives a smooth, mellow vanilla note that complements the cocoa without overpowering it.
Hazelnut liqueur: Perfect for Nutella lovers, a splash of Frangelico adds a nutty, dessert-like twist.

Two mugs of Spiked Hot Chocolate with whipped cream - 2

Spiked Hot Chocolate next to Christmas decorations. - 3

Adult hot chocolate variations

Chocolate pairs harmoniously with a myriad of flavors! Consider what will work well with the flavor of the liquor you’ve selected. Here are some ideas:

Spices: A dusting of ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg adds an earthy warmth to your hot chocolate. Stirring with a cinnamon stick infuses flavor AND is practical! Or, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Sweets: Marshmallows are the classic, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth addition. A drop or two of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and aroma. Or, for a festive, minty twist, add some crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.
Sauces and syrups: Coat your mug with a trickle of syrup or chocolate sauce before adding the liquor and hot chocolate mixture or drizzle the sauce over the whipped cream. Caramel, hazelnut or peppermint syrup are our favorites.

Make this for a party

If you’re increasing the recipe quantities to serve this at a gathering (perfect for a chilly evening!), take out your slow cooker and make a batch, then keep the hot chocolate mixture warm by setting it to the lowest setting. Guests can ladle it into their mug at their own pace while the mixture stays warm!