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Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Hot chocolate is one of those treats that everyone surely likes. It can be topped with almost anything sweet or salty– plus, it’s the perfect starting point for a cocktail.
And if you ask about the spirits that pair well with hot chocolate, the option is endless. But if you’re confused about where to start and which spirit to choose, we got you.
From you’re favorite wine to rum, vodka, and bourbons— here are the best liquors for hot chocolate.
Top 10 Liquors To Spike Your Hot Chocolate
10. Red Wine
Surprisingly, red wine is on this list. Hot chocolate and your favorite red wine match well to create a rich cocktail recipe.
Although you might find some grainy texture, this is a must-try pair that can make your drinking experience a little more unique.
If you love exploring tastes and spirits, do not miss this hot cocoa and red wine pair for your next cozy cocktail.
9. Aged Rum/Dark Rum
If you’re into rums and hot chocolate, did you know that this pair mixes well?
Dark rum or any aged rum can add oak and vanilla flavors to the hot chocolate, creating a very good cocktail drink.
One of the best possible pairings of rum is chocolate, which creates an incomparable sensory spectrum.
Aged rums, particularly, work well with chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa, which create intense flavors.
8. Whipped Cream Vodka
Speaking of sweet treats, there’s nothing better than a scoop of whipped cream on top of your hot chocolate.
But to make a twist, you can try topping your hot cocoa with whipped cream Vodka instead of just adding regular whipped cream.
Whipped Cream Vodkas are simple vodka infused with whipped cream and sweet vanilla.
So don’t expect an actual cream on the vodka; the sweet vanilla flavor does the cream-flavored trick.
7. Cointreau or Triple Sec
For a change, why not add an orange touch to your hot chocolate? This might sound weird, but it is definitely feasible, and take note– delicious.
Orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec can spike your simple hot chocolate into a boozy yet orangy cocktail– without omitting the chocolate’s goodness.
Besides, chocolate and orange are best friends, so expect them to get along well.
6. Peppermint Schnapps
This Peppermint Schnapps is a mint-infused liqueur that tastes like boozy candy canes. It is a staple drink during the winter or holiday seasons.
If you’re familiar with the Apres Ski Cocktails, you’ve probably encountered or even tried Peppermint Schnapps.
But one thing you need to learn is that – this liqueur is great in choco-based cocktails.
So why not try this spirit with your mug of hot chocolate?
5. Kahlua
This coffee liqueur will turn your favorite hot chocolate into a quite boozy yet tasty drink. The coffee flavor notes from Kahlua will level up the hot chocolate’s simple goodness.
This pairing is perfect for cold winter days as you savor the cocoa sweetness and Kahlua’s boozy notes.
Besides, the combo of milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, spiked with a shot of Kahlua, makes the entire drinking experience deliciously rich and a bit warmer.
“Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.”
— Frank Sinatra, Singer/Actor
4. Spiced Rum
Spiced rum, paired with your hot chocolate, can be your next favorite cocktail.
You can elevate the hot chocolate goodness by matching it with your favorite Spiced rum from Captain Morgan, Kraken Black, Chairman’s Reserve, Don Q, Sailor Jerry, and more.
Good thing – you can find a lot of Spiced rum and hot cocoa recipes online that you can try any time.
3. Tequila
This is your sign if you’ve never tried a Mexican-style hot chocolate.
As soon as you’re used to its chili-spiced flavoring, you can try the Mexican hot cocoa skewered with tequila.
Try this hot cocoa and tequila recipe using Don Julio, which uses cinnamon, chili powder, and oat milk.
We’re telling you – once you savor this recipe’s goodness, you can’t help but want more.
2. Peppermint Vodka
Complete your winter months with a nice dose of mint-flavored treats. If you’ve tried (or are a fan) of SB’s Peppermint Mocha, try a hot chocolate pierced with Peppermint Vodka [1].
For added garnish, you can top it with candy canes. And mind you, this special treat also pairs well with Pepper Schnapps.
You can have any Peppermint Vodka like the Smirnoff Peppermint Twist Vodka or make your own at home.
1. Bourbon
The most favorite hot chocolate pair is none other than bourbons. It gives the hot chocolate a cozy feel with a bite of alcohol.
If you ask about the best bourbons for hot chocolate, you can try the Bulleit Bourbon, Jim Beam Bourbon Cream, Bird Dog Bourbon Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, and BSB Brown Sugar Bourbon.
The lightness of bourbon adds the right amount of booze to the hot chocolate.
How To Make A Spiked Hot Chocolate
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (2%)
- ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 oz. bourbon or aged/dark rum (Alternative: 1.5 oz. Peppermint Schnapps)
- 3 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp. sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (dark or semisweet)
Instructions: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-high heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, then stir until the mixture is mixed.
Using a wooden spoon, add the rest of the ingredients and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Set over medium-high heat until the chocolate melts.
Then, mix in your preferred liquor, stir, and serve right away. Also, you can top it with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Serving: 1
FAQs
Can you use liqueurs in hot chocolate drinks?
Yes, you can use liqueurs [2] in hot chocolate drinks. You can explore and experiment as much as you like until you satisfy your palate. In fact, chocolate drinks and liqueurs pair well together.
Will hot chocolate with liquor make you drunk?
Yes, hot chocolate with liquor can make you drunk if you consume too much or add too much alcohol.
Anything with alcohol can make a person drunk, but it depends on how much you consume and how much you can tolerate.
Key Takeaways
Hot chocolate plus your favorite booze feels like heaven on earth. Who wouldn’t love the goodness of hot chocolate spiked with delicious and rich liquors?
Now that you have a handful of options to try with your favorite mug of hot cocoa, you’re a step closer to experiencing the warm and sweet treat these pairings can deliver.
Just try all the liquors above and see which suits your tastebuds. Enjoy!
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/liqueur
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
