Warm up on a cold winter day with this spiked hot chocolate! It’s the grown-up version of the chocolate-y childhood favorite!

Spiked Hot Chocolate

The weather’s finally turned cold here in Texas and it truly feels like winter! In fact, as I sit here, it is cold and gray outside and nothing sounds better than a mug of piping hot chocolate.

…except maybe hot chocolate with a little something extra in it…if ya know what I mean!

This spiked hot chocolate recipe is the perfect grown-up treat for gloomy winter days or to liven up a holiday gathering. It’s easy to make with just 3 ingredients and you can jazz it up with all of your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

2 oz Peppermint Vodka
3 oz Hot Cocoa Mix
3/4 Cup Hot Milk

Toppings and Garnishes

Marshmallows
Candy Cane
Mini Chocolate Chips
Whipped Cream

Note: Recipe intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

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Instructions

Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat or medium-high heat.
Before the milk starts to boil, reduce to medium-low heat and whisk in the hot cocoa powder until completely dissolved.
Stir in the vodka.
Pour hot chocolate mixture into mugs or mason jars and finish with whipped cream and your favorite hot cocoa toppings and a candy cane or whole cinnamon stick.

Prep Tips

The ingredient amounts in this recipe are for a single serving, but since you’re cooking the milk in a pot, you have room to make multiple servings at the same time. Simply double, triple, etc. the ingredient amounts for the number of people you’ll be serving.
We topped our hot chocolate drinks with marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candy cane pieces. However, you’re welcome to use your favorite toppings! Holiday sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, Andes mint baking chips, shaved chocolate…the ideas are endless!
Whole milk is often used to make hot chocolate, but feel free to use your favorite kind of milk. Chocolate milk would taste fabulous too!
For an extra richness, add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your hot chocolate while it cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use Instead Of Vodka?

We used peppermint vodka in our original recipe, simply because I love peppermint hot chocolate! You’re welcome to use plain vodka or a different flavor, such as vanilla vodka, chocolate vodka, or whipped vodka.

If vodka is not your thing, other options could include:

Rum
Peppermint Schnapps
Butterscotch Schnapps
Kahlua or similar coffee liqueur
Whiskey (there is a cookie dough flavored whiskey that would be delicious in this recipe! We used it to make our chocolate chip cookie martinis)
Baileys Irish Cream
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Amaretto

Pretty much any of your favorite liquors could work in this recipe, especially sweet ones. And of course, you can omit the alcohol altogether for a family-friendly drink!

Can You Make This Dairy Free?

Absolutely! Plant-based milks would work just fine in this recipe and there are lots of options to choose from. Oat milk is my favorite because it has a creamy consistency. Other options that are readily available are cashew milk (also very creamy), coconut milk, and almond milk.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will want to check the ingredients list for the hot chocolate mix too. Some of them may contain dairy ingredients. A vegan option would be a good choice to ensure that it is dairy free. You’ll also want to use a dairy free whipped cream.

Can You Make This Without A Stovetop?

Sure! I like the stovetop method because I can prepare multiple servings at once. However, you can also microwave the milk.

To do so, be sure to use a microwave safe mug. Pour the milk and heat in the microwave 30-45 seconds. If needed, heat another 14-20 seconds until milk is steaming. CAREFULLY remove from microwave, holding the mug away from your face.

Stir in the cocoa mix until dissolved, then stir in the vodka. Garnish with whipped cream and your favorite toppings.

More Easy Hot Chocolate Recipes To Try

The following hot cocoa recipes are all family-friendly, however, they can also be modified to be a grown-up treat!

Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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mason jar with spiked hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Spiked Hot Chocolate (Easy Recipe)

Warm up on a cold winter day with this spiked hot chocolate! It's the grown-up version of the chocolate-y childhood favorite!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Servings:

Calories: 288kcal

Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Cost: $15

Equipment

small saucepan
Wire whisk