When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than a steaming mug of this Baileys hot chocolate.
This hot drink gets its signature depth from the way the Irish cream blends into the warm milk—not cooked in, but stirred through so you never lose that creamy vanilla-caramel Bailey’s finish.
What Goes Into A Hot Chocolate With Baileys
Ingredient Substitutions
WHIPPED CREAM: If you do not like the store-bought whipped toppings, then you can certainly use homemade sweetened whipped cream in its place for this alcoholic drink.
CHOCOLATE: If you want to use baking bars instead of chips, two ounces finely chopped melts perfectly and gives the same glossy finish.
MILK: Testing confirmed that whole milk made the drink rich and velvety without becoming too heavy. Anything lighter tasted noticeably thinner; anything richer (like all heavy cream) was too thick.
ALCOHOL-FREE: For a non-alcoholic version, try using Baileys non-alcoholic coffee creamer to mimic the flavor.
Want a stronger Bailey’s flavor? Three tablespoons = a standard shot (1½ oz). If you add more, reduce the milk to one cup to keep the texture balanced.
One thing we learned during testing: the cocoa matters. A lot. We tried multiple brands side by side, and Ghirardelli Dutch-processed cocoa was the clear winner for both flavor and color. Dark cocoa gave nice depth but went too far into bitter territory,
Tips Based On Our Recipe Testing
Whisk the cocoa and sugar together first – Combining the dry ingredients before adding milk breaks up every lump. This is the step that gives you that smooth, café-style finish instead of grainy cocoa.
Add the milk in one pour, then heat gently – Medium-low heat is the sweet spot. You want steam and tiny bubbles around the edges, not a simmer. That keeps the milk from scalding and keeps the chocolate flavor clean.
Melt the chocolate chips slowly – Once the milk is hot, the chocolate chips melt in under a minute. Stir gently as they melt — no need for high heat. This gives the hot chocolate its glossy body.
Add the Bailey’s off the heat – Stirring it in after removing the pot from the burner keeps the vanilla-caramel Bailey’s flavor bright and creamy. Heating it aggressively dulls the flavor.
Can this hot chocolate be made in a slow cooker? This hot chocolate can be made in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except for the Baileys, and cook on low for two hours, stirring occasionally. Add the Baileys just before serving to preserve the alcohol content and flavor.
How To Serve Adult Hot Chocolate
Serving Baileys and hot chocolate isn’t just about pouring it into a mug; it’s about creating an entire mood that complements the rich flavors of the drink.
Finish with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a chocolate syrup drizzle. Tip – Let the mug rest 30 seconds before adding whipped cream – topping it too soon melts the whipped cream instantly.
For a full dessert moment, sip your Baileys hot chocolate while nibbling on a slice of chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake or buttery shortbread cookies.
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2½ tablespoons double chocolate hot cocoa mix, I used the Ghirardelli brand
- 2½ ounces Baileys Original Irish Cream Liquor
Garnish
- Extra creamy squirt whipped topping, I used Reddi Whip brand
- Chocolate sauce for ice cream or drinks, I used the Ghirardelli brand
- Semi-sweet chocolate shavings, I used a semi-sweet Ghirardelli baking bar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe large coffee mug (at least 12 to 14-ounce capacity), add the whole milk and microwave on high for 1 minute 45 seconds.
- Whisk the double chocolate hot cocoa mix into the hot milk until no lumps remain.
- Whisk the Baileys Original Irish Cream into the mug of hot chocolate.
- Garnish with the optional squirt of whipped topping, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and semi-sweet chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Want a boozier drink? Reduce the amount of milk, or increase the amount of Baileys.
- This makes one very large drink, so make sure your mug has at least a 12 to 14-ounce capacity.
- I find that stirring the double chocolate hot cocoa mix with a spoon does not mix it very well. I use a small/narrow whisk or even one of those little battery-operated coffee frothers.
Nutrition
Making Baileys And Hot Chocolate Ahead Of Time
You can scale this up for two or four servings easily. If you prep the chocolate base ahead, store it without the Bailey’s. Reheat gently on low, then stir in Bailey’s right before serving.
This homemade hot chocolate will not keep in the fridge or freezer.
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
Comments
Kimberly Newsom says
I would have a cinnamon roll or cinnamon coffee cake as a sweet treat with this.
Jean Robrahn says
I would use homemade whipped topping with this hot chocolate.
Nancy Lynch says
This sounds like a great drink to warm up with after a long day out skiing or snowmobiling in front of the fireplace. I would top it off with a Andies mint to add a hint of mint flavor to it.
lynn says
I would use all 3 toppings for my husband.. whipped cream, choc sauce, & shavings. I better get some choc sauce made or bought :=))
I would also serve this as a dessert after dinner!
M.Gobeil says
Love the taste, I just love any recipes made with Bailey’s! Hope you come out with many more new recipes made with Bailey’s!
Keep up the good recipes! Love them!
Shirley says
YUM! I would totally use the extra creamy Reddiwhip!
Gail Milner says
I’ll be using store bought canned whipped cream using it as part of a chocolate fundraiser.