February 1, 2024
Review RecipeBaileys Hot Chocolate
This creamy Baileys hot chocolate recipe is just what Jack Frost ordered to keep you warm and cozy this winter.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
- Baileys Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions For Spiked Hot Chocolate
- How To Make A Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
- How To Serve Adult Hot Chocolate
- When to Serve Alcoholic Hot Chocolate
- Storing Baileys And Hot Chocolate
- FAQ About Irish Hot Chocolate
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- Even More Recipes You’ll Love
When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than a steaming mug of this Baileys hot chocolate. Decadent, creamy, and the perfect way to chase away the winter chill, you only need three ingredients to make this classic cozy drink with an Irish twist.
Baileys Hot Chocolate Ingredients
This warm and creamy beverage has a rich chocolatey taste and you won’t be able to get enough of this delectable hot chocolate!
The infusion of Baileys Irish Cream liqueur adds the perfect amount of sweetness that blends perfectly with the cocoa.
It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a chilly evening or as an addition to your dessert course.
For this spiked hot chocolate, you’ll need:
- 1¼ cups of whole milk
- 2½ tablespoons of double chocolate hot cocoa mix (I used the Ghirardelli brand)
- 2½ ounces of Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
For The Garnish:
- Extra creamy squirt of whipped topping
- Chocolate sauce for ice cream or drinks
- Semi-sweet chocolate shavings
Substitutions And Additions For Spiked Hot Chocolate
HOT CHOCOLATE: I like to buy a good quality hot chocolate mix in bulk so that I can measure out just the amount of cocoa powder I need for each drink. I enjoy the Ghirardelli brand best.
This also allows you to add a little more powder mix if you enjoy an even richer spiked hot chocolate.
You can use milk chocolate, double chocolate, or dark chocolate cocoa mix for this recipe. Remember to use a high-quality brand for best results.
I would avoid flavored chocolate cocoa mixes as they may not work well with the Baileys Irish Cream.
CHOCOLATE: I keep a really good quality semi-sweet chocolate bar in a storage bag in the refrigerator just to add chocolate shavings to cocktails and dessert garnishes.
I use the small side of a box grater for my chocolate shavings.
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.
You can add your homemade whipped cream to a piping bag and pipe out a pretty topping like the one you get from the squirt can.
MILK: You can use 2% milk if the whole milk is a little rich for your taste in this hot chocolate with Baileys.
Alternatively, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of whole milk for a richer texture.
I do not suggest using low-fat or nonfat milk as they tend to give the hot chocolate a more watery consistency.
OTHER LIQUERS: You can experiment with other cream liqueurs like Amarula, Frangelico, Kahlúa, and Grand Marnier. However, the flavor profile will change, so choose one that complements chocolate well.
ALCOHOL-FREE: For a non-alcoholic version, try using Baileys non-alcoholic coffee creamer to mimic the flavor, or opt for a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick without the liquor.
EXTRACTS: Add a dash of vanilla extract for added flavor. You could also use almond extract can be a delightful substitute for vanilla, imparting a nuttier essence. Since almond extract has a stronger flavor, use about half as much as you would vanilla.
CINNAMON: Swap out cinnamon for a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to change up the spice profile. These spices are stronger than cinnamon, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
SALT: A pinch of sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor, but for a different twist, try using pink Himalayan salt. It contains trace minerals and can add a subtle difference in taste.
ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS: Add a few marshmallows or other favorite toppings to each glass instead of homemade whipped cream.
You can dust on some cinnamon or nutmeg on top, add caramel drizzle, or even sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Want a boozier drink? Reduce the amount of milk, or increase the amount of Baileys.
How To Make A Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
This spiked hot chocolate recipe will come together easily by combining warm milk, hot chocolate, and Baileys before garnishing with your favorite toppings.
STEP ONE: In a microwave-safe large coffee mug that is at least a 12 to 14-ounce capacity, add the whole milk and microwave on high for 1 minute 45 seconds.
STEP TWO: Whisk the double chocolate hot cocoa mix into the hot milk until no lumps remain.
PRO TIP:
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.
STEP THREE: Whisk the Baileys Original Irish Cream into the mug of hot chocolate.
STEP FOUR: Garnish Irish hot chocolate with the optional squirt of whipped topping, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and semi-sweet chocolate shavings.
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.
SERVE WITH DESSERT: Imagine sipping on your Baileys hot chocolate while nibbling on a slice of chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, turtle dessert or cream puff dessert.
SERVE WITH COOKIES: I personally love serving this Baileys hot chocolate with a side of buttery shortbread cookies.
MORE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES
For warm, non-alcoholic options, our whipped hot chocolate and mint hot chocolate are both delicious too!
When to Serve Alcoholic Hot Chocolate
Cold Winter Evenings: On a chilly evening, serve the Baileys hot chocolate with a side of indoor s’mores. The gooeyness of the marshmallows combined with the creamy hot chocolate will be a match made in heaven.
Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any festive occasion, Baileys hot chocolate can add a touch of luxury and warmth to your celebrations. Serve alongside Christmas pinwheels or our festive Grinch cookies.
Romantic Date Nights: Planning a cozy night in with your significant other? Baileys hot chocolate can set the mood. Light some candles, play soft music, and enjoy your drink together. Pair with our cheesecake bites or snowball kisses.
Book Club Meetings: If you host book club meetings or any other casual gatherings at your home, surprise your guests with this creamy beverage. It’s a great conversation starter! Other great options are our hot chocolate with Fireball, mudslide drink, and Skrewball whiskey frozen hot chocolate.
Storing Baileys And Hot Chocolate
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning a gathering or simply want to have a quick treat ready for the next few days, you can prepare the hot chocolate base – without the Baileys – in advance.
Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then once cooled, store it in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the base on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Pour the drink into a microwave-safe mug and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Once reheated, stir in the Baileys for that signature Irish twist.
IN THE FRIDGE/FREEZER: This Baileys and hot chocolate should be served immediately to enjoy it while it is still hot.
We don’t recommend trying to keep it for any length of time.
This decadent Baileys hot chocolate will warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied. Enjoy a big mug on cold evenings this holiday season, or anytime you need to escape the chill.
With only three ingredients, it will only take you a few minutes to whip up this tasty spiked hot chocolate drink.
FAQ About Irish Hot Chocolate
Can I use non-dairy milk in this hot beverage recipe?
This delicious recipe would be yummy with non-dairy options such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Can I store leftovers of this spiked hot chocolate?
This homemade hot chocolate will not keep in the fridge or freezer.
Does hot chocolate have caffeine?
Cocoa powder naturally contains caffeine, so hot cocoa has some caffeine which can give you a little boost.
Can this hot chocolate be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, 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.
Can I add coffee to my Baileys hot chocolate?
Adding a shot of espresso or strong-brewed coffee is a great way to turn your hot chocolate into a mocha. The coffee will add a depth of flavor that complements both the chocolate and Baileys.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people. Just use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume and stir frequently to ensure even heating.
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Baileys Hot Chocolate
This creamy Baileys hot chocolate recipe is just what Jack Frost ordered to keep you warm and cozy this winter.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1
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
Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Calcium: 413mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Rebekka Laytart says
Store bought whip cream
Evelyn Hembree says
Yum, I would top it with all 3 of your suggestions. I would use Reddi Whip extra creamy. I really can’t think what I would pair it with, it sounds so good on it’s own.
Kathi Nichols says
This sounds amazing! Ready-made whipped toppings are the best. Target has great whipped toppings for a great price. ILOVE their seasonal flavors such as Peppermint and Gingerbread. Can’t wait to try the recipe
Jean says
I would also use Redi Whip.
Elizabeth Morse says
This sounds amazing, I’m going to have to try it this weekend! I’m gonna try topping mine with marshmallows
Kimberly says
I’d use homemade whip first along with dark chocolate shavings. And definitely a crème brûlée for a sweet treat 😁
Karen says
I would use store bought whipped cream and the more the merry
Angela Galjour says
I add chocolate swirl straw sticks to mine. This is an excellent recipe. If I’m not using Bailey’s I’m usually adding Godiva cocoa mix to the recipe.
Țermure Gabriela-Loredana says
“What sweet treat would you pair the baileys hot chocolate with?”
I would pair the baileys hot chocolate with some chocolate donuts.
Russ says
Sounds like a winner. Just a dab of real whipped cream and a biscotti would set it right off
GiGi says
I would probably use Reddi Whip or something similar just out of convenience, although fresh whipped cream would put this over the top. This drink (minus the toppings) in a thermos is like a warm blanket when you are outside in the cold weather for an extended period of time like a Mardi Gras parade, ball game or something similar. Sooo good!!!
Tammie Stickney says
I like to add a Heath bar, whipped cream and dark chocolate shaving.
Debbie Wilkerson says
Of course the one thing everyone loves to have with chocolate is Oreos so a very fine sprinkle on top of the whipped creme would be sooo good or even a Snickerdoodle. I love biscotti so to dunk one in that hot chocolate would be so tasty. I also think a nice piece of warm crumble coffee cake would be great !!
Sandi Timmons says
WOW. Can’t wait to make this. Going to add whipped cream, drizzle chocolate syrup and add a candy cane.
Margaret says
sounds so good, two of my bsties together xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Margaret says
sounds so good, two of my besties together plus a double dose of ready whipped cream….. to die for….
all the sweetness in one go, you don’t need anything to go with it…sweet dreams tonight
Audrey says
I would make homemade whip topping for this.
Patricia Cole says
I’d have a nice homemade biscotti for dunking!
Liz Weldon says
I use 70 or 80% chocolate for this recipe with full cream milk and freshly whipped double cream – this is our “Go Too” Luxury Hot Chocolate loved by everyone- I also substitute the full cream milk with Almond milk for my daughters friend
1 Would you use homemade or store bought whipped cream for this baileys hot chocolate recipe?
I use Fresh Double Cream whipped by hand or my Kenwood
2What would you use as a topping for this baileys hot chocolate recipe?
I have a bar of 70% Luxury Chocolate from Columbia and I make chocolate curls using my potato peeler narrow drips that curl as you move the peeler down the thin side of chocolate bar – I top off with a 2inch curl using the full width of the chocolate bar and place on top of whipped cream and small chocolate curls to finish I drizzle Chocolate Sauce over the top
3 What sweet treat would you pair the baileys hot chocolate with?
Almond thin biscuits or Biscotti Biscuits
❤️Your recipes especially your Cocktail Recipes at Christmas they were amazing still use your Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake -I make it for special occasions to take it to friends and my work
Randy Bailey says
Bailey’s IRISH Cream is the best addition to a nice cup of hot chocolate, no matter what you add to the cup once you put Bailey’s Irish Cream in it is a whole new delicious drink. Just what the doctor ordered 😉
I should know. After all my last name is Bailey and we always have Bailey’s Irish Cream on hand, holiday’ or not. It is always a delicious drink.
MB says
Home made whipped cream. Definitely!
Looking forward to enjoying this during the next snowstorm which will be tomorrow!☃️☃️⛄️
Jen Reidy says
This looks decadent! And topped with homemade whipped cream would be so so yummy!
Mary Siegismund says
We always use cool whip!
Kelly Kardos says
Ohhhh man!!!! This looks delicious!!! I would use homemade whipped cream on this
Bettsy Szabocsik says
Oh my! I would make this, sit by the fire pit and munch s’mores!
Teresa Gerber says
I would use store bought whipped cream. Then have homemade cookies or doughnuts to really indulge, lol!!!
Barbara says
I think I would use homemade whipped cream for this. Then I could add a little melted chocolate to make it chocolate too! Yum.
Karen says
I would top this with the chocolate Cool Whip!
Linda Belthius says
Homemade whipped cream
Toffee candy and caramel
White chocolate chip macadamia cookies
Tina T says
A MUST TRY!!! Thanks! Looks Yummy!!! I would probably top this with something like REESE cups crushed and some Peanut Butter melted. Thanks again!
Anna Heller says
Real whipped cream of course!!! However, maybe just take the bottle and go to another room…
Sandi Beahan says
I would definitely use homemade whipped cream in this rich recipe!! YUMMY…
Jessica R says
If it were me, I might drizzle some crème de menthe on top of the whipped cream(definitely extra creamy, but I’d have to get the squirt can or it’d be a huge mess)! I’d probably pair it with a biscotti of some sort! Nothing too sweet to balance the drink! Sounds pretty amazing! Will try this soon 💕
Danyelle Salinas says
This is very good, especially on those cold nights where you wanna drink but you wanna be fancy too. But instead of using regular Baileys I used the Vanilla Cinnamon Baileys for my second cup and it was just as good.
Gale says
Looks yummy. I would use store bought whipped cream- I’m all about it being easy.
Maureen says
If you go to the trouble of making this you should use homemade whipped cream. I would like to use the chocolate shavings with my topping and what better to serve than your Better than Sex Cake.
Marguerite Wowryk says
I would definitely use the store bought whip cream. I would be too impatient to make time to whip my own.
Bonnie Wertz says
Use homemade whipped cream
Anne Streit says
I would top with ReddiWhip and some shaved chocolate and serve with a chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven. MMMMMM!!
Eileen Emerson says
Oh this sounds perfectly yummy. While salivating the known flavors I’d use similar as what’s posted with changing that additional layer of shaved to a dark chocolate, giarardellis 60% of course! Also thought of a pinch of Vodka to ramp it if wanted and a shortbread cookie along side would be heavenly.
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.