This spiked hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and thick. Made on the stovetop with milk chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, this drink is sure to warm you up! Booze it up with some chocolate liqueur, or keep it non-alcoholic if preferred.

White mug of a cup of spiked hot chocolate with a spoon and marshmallows.

There’s something so special and festive about spiked hot chocolate, isn’t there?! We all know hot chocolate to be warm, cozy, and comforting but when you add in a little chocolate liqueur, well now, that’s a fantastic grown-up cup of hot cocoa!

Think about serving a cup of creamy spiked hot chocolate with tiramisu pancakes or these heart-shaped pancakes with chocolate ganache the next time a special breakfast is on the horizon. If you enjoy an apple cider mimosa in the morning, then you can definitely get the party started with boozy eggnog pancakes and spiked hot chocolate!

About this recipe

This is a great recipe to make throughout the entire winter season, and when you add a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon, it makes the most delicious version specifically for the holidays. As written, the recipe serves two, but you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a big batch for a crowd or hot chocolate bar. Set up a table with a variety of liqueurs and allow people to decide which they’d like to add.

There are a few special things that make this the perfect hot chocolate recipe. To start, we use sweetened condensed milk which makes it extra rich and creamy without the need for any additional sugar. Then, instead of using cocoa powder, we’ use real milk chocolate shavings that melt beautifully into the milk.

To top it off, we use not one, but two kinds of chocolate liqueur! You may want to customize your hot chocolate with a peppermint liqueur, similar to this peppermint hot chocolate (try that with some candy cane pancakes!).

It is such an easy way to enjoy a little something extra special this winter. If you’re looking for a way to warm up from the inside out, this exceptional boozy hot chocolate will do that! Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of salted caramel, like in this salted caramel hot chocolate, or regular caramel sauce, (here’s a vegan version) and chocolate chips, and you’ve got your drink and dessert covered. Or, if you like, serve these adorable banana fritters on a stick as great dessert! Oh, and don’t forget the chocolate syrup! You could also use this as part of a hot cocoa charcuterie board.

Hands holding a white mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows.

What you need

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Sweetened condensed milk has the water extracted from it, making it thick and concentrated. Sugar is then added to it, making it sweet. It adds a thicker consistency as well as sweetness.
  • Whole Milk – Whole milk gives the hot chocolate a perfect consistency while still keeping the cocoa super rich and decadent but feel free to use any type of milk.
  • Cinnamon – An optional warm spice that adds another element to this hot chocolate recipe. It makes it feel extra festive and perfect for the holidays.
  • Kosher Salt – Less salty than table salt, coarse kosher salt is just enough to bring out the flavors of the chocolate and balance the sweetness without adding any “saltiness” to the mixture.
  • Milk Chocolate Bar – Using real chocolate means the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate! Use high-quality chocolate wherever possible, and your choice between milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
  • Godiva Chocolate Liqueur & Creme De Cacao – Both laced with the aroma and taste of chocolate, it only makes sense to add these complementary flavors.
Overhead view of ingredients neeeded.

How to make it

Add the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cinnamon, and salt to a small saucepan. 

Milk in saucepan.

Grate the chocolate bar over the pan so that the shavings fall in. 

Chocolate shavings on top of milk in a small saucepan.

Heat the pan over low-medium heat, gently whisking to incorporate the chocolate.

Hot chocolate in a saucepan with a whisk.

Once the chocolate has melted and the hot chocolate has come to your desired temperature, pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. 

Hot chocolate being ladled int o a white mug.

Shaving the chocolate is the key to allowing the chocolate to melt before the milk boils and possibly scorch.

Add 1 oz. chocolate liqueur and 1/4 oz. creme de cacao to each mug and stir. Drink as is or with toppings of your choice!

TIP: Be sure to add the liqueurs once the hot chocolate is made so the alcohol doesn’t cook off during the process. In addition, it’s nice to be able to let people decide if they’d like to spike theirs or not.

Liqueur being poured into a mug of cocoa.

TOP IT!

If you’re looking to top it off with something a little extra, here’s some inspiration for you!

Marshmallows being added to hot cocoa with a spoon.

FAQs

What should I spike my hot chocolate with?

Other than using Godiva Chocolate liqueur and Creme de Cacao, you could use whiskey, vodka, rum, or Bailey’s Irish cream instead. The alcohol is quite strong and the flavors aren’t subtle so if you’re going to be substituting, omit one or both kinds of chocolate liqueur.
During the holidays, try using classic Christmas flavors, like orange (orange and chocolate are amazing together), cherry (chocolate cherry, yes please), and peppermint (because, mint chocolate).

How to make this spiked hot chocolate your own

  • Setting up a hot chocolate bar is easy entertaining! Make a batch of hot chocolate in a slow cooker, keep it on warm and have everyone add their favorite liqueur.
  • Add a little sprinkling of nutmeg with the cinnamon for a holiday flair.
  • Serve as is, or with the addition of cinnamon whipped cream or chocolate whipped cream for a twist!
  • To make it a little less sweet, swap heavy cream for the sweetened condensed milk and add a little granulated or powdered sugar instead.
  • Swap dark chocolate for the milk chocolate, if preferred.

Storage Suggestions

Once cooled, keep any leftover hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 5 days, sealed in an airtight container. Avoid storing any hot chocolate that already has alcohol in it.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the hot chocolate over medium-low heat on the stovetop. If you’re just reheating a single cup, pop it in the microwave. Give it a good stir and then add any booze you like.

Spiked hot chocolate in a white mug, topped with marshmallows.

Get the Recipe: Spiked Hot Chocolate

This spiked hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and thick. Made on the stovetop with milk chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, this drink is sure to warm you up! Booze it up with some chocolate liqueur, or keep it non-alcoholic if preferred.
5 from 3 rating

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 oz. milk chocolate bar
  • 2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur
  • 1/2 oz. creme de cacao

Instructions

  • Add the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cinnamon, and salt to a small saucepan.
  • Grate the chocolate bar over the pan so that the shavings fall in.
  • Heat the pan over low-medium heat, gently whisking to incorporate the chocolate. Once the chocolate has melted and the hot chocolate has come to your desired temperature (suggested somewhere between 145℉-165℉), pour the hot chocolate into two mugs.
  • Add 1 oz. chocolate liqueur and 1/4 oz. of creme de cacao to each mug and stir.
  • Drink as is or with the toppings of your choice!

Notes

  • Setting up a hot chocolate bar is easy entertaining! Make a batch of hot chocolate in a slow cooker, keep it on warm and have everyone add their favorite liqueur.
  • Add a little sprinkling of nutmeg with the cinnamon for a holiday flair.
  • To make it a little less sweet, swap heavy cream for the sweetened condensed milk and add granulated or powdered sugar, to taste.
  • Swap dark chocolate for the milk chocolate, if preferred.
  • Storage: Once cooled, you can keep leftover hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 5 days, sealed in an airtight container. Avoid storing hot chocolate that already has alcohol in it.
  • Reheating: Reheat the hot chocolate over medium-low heat on the stovetop. If you’re just reheating a single cup, pop it in the microwave. Give it a good stir and then add desired booze.
Calories: 1035kcal, Carbohydrates: 156g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 697mg, Potassium: 1092mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 154g, Vitamin A: 955IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 872mg, Iron: 1mg