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Mug of hot chocolate and whipped cream on a wooden board. Baileys bottle. Grayish background.
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Baileys Hot Chocolate (15-minute recipe)

This boozy hot chocolate is simple and quick to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The sweetness and amount of liquor can be easily adjusted. This recipe can be doubled, tripled or more.
Course Dessert, Drinks & Bevegages
Cuisine International
Keyword Baileys hot chocolate, holiday hot chocolate, hot chocolate with Irish cream liquor
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk or other milk of choice
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate chopped
  • 2 ounces Irish cream liquor such as Baileys or another brand
  • 2 tablespoons sugar only for sweet tooths

Toppings:

  • 4 tablespoons whipped cream or topping or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons chocolate shavings or to taste
  • 2 drizzles chocolate sauce or to taste

Instructions

  • Place 2 cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped, in a small pot and stir constantly over medium-low heat until everything is well combined and hot but not boiling.
  • Remove from heat, add 2 ounces Irish cream liquor, such as Baileys, and 2 tablespoons sugar (if using), and stir to mix well. Taste and adjust the amount of liquor. Add more sugar if you want a sweeter drink, one extra teaspoon at a time, making sure you stir well before tasting again.
  • Pour the hot chocolate mixture into two mugs, dividing equally, and top with 4 tablespoons whipped cream or topping and 2 teaspoons chocolate shavings or 2 drizzles chocolate sauce.

Notes

I like to use semisweet chocolate chips or a 54-64% chocolate bar, as it's a medium that appeals to most people. The higher the percentage, the less sugar the chocolate has. You can make it sweeter or less intense by using a chocolate bar with a lower cocoa percentage or some milk chocolate. If using chips, make sure they melt well. 
Non-dairy alternatives: You can use plant-based milk like almond, soy or coconut milk and non-dairy cream. Some might separate or not integrate as smoothly with the chocolate. Make sure whatever topping you use is also non-dairy. Keep in mind that the flavor and sometimes texture of the hot chocolate will be slightly different.
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