Make the most creamy and rich Baileys Hot Chocolate made with Irish Cream. This boozy twist on a classic favorite is absolutely wonderful! You’re going to love this easy and simple Baileys hot chocolate recipe.
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Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
Warm up on a cold winter day with a mug full of Baileys hot chocolate. This deliciously rich and creamy hot beverage is full of chocolatey goodness. I’ll never turn it down!
Pair it with some Baileys chocolate chip cookies and I’m just in heaven! The base of this recipe is a rich hot cocoa, but the added twist of Baileys original Irish cream just brings it to the next level.
Not only do I love to make this for myself, but it’s just wonderful for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, and everything in between. Guests will love it!
You can even set up a hot chocolate bar with all of the fixins so that they can make their mug of Baileys hot chocolate extra special. Marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes and so much more — this hot cocoa tastes amazing with it all.
So, if you’re looking for an adult beverage that is still every bit as good as the original drink that inspired it, then you’re going to drool over this Baileys hot cocoa.
More Baileys recipes: Baileys White Russian • Baileys Iced Coffee • Baby Guinness Shots
Why you’ll love this recipe
This easy Baileys hot chocolate recipe is just amazing. You’ll love it because:
- The texture of this boozy hot chocolate is super creamy and flavor is perfectly rich. It’s definitely not a thin or watery hot chocolate.
- Making homemade chocolate ensure that the flavor is fresh and there’s no weird aftertaste.
- You can easily adapt the recipe to change up the flavor, and you can also use any and all of your favorite hot chocolate toppings!
Tools & glassware
To make this creamy hot chocolate, you’ll need a saucepan and whisk so that you can melt the chocolate chips and mix together every tasty ingredient. You also need measuring cups and spoons.
And of course, you will mugs to serve the final product! You could go for a thermos to take it on the go — it’s great for taking along on chilly walks or enjoying at a wintry gathering. (But please don’t drink it in the car!)
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Ingredients
With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this simple recipe. Here is a list of everything that you’ll need to have on hand:
- whole milk
- bittersweet chocolate, or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- vanilla extract
- Irish cream liqueur
- whipped cream, optional
- toppings (sprinkles, ground cinnamon, chocolate shavings, etc.)
Substitutions & variations
Make a dairy-free version of this recipe with a dairy free milk, like coconut milk, and Baileys almande. Baileys almande is essentially a dairy free version of their Irish cream. The company describes it as a blend of “classic Irish whiskey with vegan-friendly almond and vanilla.”
I typically use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use any of your favorite chocolate chips. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate or anything else that you prefer. You can also mix Bail
Baileys is absolutely delicious, but you can even use homemade Irish cream in this recipe! If you don’t want to make your own and can’t find Baileys, check out my Irish cream 101 guide for all the best alternative brands.
Make variations in flavor with things like sweet caramel sauce or fresh mint simple syrup, or go boozy with a splash of Kahlua coffee liqueur or minty peppermint vodka.
Topping ideas
When we have a hot chocolate party, we have tons of different toppings available. They’d all be great in this recipe too! Here’s some topping ideas:
- chocolate flakes or chocolate curls
- sprinkles
- whipped cream
- Baileys whipped cream
- marshmallows
- cinnamon sticks
- candy canes
- chocolate sauce
How to Make Baileys Hot Chocolate
Follow these step by step instructions to make this creamy Baileys hot chocolate recipe in just minutes:
Add the chopped chocolate, or chocolate chips, and milk to a medium sauce pan on the stove top. Heat over medium heat until melted, about 10 minutes.
Continue heating for about 20 minutes, whisking frequently to prevent the mixture from burning as the chocolate melts. This also helps it thicken and get extra creamy.
Reduce the heat to low and just before serving stir in vanilla extract and Irish cream liqueur.
Pour the Baileys hot chocolate into a mug and then top it with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkles and any other favorite toppings.
Tips & tricks
With a few simple tricks, you can make sure this recipe is a success:
- You can make a double batch, or an extra large batch, of this hot chocolate recipe! Just multiply the quantities of ingredients with the amount of servings that you need.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Baileys, or even the amount of chocolate. I love the ratio I use, but everyone’s preferences are a little different!
- Making this for a crowd? Keep it warm at the party with a slow cooker. Just put it on the “keep warm” setting and be sure to stir it every so often.
- Want something sweet without the booze? Try a hot cocoa bomb!
What to serve with Baileys Hot Chocolate
Serve a big mug of Bailey hot chocolate with desserts like hot chocolate cookies, madeleines or chocolate bourbon pie. They’d be delicious at the holidays with some adorable Christmas Oreos too!
For St. Patrick’s Day or simply a chocolate explosion, this Guinness chocolate cake with Irish buttercream would also be so tasty.
Dark chocolate red wine brownies and salted brown butter bourbon rice krispies treats would be a great pairing too. And anything chocolate like these Oreo cheesecake Bites would be perfect.
If you like a good salty-sweet snack, pair this mug of rich and sugary chocolate with buttery popcorn. A warm and fluffy croissant will also be a fun pairing!
FAQ
If you make a big batch of this drink and need to store leftovers, just transfer it into an airtight container. Allow it to cool, then store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, give it a good shake and then pour into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Once opened, Baileys does not need to be refrigerated. Just store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Baileys suggests it be stored anywhere from 32°F to 77°F.
More hot chocolate recipes
- Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
- Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Bombs
- White Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
— Did you make this recipe? —
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Baileys Hot Chocolate
ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1 cup whipped cream optional
- toppings such as sprinkles, ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings
instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the chopped chocolate and milk until melted, about 10 minutes.
- For 20 minutes more, whisk frequently and vigorously to prevent burning and to let air into the mixture to make it creamy.
- Reduce heat to low. Before serving, stir in the vanilla extract and Irish cream liqueur.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles, or your favorite hot chocolate toppings.
notes
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