Welcome that cold winter weather with open arms – and a mug full of Peppermint Spiked Hot Chocolate, made with whipped vodka & peppermint schnapps! Skip the boxed hot cocoa mix and whip up a homemade version for an even more decadent drink.
Can you feel it?
There’s definitely a nip in the air – though for many of you, that nip has turned full-blown frigid already.
Down here, our winters are short and mild. And I just happen to be one of the crazy people who pulls out my scarves and boots at the very mention of a sub-70 degree day.
Gotta enjoy the chill while I can, even if it only lasts a few weeks!
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. There is also a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page if you’d rather not exercise your scrolling finger!
In addition to those warm clothes, colder weather also means warms drinks!
I might love hot chocolate even more than coffee. I don’t drink it nearly as often, but I have so many wonderful childhood memories that I associate with it.
After being out in the cold, there’s nothing quite like a mug of creamy hot cocoa to warm your hands and your inner child. And a bonus of adulthood is being able to spike it!
That’s what’s happening here – I’ve taken your nostalgic mug of cocoa and flavored it with peppermint schnapps and whipped cream vodka.
Now, I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a big fan of vodka, but I make exceptions when it comes to the holidays. One of my fave cold weather drinks is a refreshing peppermint chocolate martini, and if you’ve got the ingredients for this hot cocoa recipe, you can whip up a few of those, too!
Since mint and chocolate go together like beans and rice, the schnapps is an obviously genius addition.
Are Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate the same?
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are pretty ubiquitous – people use both terms interchangeably all over the world.
That being said, there’s no definition that separates them, but they do actually differ in ingredients and flavor…and most people have a preference.
Hot cocoa, as the name suggests, is usually made from cocoa powder, with an addition of sugar. It is sometimes flavored, and can be bought on store shelves in packets with tiny dehydrated marshmallows that plump when mixed with liquid. It is combined with hot water, cream, or milk, and is generally thinner than hot chocolate.
On the other hand, hot chocolate is essentially melted chocolate blended with hot water or milk. There’s is usually no added sugar, thanks to the natural sweetness of chocolate. Hot chocolate tends to be creamy, smooth, and thick, with a deep chocolate flavor, sometimes known as drinking chocolate.
How to make Spiked Hot Chocolate
Before you reach for the liquor, you need a fabulous hot cocoa as a base. After all – this is a hot chocolate cocktail.
I already hear you – Can I use boxed cocoa mix? Yes, you sure can. I personally prefer a homemade hot chocolate, but if you’re looking for an easy way out, it works well!
If you’re going to use the powdered stuff, I do recommend mixing it with cream or whole milk instead of water. The fat in the dairy will help balance the burn from the liquor, leaving you with a pleasantly smooth, almost innocent-tasting hot chocolate.
If you’d rather make your own hot chocolate base…
I suggest this recipe that I shared last year. It serves six as written, but you can easily cut it in half or quarters for a smaller batch. The best part about that recipe, aside from how yummy it is, is that it can be made on the stove top, slow cooker, or Instant Pot! Plus, you can use your favorite blend of chocolates, further customizing your experience.
And if you’re craving a super-chocolatey cocoa, whip up this French Hot Chocolate recipe. It’s made with a bit of espresso powder, which deepens the already intense chocolate flavor.
Once you’ve got your hot chocolate, all that’s left to do is to mix in your liquor and garnish up your cocktail! This recipe uses a 2:1:1/2 ratio –
- 2 parts hot cocoa
- 1 part vodka
- 1/2 part schnapps
So if you’re making more than one drink, just use that ratio, mix everything together, then divide it between your mugs. Whipped cream and candy canes aren’t required, but they sure add a special something!
LOOKING FOR MORE HOT COCOA RECIPES?
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Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 ounces hot chocolate homemade or boxed
- 2 ounces Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
- 1 ounce DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps
- 1 peppermint stick optional
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a mug and mix well.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a peppermint stick, if desired.
Ann says
Mmm… How inviting this looks! The pictures of this hot chocolate are stunning! I love it without having tasted it! If I could give the recipe more than 5 stars I would!
I just wanna say a big thank you for all of your recipes, tips, and tricks. Youโve created an amazing blog. Looking forward to your new ideas! <3
Lily says
this is an amazing drink Erica…..and it looks stunning…..soo yummy also….i will make it few days later…thanks for sharing ……!
Keira Ball says
Perfect drink for chocolate lovers, like me.
Amanda Vogel says
I am so badly want to make this! Any tips for making this batch? Like in a crockpot? Iโd love to!