Baileys Hot Chocolate

Baileys Irish Cream is a delicious cream liqueur based on Irish whiskey and cream with flavors of chocolate and vanilla. Easily available in liquor stores and many supermarkets around the world, this liqueur is super popular during the festive season and around St Patrick’s Day. However it’s also delicious and refreshing served neat over ice during summer. It’s a liqueur I like to keep on hand year round!

A decadent way to enjoy Bailey Irish Cream is combined with an excellent hot chocolate. It’s ideal for winter warming, grown-up festive drinks and a luxurious treat on a night in. Plus this recipe is super easy to make!

This recipe for Baileys Hot Chocolate uses real chocolate and a little cocoa powder so that you enjoy the full chocolate taste experience plus a little kick from the booze. Yes, you could use instant hot chocolate powder but it’s never quite as good as the real thing.

I like to follow a simple dessert like vanilla cake with a fruit topping (cherry sauce or blueberry compote) with a decadent after dinner drink. And Baileys Hot Chocolate is my absolute go to!

Actually, you could completely skip dessert and instead curl up on the couch with a mugful of this amazing Baileys Hot Chocolate and a homemade sponge finger or Italian Butter cookie to dip in. Now there’s an idea not to pass up!

• Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur - Easily available at all liquor stores and keeps well for two years from the production date. That means many mugs of Baileys Hot Chocolate!
• Milk - I like to use full cream milk or 2% or whatever I’ve got. But if you prefer non-dairy milk it will work just as well.
• Dark chocolate - For extra chocolate intensity, use good quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. Alternatively 40% cocoa will also give great results. Use either block or chocolate chips.
• Cocoa - Just a little cocoa powder ensures a full chocolate flavor. My preference is for  dutch processed cocoa but use whatever you have in the pantry.
• Sugar - Use white or brown sugar as you like. If you prefer less sweet Baileys hot chocolate, reduce the amount of sugar.

Plus optional toppings like:-

• Marshmallows - Use large, small or mini store bought marshmallows. Toasted marshmallows would also be wonderful! This is the classic hot chocolate topping and would be wonderful even if you just stopped at a topping of marshmallows!
• Whipped Cream - Use homemade whipped cream or a squirt from a can is perfectly acceptable. Floating a dollop on top of your mug of Baileys hot chocolate is a delicious indulgence!
• Chocolate Sauce - Any store bought chocolate sauce or chocolate syrup will work. A drizzle over whipped cream and marshmallows is the icing on the cake but this is entirely optional.

This recipe for is easily adapted to your taste. Here’s a few variations and additions you might like to try.

• Add a good pinch of cinnamon per mug to warm hot chocolate.
• Stir through a teaspoon of vanilla extract to this recipe
• Dissolve a tiny pinch of salt which will bring out all the flavors.
• Use honey instead of sugar.
• Add just 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder for a mocha flavor.
• Substitute milk for half and half (half milk/half cream) for an extra creamy Baileys hot chocolate - be sure not to simmer or it could curdle.

Baileys Hot Chocolate is quite simple. Actually there are only three basic steps. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for more complete instructions.

1. Finely chop the chocolate or use chocolate chips so that the chocolate melts evenly and quickly.
2. Combine the milk, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until the chocolate has melted and the milk is hot. Stir regularly so that the chocolate doesn’t stick and burn.
3. Add the Baileys Irish Cream, stir to combine and then turn off the heat. Pour into mugs and add your favorite toppings!

This recipe for Baileys Hot Chocolate is really quite simple but there are a couple of tips that I can share with you to ensure you have the best results.

• Chop the chocolate finely or use chocolate chips so that it melts thoroughly. 
• When warm and the chocolate is melted, whisk gently but thoroughly to completely blend the chocolate and cocoa into the milk. Concentrate on the cocoa as the powder can clump and not blend properly.
• Before pouring into the mugs, stir well so that the chocolate is evenly distributed. Provide spoons so everyone can stir their hot chocolate and scoop the toppings to their heart's content!