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    Home » Recipes » Chocolate Recipes

    Baileys Hot Chocolate

    Published: Mar 10, 2023 by Natalie Ward · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    5 from 4 votes
    Jump to Recipe
    Two glasses of hot chocolate with marshmallows and a bottle of Baileys.

    This Baileys hot chocolate is rich, creamy and decadent! It’s made with just 7 ingredients and only takes 15 minutes! This boozy, indulgent winter drink is perfect for the holidays!

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    Bailey’s hot chocolate recipe is super chocolatey and rich. It’s spiked with delicious Baileys Irish Cream! It’s the perfect winter and holiday treat.

    I have always wanted to make hot chocolate with Baileys. Turns out it’s super easy! All you need is a few minutes and a few simple ingredients.

    For more chocolate recipes, try my hot chocolate cookies, chocolate rice pudding, and flourless chocolate cake.

    Jump to:
    • Why We Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Recipes You’ll Love
    • Baileys Hot Chocolate

    Why We Love This Recipe

    • You only need 7 ingredients and 15 minutes!
    • This creamy hot chocolate recipe made with real chocolate. For another cozy chocolate treat, try my mini chocolate cheesecakes.
    • Baileys adds a little kick and makes this drink extra indulgent.
    • Add yummy toppings like marshmallows or shaved chocolate. It’s also delicious as is!

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients needed to make Baileys hot chocolate laid out on a table.

    Here are some useful notes on the ingredients needed to make this hot chocolate toddy.

    • Baileys Irish Cream- Baileys Irish cream is a creamy Irish liqueur. It is flavored with cream, cocoa, vanilla and Irish whiskey. It’s delicious in coffee and cocktails.
    • Milk-I use whole milk.
    • Sugar– Add granulated sugar a tablespoon at a time, to taste. You can also leave it out.
    • Cocoa powder-Use unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch processed. For another super chocolatey treat, try my flourless chocolate cake.
    • Chocolate-I use semi-sweet chocolate. It’s not too sweet but not bitter. Good quality chocolate will give you the best flavor. Chop it finely so it melts quickly.

    See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Top with marshmallows! Use leftover marshmallows to make these decadent s’mores brownies.
    • Top with homemade or store bought whipped cream.
    • Use heavy cream or half and half in place of some of the milk. I recommend1 and 1/4 cups milk with 3/4 cup heavy cream or half and half or just use all milk.
    • Use dairy free alternative in place of the milk. Some dairy free milks are sweet. Keep that in mind before adding sugar.
    • Sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top!

    Step by Step Instructions

    Hot cocoa in a pot with a whisk in it.
    Chopped chocolate being whisked into hot chocolate in a pot.

    Step 1: (Photo 1 above) Add the milk (and heavy cream, if using) and cocoa powder to a saucepan over medium heat til the cocoa powder dissolves.

    Step 2: (Photo 2 above) Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the chopped chocolate til melted completely.

    A pot with hot chocolate in it.
    A white pitcher of hot chocolate and some glasses.

    Step 3: (Photo 3 above) Add the vanilla extract, and salt. Add sugar (if desired) and the Baileys Irish cream.

    Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs immediately. Add toppings, if you like, and enjoy!

    Expert Tips

    • Start by chopping the chocolate. It helps to have the chocolate chopped when you are ready to add it to the hot milk.
    • Chop the chocolate finely. Finely chopped chocolate will melt faster.
    • Use a combination of milk and cream. This will give you the richest hot chocolate.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is Bailey’s good in hot chocolate?

    Yes! Bailey’s is creamy and chocolatey on its own, so it’s really good in hot chocolate.

    How much Bailey’s should you add to hot chocolate?

    I like to put about two tablespoons of Bailey’s in each cup of hot chocolate. Feel free to add more or less, according to your taste.

    Does Baileys need to be refrigerated after opening?

    Yes. Baileys should be refrigerated after opening.

    Two glasses of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and a bottle of Baileys.

    More Recipes You’ll Love

    • Bourbon Caramel Sauce
    • Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
    • Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
    • No Bake Chocolate Mousse Bars

    Did you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website? Please leave a 🌟 star rating and 📝 comment below.

    Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    Two glasses of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and a bottle of Baileys.

    Baileys Hot Chocolate

    Natalie
    This Baileys hot chocolate is rich, creamy and decadent! It's made with real chocolate and Baileys Irish cream and only takes minutes to make. Everyone loves this boozy, chocolatey drink!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Desserts, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 483 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • ¼ cup (59.15 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
    • 2 cups (473.18 ml) milk
    • 1 tablespoon (5 g) cocoa powder natural unsweetened or Dutch-processed
    • 4 ounces (113.4 g) semisweet chocolate chopped
    • ½ teaspoon (½ teaspoon) vanilla extract
    • 1 pinch (1 pinch) salt

    Instructions
     

    • Add the milk and cocoa powder to a saucepan. Whisk mixture over medium heat til the cocoa powder dissolves and the mixture is almost simmering.
    • Take the pan off the heat. Whisk in the chopped chocolate til melted completely. Add the vanilla extract, and salt. Return the pot to the stove and reheat til hot again. Add the Bailey's Irish cream then serve immediately.
    • Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or cocoa powder and enjoy!

    Notes

    Milk: Use whole milk. For extra creamy and rich Baileys hot chocolate, use 1 1/4 cups milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream or half and half. Nondairy milk can be used in place of regular milk. 
    Cocoa powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch processed cocoa. 
    Chocolate: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate or a combination of the two. Use good quality chocolate found in the baking aisle. Chop chocolate finely. 
    Bailey’s Irish Cream: For a stronger flavor, use 1/3 cup instead of 1/4 cup.
    Toppings: Use mini or regular marshmallows, homemade or store bought whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder or sprinkle of chocolate shavings. 
    Double the recipe: This recipe makes 2 generous servings of Baileys hot chocolate. Double the recipe to make enough for 4-5 people. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 118mgPotassium: 727mgFiber: 5gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 424IUCalcium: 339mgIron: 4mg

    Please note that nutritional values are created by an online calculator and should only be used as an estimate.

    Tried this Recipe? Leave a comment below & tag @parsleyandicing on social!

    About Natalie Ward

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    Hi! I’m Natalie, the baker and photographer here at Parsley and Icing! Here you will find a collection of delicious and decadent dessert recipes made with fresh, from scratch ingredients! More About Natalie and Parsley and Icing

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