Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (2024)

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The cold, blustery days of winter call for a great spiked hot chocolate recipe. Flavored with Amaretto Liquor for a subtle almond flavor and rich chocolate, this Amaretto Hot Chocolate is the most decadently delicious drink perfect on a cold night.

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Now that its January, and the dead of winter has finally setting in, I always crave a delicious hot cup of cocoa, especially in the evening. This Amaretto Hot Chocolate is my new favorite way to indulge in a decadent, delicious hot beverage!

Making homemade hot chocolate is actually very simple. Just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your fridge and freezer are all you need to make this creamy, decadent spiked hot chocolate recipe!

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Here’s everything you need to know about making this delicious spiked hot chocolate recipe!

What do I need to make spiked hot chocolate?

To make spiked hot chocolate from scratch you’ll need just a few ingredients; whole milk, semi-sweet chocolate, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and Amaretto liqueur, as well as your choice of toppings.

I went with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and almonds, which compliment the amaretto (almond) liqueur perfectly!

Quick-reference shopping list for making homemade hot chocolate:

  • Whole Milk – you can also use skim, 2% or the plant-based milk of your choice. Whole milk will give you the creamiest hot chocolate.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – you can also use milk or dark chocolate
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch/Grind of salt – this is actually vital for flavor. I don’t recommend leaving out the salt.
  • Amaretto Liqueur – I recommend using De Amore Amaretto or Disaronno Originale.
Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (3)
Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (4)

The Easy steps to making homemade Amaretto Hot Chocolate:

The recipe for this hot cocoa is very simple, and WAY better than any store-bought, powdered mix. It’s made with whole milk, along with semi-sweet chocolate making a very rich, creamy texture.

You’ll start by adding the chocolate chips, sugar, salt and milk to a saucepan. Heat on medium low.

Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (5)
Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (6)

Tips to making the BEST homemade hot chocolate:

  • Heat the ingredients over medium-low heat. Anything hotter and the milk will scorch/burn to the bottom of the pan and the chocolate chips will not melt properly.
  • Use a whisk. This helps integrate all of the ingredients. The sugar will need to dissolve and the chocolate will need to melt – using a whisk will help make the hot chocolate extra creamy and frothy.
  • Use the best quality chocolate you can afford. This will make a big difference in flavor and creaminess!
Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (7)
Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (8)

What should I spike my hot chocolate with?

This recipe uses Amaretto for the liqueur, however, there are many other options to making spiked hot chocolate recipe. Some other options are Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, Rum Chata or Spiced Rum. Peppermint Schnapps is also a great option if you’re looking to do a minty hot chocolate.

FAQ’s for making hot chocolate:

What does amaretto hot chocolate taste like?

Amaretto has a sweet almond flavor with a hint of cherry Amaretto liqueur pairs perfectly with hot chocolate.

How do you make hot chocolate more flavorful?

You can make hot chocolate more flavorful by adding your favorite liqueurs or adding non-alcoholic flavor extracts, like peppermint or coconut. You can also add toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, whipped topping, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce or Nutella.

How do you upgrade instant hot chocolate?

Start by making instant hot chocolate with whole milk instead of water. This will make it much creamier! You can also add to the flavor by adding flavor extracts, like peppermint or coconut (1/8 tsp./per cup). Another way to upgrade instant hot chocolate is to add your favorite liqueur, like amaretto, Rum Chata, Whipped cream vodka, Bailey’s, Caramel liqueur or peppermint schnapps.

If you love this Amaretto Hot Chocolate, the check out some of my other similar co*cktails and drinks:

  • Baileys Hot Chocolate
  • Tiramisu co*cktail
  • Baileys Espresso Martini
  • Chocolate Cake Martini
  • Creamy Hot Buttered Rum
  • Spiked Eggnog
  • Fireball Apple Cider Hot Toddy
  • Hot Mulled Apple Cider
  • Nutella Hot Chocolate
  • Spiked White Hot Chocolate
  • Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
  • Mint Hot Chocolate
  • Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate at Real Housemoms

I’ve topped my hot chocolate with whipped cream, slivered almonds (wonderful!!!), and some chocolate shavings. Try my Homemade Cool Whip, which is ultra creamy, velvety and fantastic on drinks!

However, if you’re more of a marshmallow person, add those on top instead of the whipped cream. They’ll be just as fantastic!

Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (10)

Amaretto Hot Chocolate

Erin Indahl-Fink

Hot chocolate just got a major upgrade! This rich, cream homemade Amaretto Hot Chocolate is the perfect way to warm up on a cold night. Made with just a few ingredients, this spiked hot chocolate recipe is amazing!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks and co*cktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1 drink

Calories 521 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan This Circulon A1 Series non stick saucepan includes a glass straining lid. A great piece of cookware!

  • Large Whisk Ideal for making sauces, batters and so much more!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • To a medium sauce pan, add the chocolate chips, sugar, salt and milk. Heat over medium-low heat. Using a whisk, stir often to help the sugar dissolve.

  • Continue whisking until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture comes to a low simmer. NOTE: Do NOT let it rapidly boil, as the milk and chocolate will burn to the bottom of the pan. Once liquid comes to a low simmer, promptly remove from heat. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.

  • Ladle or pour hot chocolate into a mug and top with the amaretto liqueur. Stir to combine and top with your favorite hot chocolate toppings, like my Homemade Cool Whip. Enjoy right away while hot.

Notes

Milk options: this recipe will work with any milk of your choice. Whole milk will render the creamiest hot chocolate.

Toppings: marshmallows, whipped cream or Homemade Cool Whip are all great choices. I also added chocolate shaving and sliced almonds to go with the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 10oz.Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 8gFat: 20g

Keyword spiked hot chocolate, spiked hot chocolate recipe, amaretto hot chocolate

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!} (2024)

FAQs

Amaretto Hot Chocolate {The perfect Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe!}? ›

Rum: Dark or spiced rum can give your hot chocolate an exciting Caribbean twist. Rum's natural sweetness and spicy undertones complement the rich cocoa beautifully, creating a blend that is smooth, warming and deeply comforting. Brandy: A shot of brandy can lend an enticing depth of flavour to your hot chocolate.

What is the best liquor to put in hot chocolate? ›

Rum: Dark or spiced rum can give your hot chocolate an exciting Caribbean twist. Rum's natural sweetness and spicy undertones complement the rich cocoa beautifully, creating a blend that is smooth, warming and deeply comforting. Brandy: A shot of brandy can lend an enticing depth of flavour to your hot chocolate.

What can I add to hot chocolate to make it better? ›

Flavored spreads add a ton of flavor without adding extra effort. Another no-fuss way to add flavor to your hot cocoa is by melting in a spoonful of your favorite flavored spread. Peanut butter, cookie butter, and Nutella are all good to add-in since their flavors pair well with chocolate.

What goes good with amaretto liqueur? ›

You'll find amaretto in simple lowballs where it's paired with brandy, rum, vodka, and whiskey. It's often featured in sweet dessert and inviting cozy drinks—both warm and cold—and excellent with coffee. Amaretto is also a great mixer for fruity co*cktails alongside apple, cranberry, orange, pear, and much more.

Does alcohol cook out of hot chocolate? ›

It is hard to believe but, once cooked, about 70-75% of its alcohol content remains on the plate. It is a different matter when alcohol is mixed with an ingredient and then heated to boiling point. After 15 minutes, 40% of the alcohol remains, after 30 minutes 35%, and only after two and a half hours 5%.

What alcohol mixes well with chocolate? ›

Pairing Chocolate with Liquor

Though a few spirits fall out of these categories, it's generally accepted that the six types of distilled spirits are: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. Each pairs particularly well with chocolate, but the pairings depend on the blend in question.

How do you doctor up hot chocolate mix? ›

A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. Coconut and almond extracts lend hot chocolate an Almond Joy-like taste, while vanilla adds dimension to the chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract instantly gives the drink a holiday flair.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

What is difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? ›

Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

Is it OK to drink amaretto straight? ›

You can drink amaretto straight by itself, or mix it with scotch, bourbon, rum, and other alcoholic drinks. Amaretto also mixes well with non-alcoholic drinks, like coffee, hot chocolate, and ginger beer. To drink amaretto straight, pour it over ice. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor.

What is the base alcohol for amaretto? ›

Traditional amaretto may have borrowed from this recipe, using brandy and burnt sugar along with almonds. Most higher-quality amaretto is now made with oil extracted from apricot pits, however, sometimes in an amalgam of various fruit essences.

How much alcohol is in amaretto? ›

How much alcohol is in amaretto? It is 21 to 28% ABV (alcohol by volume) depending on the brand, so it has a mid-ranged alcohol content. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.

Is hot hot chocolate better with milk or water? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Do you put milk or water in hot chocolate first? ›

Add into your mug 3 heaped teaspoons of hot chocolate powder! Now add milk to about a third full and stir until there is no lumps (or when the kettle boils) and it should resemble a almost gooey chocolatley syrup!

Is hot chocolate better with Kahlua or Baileys? ›

This is Kahlua hot cocoa is my favorite hot cocoa. Others chose to add Baileys to the cocoa. Baileys hot chocolate is a smooth combination of the hot cocoa with Irish cream to create a boozy hot chocolate that may be way too easy to drink.

How do you add alcohol to chocolate? ›

Place dark chocolate and 2 ounces of vodka into small heatproof bowl (glass bowls work best), stir until chocolate is evenly coated and set aside. Fill a small pot ¼ full with water and heat on medium. Once water starts to steam, place bowl of chocolate and vodka on top and allow chocolate to melt.

Is it good to mix chocolate with alcohol? ›

Chocolate, caffeine or cocoa should also be avoided while drinking alcohol or after it. They also aggravate gastro issues, which is triggered by other acidic food.

What liquor goes in hot coffee? ›

Whether it's a warming cup of hot coffee, a quick shot of espresso, or an iced coffee drink, some distilled spirits work better with coffee than others. When you want to spike your coffee, dark liquors like brandy and whiskey, and sweet nutty or creamy liqueurs are among the best choices.

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