Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate

Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is the perfect cold weather drink for grownups. It is not too sweet, just a little boozy and it’s a great warm cocktail to enjoy around the fire with friends and family.

I’ll give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If you’d like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.

You may also be interested in my Tom and Jerry and my Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail recipes. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my cocktail recipes in one place.

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Why you should make this recipe

This peppermint schnapps hot chocolate recipe will be the hit of your holiday season.

• Fast & Easy – This hot cocoa comes together in about 10 minutes.
• Make ahead – You can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat when needed.
• Great for gatherings – Having a holiday party? Double or triple the recipe!

Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate

This boozy hot cocoa is perfect for the holidays. It’s a great warm drink to serve to guests after dinner. Mint and chocolate go together splendidly and this rich hot chocolate is the perfect combination.

This is a favorite of ours to take in insulated cups as we walk the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. It stays warm all night as we wander in the chilly winter weather.

Ingredients

To make this hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps, you may need to purchase a couple of items, but you likely have most of what you need already.

• Milk – Whole milk or 2% would be best.
• Cocoa powder – I use Valrhona cocoa powder. It’s a little more expensive than grocery store brands, but believe me, you will taste the difference.
• Sugar – regular granulated sugar.
• Good quality chocolate – I like a bittersweet chocolate here, to prevent the hot cocoa from getting too sweet.
• Peppermint schnapps – Use your favorite brand or homemade.
• Heavy cream – The main ingredient in whipped cream
• Powdered sugar – Just a bit to sweeten the homemade whipped cream.
• Vanilla – Gives the cream a lovely flavor.
• Candy canes – optional, but tasty

How to make

Making hot chocolate from scratch is so easy, you’ll never use a mix again.

1. Combine cold heavy cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form. This should only take a minute or two if whisk attachment, bowl and cream are all cold. Store homemade whipped cream in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
2. In a small pot, combine cocoa powder, sugar and milk. Whisk until combined, heat until warm, but not boiling. Off heat, add schnapps and chocolate. Whisk until chocolate has melted.
3. Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of peppermint schnapps hot chocolate.
4. Garnish with candy cane, if desired.

Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate Q&A

Variations and substitutions

• Replace the alcohol with a teaspoon of peppermint extract to keep it kid friendly.
• Make it in a slow cooker. This is especially helpful for big gatherings or holiday parties.

Helpful tools and equipment

• A Crock-Pot is great for keeping this peppermint schnapps hot chocolate warm during a holiday party.
• You’ll need a whisk for the hot chocolate.
• A handheld electric mixer makes quick work of the whipped cream. Even better if it has a whisk attachment.

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Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

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Originally published December 18, 2011.