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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Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate

Cheryl Bennett

Peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is the perfect grown up hot cocoa.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Servings 4 cups

Calories 721 kcal

Equipment

• KitchenAid 7-Speed Digital Hand Mixer 

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the hot chocolate

• 4 cups whole or 2% milk // 1000ml
• 1/3 cup sugar // 66g
• 1/4 cup good quality cocoa powder I use Valrhona // 21g
• 3.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (1 Lindt candy bar) // 100g
• 2 shots peppermint schnapps

For the whipped cream

• 1 cup heavy cream //237ml
• 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• crushed candy canes

Instructions

 

• Place mixing bowl, beaters (or whisk attachment) and heavy cream in freezer for 5 minutes before you begin.
• Make whipped cream: Combine heavy cream, vanilla and powdered sugar in cold mixing bowl and beat on medium high speed until stiff peaks form. Place whipped cream in fridge.
• Make hot chocolate: In a medium sauce pot, combine milk, sugar and cocoa powder over medium heat. Whisk until combined (the cocoa powder will take a minute to incorporate – don't worry!). Heat until steaming, but not simmering.
• Remove from heat and add peppermint schnapps and chopped chocolate. Whisk until chocolate has melted.
• Pour into mugs and top with homemade whipped cream. Garnish with crushed or whole candy canes, if desired.

Notes

• You may have a little whipped cream left over, depending on the amount everyone likes on their hot chocolate.
• This recipe generously serves 4, but you can stretch it to 5 or 6 people for a smaller serving.
• You can make the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate ahead of time and store in the fridge until you are ready to reheat and serve.
• To keep it warm, pour into a slow cooker (Crock-Pot) and turn on warm or low.
• You can double, triple or quadruple the recipe if needed for a large holiday party.
• As with anything, adjust amounts to suit your personal preferences.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 721kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 14gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 135mgFiber: 5gSugar: 46g

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Originally published December 18, 2011.