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!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

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.

How to make Cardi B hot chocolate? ›

Directions
  1. Pour the milk into a mug and heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
  2. Stir in the hot cocoa mix with a spoon or knife.
  3. Add in Bailey's Irish Cream to taste leaving room for whipped cream.
  4. Add the peppermint-flavored whip shots on top.
  5. Sprinkles or chocolate shavings can be added as a garnish.
Nov 29, 2022

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? ›

Amaretto brings its best taste when you pair it with coffee. If you love both ingredients, then mix both ingredients to give yourself a royal treat. You can add milk, cream, or vodka according to your preference.

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.

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 is Colombian hot chocolate made of? ›

What is Colombian hot chocolate? Colombian hot chocolate is made using a dark unsweetened chocolate bar like Luker or Corona. It's typically made in water instead of milk with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves.

How did the Aztecs drink hot chocolate? ›

Their drinking chocolate cup of choice? Large vessels with spouts, coveted, yet not so practical. To create a foam they would pour liquid back and forth between bowls from a height – like ancient baristas.

What's the difference between hot chocolate and hot chocolate? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. 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.

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.

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.

Why do people put marshmallow in hot chocolate? ›

Loss says kitchen air produces an “evaporative cooling” effect as water is freed from the drink's surface and into the atmosphere. Since they're filled with air, the marshmallows could insulate the hot chocolate by slowing down this cooling.

How do the Italians drink amaretto? ›

Amaretto is typically served as a dessert drink. It can be enjoyed as a cordial over ice, or mixed with carbonated drinks for a longer beverage. The almond liqueur pairs well with coffee and is often used in creamy co*cktails or as a way to sweeten up a martini.

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.

Is disaronno the same as amaretto? ›

The Disaronno Originale Amaretto Liqueur is an Italian spirit manufactured in Saronno that has claimed a privileged spot in a wide range of amaretto liqueurs, one that can only be defined by its brand name, “Disaronno”.

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.

What liqueur goes well with chocolate? ›

Moving on to liqueurs, pairing is almost too easy. Fruity liqueurs such as Cointreau, Cherry Heering, and Chambord, or nutty ones such as Frangelico, amaretto, or Nocello (walnut liqueur) are naturals with chocolates, especially bittersweet versions without competing fruit flavors.

What liquor is used in chocolate? ›

Chocolate liquor is one of the key ingredients in any bar of chocolate. It's made from the nibs of cocoa beans, and contrary to what the name suggests, it doesn't contain any alcohol. Despite the misnomer, chocolate liquor helps give chocolate its distinctive taste and texture.

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.

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