Peppermint Mocha Spiked Hot Chocolate elevates classic hot chocolate with mocha and peppermint flavors and an optional splash of Irish cream. Finish each cup with Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream and marshmallows for an irresistible winter treat.
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Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe
December brings cozy rituals: holiday music, lights on the house, the tree, and the classic chocolate-and-peppermint combination. I love the way peppermint pairs with rich chocolate — it’s one of my favorite seasonal flavors.
We finally have the tree up and the outdoor lights in place, perfectly straight and evenly spaced thanks to Kevin. I’m hoping to finish decorating inside this weekend when the kids are all here. We often end up with two trees: a decorator-style tree in the front room and a more personalized tree upstairs. Over the years I’ve collected an ornament for each child every year, and those go on a smaller tree dedicated to those memories.
When the weather turns crisp, there’s nothing better than curling up by the fireplace with a warm mug. This Peppermint Mocha Spiked Hot Chocolate is exactly that kind of drink — cozy, indulgent, and slightly boozy if you choose to add Irish cream.
Crushed candy canes, candy-cane swizzle sticks, and a swirled Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream make the presentation feel special. It’s a great seasonal treat for quiet evenings or holiday gatherings.
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Spiked Hot Chocolate Ingredients
This peppermint alcoholic drink is crowd-pleasing. You’ll need:
- Whole milk
- Peppermint mocha creamer (such as International Delight Peppermint Mocha)
- Bittersweet chocolate chips or finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
- Irish cream (optional)
- Whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candy canes
How to Make Spiked Hot Chocolate
This recipe is simple and yields much better flavor than instant mixes. To make Peppermint Mocha Spiked Hot Chocolate:
- Combine milk, peppermint mocha creamer, and chocolate in a saucepan and warm over low heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. Once simmering, continue whisking for about a minute until the chocolate is fully melted and the drink is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Irish cream if using. Pour into mugs.
- To make Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream: whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then slowly add peppermint mocha creamer and whip to medium peaks.
- Top each mug with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane. Serve immediately.
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Can I Omit the Alcohol?
Yes — omit the Irish cream to make a delicious non-alcoholic peppermint mocha hot chocolate suitable for everyone. The flavor is still rich and satisfying without alcohol.
Can I Use Different Chocolate?
Absolutely. Bittersweet chocolate balances nicely with sweet creamer, but you can use dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Keep in mind that sweeter chocolate will yield a sweeter drink.
Can I Make This in Advance?
This hot chocolate is best made fresh. You can prepare marshmallows ahead of time and make the whipped cream a few hours in advance, but heat and texture are best when the drink is served immediately.
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Tips for Making Spiked Hot Chocolate
For an extra-luxe finish, pipe the Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream with a pastry bag to create decorative swirls. Top with either homemade chocolate-dipped marshmallows dusted with crushed candy cane or simply toss store-bought marshmallows into tempered chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
If you want a frothier texture, briefly blend the hot chocolate for about 20 seconds before serving. Use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor and adjust sweetness by choosing chocolate or creamer to taste.
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More Holiday Drink Recipes
December is prime time for seasonal sips — perfect by the tree or the fireplace. A few other favorite holiday drinks to try: Candy Cane Hot Cocoa made with peppermint tea, a Gingerbread Martini for a boozy seasonal treat, creamy spiked eggnog, spiced pomegranate apple cider, salted caramel hot chocolate, pumpkin spice white hot chocolate, and classic Christmas wassail with apple, orange, and cranberry juices spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
What are your favorite seasonal drinks?
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Spiked Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
Spiked Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate brings together mocha, peppermint, and optional Irish cream with a cloud of Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream and marshmallows for a festive mug.
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
- 1 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1/3 cup Peppermint Mocha Creamer
- 5 1/2 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate Chips or finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 3 tablespoons Irish Cream, optional
- Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream (see below)
Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Whipping Cream
- 1/2 tablespoon Powdered Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Peppermint Mocha Creamer
Optional Garnishes
- Marshmallows
- Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes
Instructions
Spiked Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
- Add the whole milk, peppermint mocha creamer, and chocolate to a saucepan.
- Heat over low, whisking constantly, until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Continue to whisk and simmer for about 1 minute, ensuring the chocolate is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in Irish cream if using. Pour into mugs and top as desired.
Peppermint Mocha Whipped Cream
- In a stand mixer bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
- Slowly add the peppermint mocha creamer and whip to medium peaks, about 2–3 minutes.
Notes
Do not serve alcoholic beverages to persons under the legal drinking age. Omit Irish cream to make a non-alcoholic version. For extra froth, blend the hot chocolate briefly before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 484
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 88mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 8g
Nutrition figures are estimates and provided as a courtesy.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are my own.
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