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10 Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipes for Your Next Winter Movie Night

Cozy hand holding a mug of tea on a patterned blanket.
Photo by Lisa from Pexels
No matter how many variations you try, let’s be honest: hot chocolate is pretty hard to mess up. Once you’ve got your hot cocoa bar essentials lined up, a rich, cozy cup is practically guaranteed. But want to make your mug a little more exciting? Add a splash of booze. From the buzzy red wine twist to classics like Kahlua and beyond, there are plenty of ways to turn your cocoa into a perfectly cozy, adults-only treat. For the ultimate winter movie-night vibe, think of it as your at-home theater upgrade: lights dimmed, blankets piled high, something nostalgic queued up, and a spiked cocoa in hand. It’s an effortless way to make a simple night on the couch feel festive, indulgent, and just a little bit magical.

Here are 10 of our favorite boozy hot chocolate recipes!

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate With Rum and Horchata

Two mason jars of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder.

Image via Fashion Edible

Rum and horchata — also known as RumChata — combines the kick of rum with the flavors of ground almonds, tiger nuts, sesame seeds and grains such as rice and barley. This winter, mix RumChata in with some hot chocolate and top with cinnamon and whipped cream. Score! (via Fashion Edible)

Red Wine Hot Chocolate 

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Image via Wholefully

Yes, red wine hot chocolate is a thing, and we’re obsessed. Here’s a tip: Change out the varietal of wine you use in order to adjust the sweetness level of your cocoa. If you prefer a sweeter drink, go for a strawberry wine, and if you prefer something a little drier, add some shiraz or merlot. (via Wholefully)

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Image via Damn Delicious

This super simple recipe takes only 10 minutes to make, and it calls for ingredients you probably already have on hand at home. Hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, Kahlua, milk and sugar, to be exact. (via Damn Delicious)

Hot Chocolate del Diablo 

Hot Chocolate del Diablo

Image via Broma Bakery

Speaking of spicy hot chocolate, this concoction is called “del diablo” for a reason. We’re not messing around here: This bad boy calls for Patron Incendio tequila (yes, tequila!), which is infused with chocolate and chili peppers. Now THAT is hot. (via Broma Bakery)

Vegan Boozy Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate

Vegan Boozy Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate

Image via Kara Lydon

Chipotle and cayenne pepper add a bit of spice to this super yummy hot chocolate concoction. And, BONUS, it’s 100 percent vegan! Add coconut whip on top for a little extra oomph. (via Kara Lydon)

Stout Hot Chocolate With Ice Cream

Stout Hot Chocolate With Ice Cream

Image via Floating Kitchen

If you prefer beer to liquor, this will be your go-to drink for the cooler months. Trust us. We recommend springing for a craft chocolate stout for the ultimate in flavor and quality. (via Floating Kitchen)

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Festive hot chocolate with whipped cream, candy cane, and straw; tiny Christmas trees nearby.

Image via Mixop

This peppermint hot chocolate tastes like an Andes mint in a cup! The addition of Kahlua or Peppermint Schanapps only makes it more fun. (via Mixop)

RumChata White Hot Chocolate 

RumChata White Hot Chocolate

Image via Delish D'Lites

This recipe calls on the flavors of RumChata once again, this time in conjunction with white chocolate. Pro tip: When you’re heating this mixture, make sure not to let the milk boil. Keep it at a low simmer as you add your white chocolate, vanilla extract and, of course, your booze. (via Delish D’Lites)

Naughty Nice Hot Cocoa

Image via Half-Baked Harvest

This hot chocolate is spiked twice: There's Kahlua and hazelnut liquor in the cocoa itself and then the eggnog marshmallows have coconut rum. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Orange Spiked Boozy Hot Chocolate

Orange Spiked Boozy Hot Chocolate

Image via Salt and Lavender

Grand Marnier adds a subtle hint of orange that elevates your hot chocolate without tipping into obvious “boozy drink” territory — you get warmth and depth, but barely taste the alcohol. It’s the perfect movie-night upgrade: cozy blanket, favorite film, and a mug that feels just a little more indulgent and grown-up. (via Salt and Lavender)

Join our newsletter for even more boozy hot chocolate recipes, holiday cocktail ideas, and other holiday-themed recipes, and check out our complete list of hot cocktails. Also, don't forget to explore our great cooking and baking courses!

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