There's something magical about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold evening. Now imagine that same comforting warmth enhanced with the smooth, oaky notes of quality bourbon. This bourbon-infused hot cocoa transforms a childhood favorite into a sophisticated adult indulgence that's perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet nights by the fire.
Making hot chocolate from scratch might seem intimidating, but the process is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Unlike instant mixes that often taste artificial and overly sweet, homemade hot cocoa delivers a rich, velvety texture with deep chocolate flavor that serves as the perfect canvas for bourbon's warm complexity. The alcohol doesn't overpower the drink but rather complements the chocolate, adding depth and a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly.
The beauty of this drink lies in its balance. The bourbon's caramel and vanilla undertones harmonize beautifully with the cocoa, while a touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt bring all the flavors into focus. Whether you're entertaining guests during the holidays or treating yourself after a long day, this elevated hot chocolate delivers comfort and sophistication in equal measure.
This is also an incredibly versatile base that you can customize to your preferences. Try different bourbon styles to discover your favorite pairing, adjust the sweetness level, or experiment with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a cinnamon stick stirrer. Once you master this from-scratch version, you'll never go back to the packaged stuff.
Ingredients
- 2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped (60-70% cacao)
- 0.25 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 oz bourbon
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
- While the milk warms, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar in a small bowl to break up any lumps.
- Once the milk is warm, add the cocoa-sugar mixture and whisk vigorously until completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan and continue stirring until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, which will enhance all the flavors.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a large mug, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add 1 ounce of bourbon to the mug and stir gently to incorporate.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired, and serve immediately while hot.