How to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate with Baileys

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Looking for the perfect hot chocolate recipe? We’re bringing you several ways to make hot chocolate with Baileys—the most indulgently creamy hot chocolate you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. Whether you’ve got a fancy hot chocolate machine or you’re keeping it simple with a microwave and cocoa powder, we’ll take you through the steps to create your own deliciously decadent Baileys hot chocolate, with variations that’ll make your taste buds tingle.

Nothing beats a cup of homemade hot chocolate…well, except for our very indulgent variations on a classic. But before we get into the recipes, let’s get a few things covered….

How to heat up milk for hot chocolate?

Whether it’s dairy free (such as oat or almond milk) or traditional whole milk, follow these instructions to get your milk warming up, ready to be transformed into the perfect hot chocolate. The key is to take it slow and steady.

A slow cooker filled with Baileys hot chocolate bubbles on a table surrounded by treats. Two mugs have been poured and topped with cream and berries.

In a saucepan: Gently heat your milk until bubbles form around the edge and steam begins to rise. Stir frequently to avoid a filmy layer.
In the microwave: For one mug of milk, start with a minute on medium heat so you don’t overboil it.
In the slow cooker: If you’re not in a rush, why not try this slow cooker hot chocolate with Baileys recipe? Throw your ingredients together and in an hour you’ll have an irresistibly chocolatey treat for you and your guests.
In a hot chocolate machine: Now you’re just showing off! Follow the instructions on your hot chocolate kettle or Velvetiser, and revel in your dedication to hot chocolate.

Can I make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar?

Absolutely! We like your thinking. If you’re out of cocoa powder, or simply want an extra rich, chocolatey drink, read on.

What type of chocolate bar should you use to make your hot chocolate? 70%+ cocoa solids is preferable, if you want a richer, earthier taste, that you can always sweeten up afterwards with maple syrup or vanilla extract. Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier drink. Some might say darker chocolate is more sophisticated… we say, it’s completely up to you.

While your milk’s heating up, chop up your chocolate bar into small, even-sized pieces. Add them to 100ml of heated milk (see our methods above) and whisk vigorously until the mixture turns glossy. Add the rest of the heated milk to taste, and throw in some double cream and chocolate chips if you fancy, too. Thick, velvety, delicious.

There’s a Baileys hot chocolate in a tall glass, next to a Baileys bottle. It's smooth, a gorgeous brown and topped with whipped cream and chocolate.

What liquors go well with hot chocolate?

Glad you asked! If we’re talking liqueurs, then of course you can add Baileys to hot chocolate—in fact, it’d be rude not to! We recommend around 50ml of Baileys Original Irish Cream to one standard mug, Make sure you leave room for plenty of whipped cream.

If we’re talking the hard stuff, then rum, brandy, or whisky gives your hot chocolate into a very grown-up drink with a bit of a kick.

How to make hot chocolate with Baileys

The very best, silky smooth hot chocolate recipe: simple, quick, and indulgent. Best enjoyed curled up at home.

Directions

STEP ONE

Gently heat your choice of milk (we recommend whole milk, but whatever floats your boat!) in a saucepan or the microwave.

STEP TWO

Whisk in your cocoa powder or chopped chocolate, until you have a smooth, glossy texture. Add more milk if it’s too thick.

STEP THREE

Pour the heated mixture into your mug(s). Add 50ml of Baileys Original Irish Cream, and stir.

STEP FOUR

Now it’s time for toppings… dollop on some whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

STEP FIVE

Stand back and admire. Then grab a spoon and dig in.

2 Baileys iced chocolates sits on a wooden counter. There's a shiny black Baileys bottle, sugared churros and the delicious chocolatey iced treats.

Want to make an iced hot chocolate?

Here’s a secret: this hot chocolate recipe isn’t only for the cold winter months. Instead of cosying up with a cup of homemade hot chocolate on the sofa, you can sip this in place of a milkshake—we like to think of it as an elevated milkshake with a sophisticated twist. Iced, iced, baby!

The good news is, you just need to blend your ingredients with ice! Instead of heating your milk, throw everything into a blender with some ice, whizz it all up, and ta-da. Feeling fancy? Add a couple of drops of vanilla extract and a dash of Baileys for a sweet and indulgent twist.

Don’t have a blender? Just whisk everything together and add ice so it’s nice and cold.

Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

A sweet n' spicy Baileys hot chocolate with a red chilli sits on a kitchen counter. Surrounded by Baileys, cinnamon sticks and red chillies - yummy!