Hot Chocolate Recipe: Best Comforting Peppermint Schnapps Drink
A rich, velvety hot chocolate with a refreshing burst of peppermint schnapps, perfect for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons (22 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 ml) peppermint schnapps
- ¼ cup (45 g) chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of whole milk and ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warm but not boiling—this takes about 3-4 minutes.
- While the milk warms, whisk together 3 tablespoons (22 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons (45 g) of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
- Once the cocoa and sugar are dissolved, stir in ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of vanilla extract and let the mixture simmer gently for another 3 minutes. Avoid high heat, as it can scorch the milk.
- Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of peppermint schnapps to the saucepan and stir well. Adjust the amount of schnapps to your taste.
- If using chocolate chips, toss in about ¼ cup (45 g) at this point and stir until fully melted.
- Remove the pan from heat and carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Heat the milk and cream slowly to avoid scorching.’, ‘For a non-alcoholic version, replace peppermint schnapps with ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.’, ‘Crush candy canes easily by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin or heavy glass.’, ‘Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or melted chocolate chips for a thicker hot chocolate.’, ‘Blend the hot chocolate with an immersion blender for a frothy texture.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Fat: 10
- Protein: 6
Keywords: hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps, winter drink, holiday recipe, festive drink, cozy beverage, chocolate drink, peppermint hot chocolate