My Holiday-Essential Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

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Hi Bold Bakers!

My Bailey’s Hot Chocolate is by far my absolute favorite drink of the season. To be completely honest with you, Kevin and I start to make them once November hits! I can’t get enough! 

This warm, cozy cocktail tastes exactly how the holidays feel. It’s perfect for the cooler weather, and it has the most amazing, deep, chocolatey flavor. There’s not much that I put in this recipe — so every ingredient is key! Be sure to get good bittersweet chocolate, fresh milk and cream, and, of course, Bailey’s Irish Cream! 

There’s no better pick-me-up for when the sun sets early, and the weather gets cold. 

What Is Bailey’s Hot Chocolate?

Picture the creamiest, smoothest, most chocolatey hot chocolate you ever had — then I want you to imagine the boozy little kick of Bailey’s added to that. This recipe is beyond easy to make, and if you’re anything like Kevin and me, one you’ll be making a lot. This is also a good one to treat your guests to, either just when they visit or to cap off a night of good food.

What You Need To Make Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan

How To Make Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

This fantastic winter treat comes together in just minutes — really, just however long it takes for the chocolate to melt in the milk! Here is how you make Bailey’s hot chocolate:

1. In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring your chopped chocolate, milk, and cream to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to bubble, whisk it until it thickens.
2. Once the chocolate has fully melted, take your saucepan off the heat and stir in Bailey’s Irish Cream. Take a taste — and if you want, add a splash more Bailey’s into your hot chocolate.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

• Make my homemade marshmallow to accompany the hot chocolate! You’ll be glad you did.
• To jazz up your hot chocolate bar this year, make my Peppermint Candy Spoons to stir the hot chocolate. They’ll give your hot chocolate a lovely minty flavor.
• Get creative and serve your hot chocolate with my festive Frozen Whipped Cream.
• Add all the ingredients into a crockpot set on high and allow the chocolate to melt and for the mix to simmer. Then let people help themselves! 

How Do I Store Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

If you don’t get through the whole batch of this hot chocolate, you can save any leftovers in a jug in your fridge for up to 3 days. Either heat up on the stove or in the microwave! 

Make More Drinks!

If you’re in the festive spirit, make some of my other seasonal drink recipes:

• Best-Ever Hot Chocolate
• Rompope
• Peppermint Mocha
• Coffee Creamers
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• White Hot Chocolate

Have you seen my two new cookie lists? Check out The Top 10 Classic Christmas Cookies and the Top Holiday Cookies of 2021!

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook — it makes the perfect gift!

Plus, SUBSCRIBE NOW to the Bold Baking Academy for exclusive in-depth baking courses, The Baking Concierge™, and the Bold Baking Academy Community!

Try These Recipes!

Creamy & Classic Chocolate Malt

Incredible Banana Caramel Malt

Strawberry Soda Ice Cream Float

Creamy & Classic Vanilla Malt