The Santa Clause Hot Chocolate Cocktail

santa clause hot chocolate cocktail in santa claus glass with marshmallows, chocolate shavings, gold ornaments, and gold tree in background

The Santa Clause Hot Chocolate Cocktail

Ho Ho Ho! There is no way to not feel jolly once you take a sip from this Santa Clause Hot Chocolate Cocktail. Not too hot, extra chocolate, and so delicious!

Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 518kcal

Ingredients

2 cups milk of choice
⅓ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
2 ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
⅛ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces chocolate liqueur
Chantilly cream and marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions

Combine milk, chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until chocolate chips and sugar have dissolved and milk is warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Pour hot chocolate into two mugs (1 cup each).
Stir in 1 ounce of vodka and 1 ounce of chocolate liqueur into each mug.
Top with Chantilly cream and marshmallows (optional).

Notes

Substitutions:

This recipe can be made vegan if a non-dairy milk is used, the chocolate chips are vegan, and if the chocolate liqueur is omitted. Though, since the chocolate liqueur is omitted, you may want to double the vodka in the cocktail!
Semi-sweet chocolate may be used instead of bittersweet, but you may want to use only 1 Tablespoon of sugar, as semi-sweet can be sweeter than bittersweet.
The liqueur is to taste, feel free to adjust as you need, depending on how boozy or not boozy you want this drink to be.

Expert Tips:

When making the hot chocolate, you may need to use a whisk to help incorporate the melted chocolate and cocoa powder.
Be careful not to overheat the milk!
Serve this drink while it's still warm for the best flavor.

Nutrition