Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe (2024)

by Jillian Leslie on

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This is the absolute best recipe for grown-up hot cocoa; you can tell I’m obsessed with hot chocolate, just check out this post for all our Hot Cocoa Parties!

Creamy, rich, and sweet, this Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe will give you those warm, fuzzy feelings.

Try our Kahlua hot cocoa recipe with Kahlua, creme de cacao, plus all the good stuff like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and marshmallows.

From Unicorn Hot Chocolate to Snowmen Hot Chocolate, I think you can tell we are hot chocolate lovers at Catch My Party.

Serve your hot cocoa with our pretty Hot Cocoa Chocolate Spoons. Don’tyou just love the little hearts on these? Or with a Hot Chocolate Peppermint Bomb to really send you over the edge!

Contents

Reasons To Love This Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe

  • It’s a grown-up dessert. Creamy, boozy, and full of the velvety goodness of chocolate, cream, and marshmallows.
  • This recipe takes 10 minutes to whip up: It’s perfect if you need to pump out a quick dessert or after-dinner treat.
  • Special occasion worthy: you can totally serve this at a birthday dinner or bridal shower.

Ingredients and Supplies

  • Hot chocolate mix. Choose a good quality hot chocolate mix, as this forms the foundation for your recipe.
  • Kahlua. If you can’t find Kahlua, you can use Tia Maria or Bailey’s Irish Cream instead.
  • Chocolate syrup. Homemade or store-bought is totally fine.
  • Creme de cacao. This ultra-rich liquor really makes this cocoa a deeply rich treat, so don’t leave it out.
  • Whipped cream. Freshly whipped or canned. Remember, canned will last longer and be more stable than freshly whipped cream.
  • Mini marshmallows. They add joy and decadence to this recipe, so don’t skip ’em!
  • Mini chocolate chips. White, dark, or vegan, pick your absolute favorite kind.
  • Cute Cocoa Mugs

How To Make This Recipe

Guys, this recipe is a cinch.

Step 1: Prepare the cocoa and the mug

Prepare your favorite hot chocolate mix. We prefer to use whole milk in place of water. Yes, we are decadent. 🙂

While the hot chocolate is heating, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the hot chocolate mug.

Step 2: Add in the rest of the ingredients

Combine hot chocolate, Kahlua, and Creme De Cacao in a measuring cup.

Stir to combine.

To assemble: pour the hot chocolate into the mug. Top the hot cocoa with extra creamy whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.

Tips and Substitutions

  • Use a clear plastic or glass mug if you want to see the pretty swirl pattern inside.
  • This grown-uphot cocoa reminds me of a mudslide martini! You could substitute chocolate vodka in place of the creme de cacao.
  • Use a good quality hot chocolate mix if you want to elevate this recipe. Try to source the finest ingredients possible.
  • Add in a little chili powder for Mexico-vacay-worthy hot cocoa.
  • Add in a splash of vanilla extract for mouthwatering flavor, or caramel as the perfect addition to this easy-drinking, boozy milkshake.
  • Replace the classic coffee flavor of Kahlua coffee liqueur with a shot of whiskey for a slight kick or another smooth liqueur if you prefer. Fair warning, gin is not a good choice for this co*cktail.

FAQs

Is Kahlua the same as Baileys?

Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur made with rum, sugar, vanilla, and coffee, whereas Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur consisting of whiskey, cream, and cocoa.

What is a good substitute for Bailey’s?

Carolans Irish Cream or South Africa’s Amarula Cream are both good alternatives to Bailey’s.

How much alcohol is in a shot of Kahlua?

The original variant contains approximately 20% alcohol

Other Hot Cocoa Posts You Might Like

  • Unicorn Hot Chocolate
  • Snowmen Hot Chocolate
  • Hot Cocoa Parties
  • Hot Cocoa Chocolate Spoons.
  • Hot Chocolate Peppermint Bomb

Hop over to check out our amazing themes and be sure to get your hands on our free printables for your next event.

Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe (5)

Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe

Looking for a way to make your hot cocoa a little more “grown up” this winter?How about trying our Kahlua hot cocoa recipe with Kahlua, creme de cacao, plus all the good stuff like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and marshmallows. Could that now sound any better?If you’re a coffee and chocolate lover, this should definitely speak to you! Let us know what you think in a comment.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cup

Calories: 250kcal

Author: Jillian Tohber Leslie

Ingredients

  • 6 oz hot chocolate mix
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz creme de cacao
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  • In a measuring cup, combine hot chocolate, Kahlua and Creme De Cacao.

  • Stir to combine.

  • Pour the hot chocolate into the mug.

  • Top the hot cocoa with extra creamy whipped cream, mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips.

  • Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.

  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sugar: 10g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliates.

Comment

add your comment

To leave a comment Log in -or- Join the party

Kahlua Hot Cocoa Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol to add to hot cocoa? ›

Rum: With its sugar cane base, rum adds just the right punch to your hot chocolate. Try spiced rum on its own, white rum with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg or a flavored rum such as coconut or vanilla for even more of a tropical taste.

What does Kahlua go well with? ›

Some popular drinks that can be made with Kahlua include:
  • White Russian: Kahlua, vodka, and cream.
  • Espresso Martini: Kahlua, vodka, and espresso.
  • Mudslide: Kahlua, vodka, Irish cream, and milk.
  • Black Russian: Kahlua and vodka.
  • Mind Eraser: Kahlua, vodka, and soda water.
Feb 4, 2023

Does Kahlua need to be refrigerated? ›

Should Kahlúa be refrigerated? No, but we recommend to store it in a cool dry place once opened. What percentage of alcohol is in Kahlúa Original?

Is hot chocolate better with Kahlua or Baileys? ›

This is Kahlua hot cocoa is my favorite hot cocoa. Others chose to add Baileys to the cocoa. Baileys hot chocolate is a smooth combination of the hot cocoa with Irish cream to create a boozy hot chocolate that may be way too easy to drink.

How do you jazz up hot cocoa? ›

Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and even cayenne make great hot cocoa add-ins. Try out different spice combos to see what you like. Some popular combos are: cinnamon and chili pepper (for a kick)

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

Is hot cocoa better with water or milk? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Is Kahlúa and chocolate milk good? ›

The simplicity of its ingredients makes it a comforting choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet, dessert-like beverage, where the complexity of coffee liqueur is mellowed by the smoothness of the chocolate milk. Ideal for a relaxing evening, this co*cktail offers a delectable escape for the senses.

What is the main alcohol in Kahlúa? ›

Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans and rum, Kahlúa coffee liqueur is one of the main ingredients in many of the world's favorite co*cktails. From the White Russian, Black Russian and Mudslide, to the co*cktail du jour… the Espresso Martini!

Why is Kahlúa so good? ›

With its enticing caramel colour, Kahlúa, a rum & coffee liqueur, boasts the deep, rich flavor of real black coffee and indulgent sweet butter.

How long will a bottle of Kahlua last once opened? ›

To sum it up, the shelf life of Kahlua is four years when stored properly and two months after opening. Yes, Kahlua will go bad if not properly kept or used within a few months after opening.

Can I drink 10 year old Baileys? ›

The folks over at Baileys recommend that you consume it within 2 years of purchase. Notably, they say this is for “optimal freshness” and note that you should store it between 0-25°C (32-77°F) – and definitely keep it out of direct sunlight.

Is Kahlua and Baileys the same? ›

Baileys and Kahlua both complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, but there are distinct differences between the two liqueurs. Baileys is creamy and derives its taste from cream, cocoa, and Irish Whiskey. Kahlua is dark without the creaminess of Baileys and is made with 100 percent arabica coffee, rum, and sugar.

How do you add alcohol to chocolate? ›

Place dark chocolate and 2 ounces of vodka into small heatproof bowl (glass bowls work best), stir until chocolate is evenly coated and set aside. Fill a small pot ¼ full with water and heat on medium. Once water starts to steam, place bowl of chocolate and vodka on top and allow chocolate to melt.

What can I put with my hot cocoa bar? ›

The best hot chocolate bar toppings

Extra-small chunks Almond Butter Crunch were the most popular toppings of choice. Chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, and candy cane pieces, also make great options! To create the ultimate hot chocolate bar, we think, the more topping the better!

What does cocoa liquor taste like? ›

Also known as cocoa mass or unsweetened chocolate, cocoa liquor is the purest form of chocolate, devoid of any sugar, milk, or other additions. This cocoa liquor contains both cocoa solids (which lend the distinctive chocolate flavour) and cocoa butter (providing the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6298

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.