Hot Chocolate Recipes: Sweet Sips & Spirited Twists

Did you know that January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day? It's the perfect excuse to indulge in a cozy classic that stirs up those childhood memories of winter days. What’s not to love about this sweet, comforting beverage? Here at Angry Otter Liquor, we believe in turning those cozy moments into celebrations, and what better way to do that than by adding a twist to your classic cup of cocoa?

While a classic Irish Cream or whiskey shot can elevate your cocoa game, why stop there? We’re here to help you take your spiked hot chocolate to extraordinary heights! This National Hot Chocolate Day is your chance to get cozy in style with every spirit and flavour combo imaginable! So, grab your favourite mug, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some chocolatey masterpieces!

Spanish Hot Chocolate

Spice up your cocoa with a warming blend of Añejo tequila and a touch of cayenne, creating a bold drink that’s anything but ordinary! View the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Añejo Tequila
• 6 oz Milk
• 2 tbsp Chopped Dark Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• Pinch Ground Cayenne Pepper
• Marshmallows for garnish

Directions

Warm the milk with sugar, dark chocolate, and cayenne on the stove on low heat, stirring until incorporated.

Once warm, remove from heat. Add tequila to your mug, then pour over hot chocolate. Garnish and enjoy!

Orange Hot Chocolate

Experience a twist on classic cocoa by combining zesty orange liqueur and gin, transforming your drink into a refreshing winter treat! View the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur (Make your own Orange Liqueur with our favourite recipe here)
• 8 cups Milk
• 1 tsp Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Diced Ginger, to taste
• Orange Wedge, for garnish

Directions

To a small saucepan over medium heat, press ginger and warm. Add milk and whisk in cocoa and sugar until combined. Heat for 3 minutes and strain into a serving glass. Add gin and garnish.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Savour the decadent indulgence of melted semisweet chocolate and full-bodied red wine, topped with frothy milk, for a luxurious sip perfect for special evenings. Find the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red Wine
• 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Milk
• Vanilla Extract, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Marshmallows and Cocoa for garnish

Directions

Combine wine and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Once the chocolate is melted, please remove it from the heat. Add vanilla and salt. Pour it into a mug and top with frothed milk and garnish.

Irish Hot Chocolate Martini

Elevate your cocktail game with this creamy, chocolatey martini, where Irish cream and dark chocolate come together for a decadent dessert in a glass! View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
• 1 oz Milk
• 1 oz Cream
• 1 oz Vodka
• 1 tbsp Dark Chocolate
• Chocolate Sauce and Sprinkles for the rim

Directions

Rim your martini glass in chocolate sauce and sprinkles. Chop finely or grate your dark chocolate. Mix the milk and cream in a mug, warming in the microwave until simmering. Add in the chocolate and stir until melted. Top with liquor and stir until thoroughly combined. Pour into the rimmed glass and serve warm.

Salted Dark Chocolate Bourbon Hot Cocoa

Indulge in a rich dark chocolate and bourbon concoction, enhanced with a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt, for the ultimate cozy experience. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 3 cups Milk
• 1 cup Cream
• 6 oz Dark Chocolate
• 1/3 cup Sweetener of Choice
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 4 oz Bourbon
• Whipped Cream for Garnish

Directions

Heat the cream and milk in a small saucepan before stirring in the chocolate until melted. Add sweetness, cinnamon, and salt to taste. Allow to warm just before boiling.

Remove from heat and add vanilla and bourbon. Pour into mugs, garnish and enjoy!

Hot Coco Cocoa

Dive into a tropical paradise with this fun mix of light rum and coconut milk, merging the classic flavour of hot chocolate with an exotic twist that transports you to the beach! Find the original recipe here.

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ oz Light Rum
• ¾ oz Coconut Milk
• 1 Hot Chocolate Premix
• Sweetener, to taste

Directions

Add rum, sugar, and hot chocolate to a mug. Fill with hot coconut milk and stir all ingredients together.

Who knew that a simple drink could hold so much nostalgia and warmth? We hope you’ve found some inspiration for your own chocolaty creations to share with friends (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!).

So this January 31st, cozy up with your favourite spirit, put on those fuzzy socks, and let those taste buds dance with delight! And remember, we’re always here to help you find that perfect spirit to kick your hot chocolate game up a notch. Share your favourite hot chocolate recipe with us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

Cheers to hot cocoa, good friends, and making sweet memories. Happy National Hot Chocolate Day!