Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
What makes Bailey’s hot chocolate so irresistible is the balance it strikes. You get the rich sweetness of melted chocolate, the smooth creaminess of milk, and that velvety, slightly boozy kick from Bailey’s.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Heatproof mug
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar optional, depending on sweetness preference
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Set up and prep
- Measure out the milk, cream, Bailey’s, and chocolate so everything’s ready to go.
- Bring out your whisk and a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Warm your mug with hot water (then dump the water) so the drink stays hot longer.
- Pro Tip: Pre-chopping a chocolate bar into small pieces helps it melt faster and more evenly.
Step 2: Warm the dairy gently
- Add the milk and heavy cream to the saucepan.
- Set heat to low–medium and warm until steaming, 3–5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Pro Tip: Keep the heat moderate—boiling can scald milk and dull the chocolate’s flavor.
Step 3: Melt in the chocolate
- Reduce heat to low.
- Sprinkle in the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate).
- Whisk slowly but continuously until the mixture turns glossy and smooth, 2–3 minutes.
- If using sugar, whisk it in now and taste.
- Pro Tip: If chocolate specks cling to the sides, remove the pan from heat and whisk off-burner for 30 seconds; gentle heat = silky texture.
Step 4: Balance the sweetness
- Taste a spoonful (careful—hot!).
- Add a little more chocolate or a teaspoon of sugar if you want it sweeter; whisk to dissolve.
- If it’s too rich, splash in a bit more milk to lighten.
- Pro Tip: Aim for just-sweet-enough now—Bailey’s will add sweetness, too.
Step 5: Add the Bailey’s (off heat)
- Take the pan off the burner.
- Pour in the Bailey’s and whisk until fully blended and velvety.
- Pro Tip: Always add Bailey’s after removing from heat—alcohol is delicate and can separate if boiled.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
- Ladle into your pre-warmed mug.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Finish with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa.
- Pro Tip: For a café-style finish, give the hot chocolate a 10–15 second whisk right before pouring to make it extra frothy.
Optional: Microwave method (single mug)
- In a large microwave-safe mug, combine milk and cream; heat 60–90 seconds until steaming.
- Stir in chocolate; heat in 15–20 second bursts, whisking between each, until smooth.
- Stir in Bailey’s (no more microwaving after this).
- Top and enjoy.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg