The cold, blustery days of winter call for a great spiked hot chocolate recipe. Flavored with Amaretto Liquor for a subtle almond flavor and rich chocolate, this Amaretto Hot Chocolate is the most decadently delicious drink perfect on a cold night.
Now that its January, and the dead of winter has finally setting in, I always crave a delicious hot cup of cocoa, especially in the evening. This Amaretto Hot Chocolate is my new favorite way to indulge in a decadent, delicious hot beverage!
Making homemade hot chocolate is actually very simple. Just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your fridge and freezer are all you need to make this creamy, decadent spiked hot chocolate recipe!
Here’s everything you need to know about making this delicious spiked hot chocolate recipe!
What do I need to make spiked hot chocolate?
To make spiked hot chocolate from scratch you’ll need just a few ingredients; whole milk, semi-sweet chocolate, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and Amaretto liqueur, as well as your choice of toppings.
I went with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and almonds, which compliment the amaretto (almond) liqueur perfectly!
Quick-reference shopping list for making homemade hot chocolate:
- Whole Milk – you can also use skim, 2% or the plant-based milk of your choice. Whole milk will give you the creamiest hot chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – you can also use milk or dark chocolate
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch/Grind of salt – this is actually vital for flavor. I don’t recommend leaving out the salt.
- Amaretto Liqueur – I recommend using De Amore Amaretto or Disaronno Originale.
The Easy steps to making homemade Amaretto Hot Chocolate:
The recipe for this hot cocoa is very simple, and WAY better than any store-bought, powdered mix. It’s made with whole milk, along with semi-sweet chocolate making a very rich, creamy texture.
You’ll start by adding the chocolate chips, sugar, salt and milk to a saucepan. Heat on medium low.
Tips to making the BEST homemade hot chocolate:
- Heat the ingredients over medium-low heat. Anything hotter and the milk will scorch/burn to the bottom of the pan and the chocolate chips will not melt properly.
- Use a whisk. This helps integrate all of the ingredients. The sugar will need to dissolve and the chocolate will need to melt – using a whisk will help make the hot chocolate extra creamy and frothy.
- Use the best quality chocolate you can afford. This will make a big difference in flavor and creaminess!
What should I spike my hot chocolate with?
This recipe uses Amaretto for the liqueur, however, there are many other options to making spiked hot chocolate recipe. Some other options are Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, Rum Chata or Spiced Rum. Peppermint Schnapps is also a great option if you’re looking to do a minty hot chocolate.
FAQ’s for making hot chocolate:
Amaretto has a sweet almond flavor with a hint of cherry Amaretto liqueur pairs perfectly with hot chocolate.
You can make hot chocolate more flavorful by adding your favorite liqueurs or adding non-alcoholic flavor extracts, like peppermint or coconut. You can also add toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, whipped topping, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce or Nutella.
Start by making instant hot chocolate with whole milk instead of water. This will make it much creamier! You can also add to the flavor by adding flavor extracts, like peppermint or coconut (1/8 tsp./per cup). Another way to upgrade instant hot chocolate is to add your favorite liqueur, like amaretto, Rum Chata, Whipped cream vodka, Bailey’s, Caramel liqueur or peppermint schnapps.
If you love this Amaretto Hot Chocolate, the check out some of my other similar cocktails and drinks:
- Baileys Hot Chocolate
- Tiramisu Cocktail
- Baileys Espresso Martini
- Chocolate Cake Martini
- Creamy Hot Buttered Rum
- Spiked Eggnog
- Fireball Apple Cider Hot Toddy
- Hot Mulled Apple Cider
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Spiked White Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
- Mint Hot Chocolate
- Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate at Real Housemoms
I’ve topped my hot chocolate with whipped cream, slivered almonds (wonderful!!!), and some chocolate shavings. Try my Homemade Cool Whip, which is ultra creamy, velvety and fantastic on drinks!
However, if you’re more of a marshmallow person, add those on top instead of the whipped cream. They’ll be just as fantastic!
Hosting a party or event where you’ll have a buffet? Check out our post for 25 Easy Halloween Buffet Foods which is great for just about any holiday, party or hosting event.
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Amaretto Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Saucepan This Circulon A1 Series non stick saucepan includes a glass straining lid. A great piece of cookware!
- Large Whisk Ideal for making sauces, batters and so much more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 Tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- pinch/grind of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 oz. Amaretto liqueur (1 shot)
Instructions
- To a medium sauce pan, add the chocolate chips, sugar, salt and milk. Heat over medium-low heat. Using a whisk, stir often to help the sugar dissolve.
- Continue whisking until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture comes to a low simmer. NOTE: Do NOT let it rapidly boil, as the milk and chocolate will burn to the bottom of the pan. Once liquid comes to a low simmer, promptly remove from heat. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.
- Ladle or pour hot chocolate into a mug and top with the amaretto liqueur. Stir to combine and top with your favorite hot chocolate toppings, like my Homemade Cool Whip. Enjoy right away while hot.
Notes
Nutrition
I love Amaretto! I may have to give this one a try today. It’s been so cold here that it’s perfect weather for Hot Chocolate.
I’m officially in love. That amaretto hot chocolate looks delicious… MMM!
Ah, sitting by the fire…..Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
I love Amaretto–bet this is perfect! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia
This looks incredible. Just shared it on StumbleUpon 😉 Happy Holidays!
Oh Erin, that looks and sounds just delish! Pinning so I can try it. Thanks for sharing this at the DI & DI link party. Merry Christmas!
Your Hot Chocolate will be a very special treat for the holidays! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with us at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you are having a wonderful week and hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen
I love amaretto!! It tastes great in everything.
Thanks for linking up at #bloggerspotlight!
I have been putting amaretto in hot cocoa for over 35 years. Kahlua is another favorite & even combining the two is delicious! Amaretto is great added to Brownies, cookies, cheesecakes,puddings, just about any type of dessert recipe!
I bet this is worth every single calorie and it just so happens that I have a bottle of amaretto on hand.
This amaretto hot chocolate is delicious!
This looks amazing! The perfect way to warm up on a cold snowy night, like tonight. Thanks for the recipe!