It’s officially fall and that crisp weather is definitely rolling in. Since we had such an amazingly warm summer, these lower temps seem extra chilly. What better way to warm up than with a hot cocktail? We’re sharing some of our favorite recipes (thanks to Serious Eats).
Better than Baileys Hot Chocolate
The ultimate spiked hot chocolate, flavored with espresso, Amaretto and Irish Whiskey.
What You’ll Need:
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz milk chocolate chips
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp espresso powder (or ½ cup brewed espresso)
- 3 oz Amaretto
- 4 oz Irish whiskey
- Marshmallows for garnish
Directions:
- In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.
- Add vanilla, espresso, Amaretto, and whiskey and stir to combine. Pour into glasses and serve with marshmallows.
Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum
Everyone’s favorite breakfast pastry- now in cocktail form.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- ½ lemon
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 oz rum
- 16 oz boiling water
Directions:
- For the Spiced Syrup: Combine cinnamon, cloves, lemon, sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until sugar has melted, remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature before straining.
- For the Cinnamon Batter: In a small bowl mash together butter, brown sugar and ground cinnamon, and mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Divide batter between 4 mugs; pour 1½ oz of rum into each mug, followed by 1 tsp spiced simple syrup. Pour 6 oz boiling water in each mug and stir until batter is dissolved. Serve hot, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
Tequila Mint Hot Chocolate
Tequila and mint come together for an icy-hot punch in this spiked hot chocolate.
What You’ll Need:
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz milk chocolate chips
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz tequila
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream and mint leaf garnish
Directions:
- In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.
- Add tequila and peppermint schnapps. Divide into serving cups and top with whipped cream and mint.