Updated: March 13, 2026
Relaxing at home with a warm blanket, good movie, and a cozy cup of hot chocolate or eggnog is literally one of my favorite ways to relax during the winter. I remember my mom and I creating different hot chocolate recipes growing up and I couldn’t wait to slap on as many marshmallows as I could in my cup! So this evening, I decided to recreate an adult version of this childhood nostalgic drink with one of my favorite liqueurs – Baileys. From there, we created rich Baileys Hot Chocolate recipe.
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In this Baileys Hot Chocolate recipe, you will see that I used one of the new flavors from Baileys – Almande. I saw this in the liquor store and was intrigued, so I decided to try a bottle for tonight’s mixture. However, I’ve also made this recipe with regular Baileys and it still turns out great. If you want to make an alcohol-free version of this recipe, then I recommend skipping the last step and not adding the Baileys at all. If you don’t mind dairy in your diet, then including 1/2 can of evaporated milk adds a nice creamy texture to the hot chocolate. You will still enjoy a rich cup of REAL hot chocolate.
Learn More About Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa
Sometimes I see people make “hot chocolate”, when they are actually making hot cocoa. What’s the difference? Hot Cocoa is made out of cocoa powder or the powder mix you often see in stores. Real chocolate is not used to make the beverage. However, if you love the rich flavors of a good hot chocolate like I do, then toss aside the fake powder and use some real chocolate to make a good hot chocolate.
Feel free to experiment with the various levels of chocolate below. If you do not like your drink too sweet, perhaps add more dark chocolate, and remove some of the milk chocolate. The quality of chocolate matters in this recipe as well. When shopping for ingredients, I recommend picking up a good quality pack of chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli). To top off your hot chocolate, I have some fun by using marshmallows, whip cream, cookies, chocolate shavings and more! Let’s hop into this recipe so you can make your own cup to enjoy!
Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips, melted
- 1/2 cup Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Chips, melted
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Baileys
Instructions
- Over medium heat, take a sauce pan and add 1.5 cups of almond milk, and 1/4 tsp salt. Allow milk mixture to become warm, stirring occasionally until you see steam and small bubbles forming. This means the mixture is warm enough to melt the chocolate.
- To warm milk mixture, add 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Occasionally stir mixture until chocolate chips have melted (TIP: you can also chop the chips into small pieces in order for them to melt faster). Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract once chocolate chips have almost melted for the boldest flavor of vanilla.
- Once chocolate chips have completely melted, turn off heat and stir in 1 cup of Baileys. Pour into serving cups, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest and smoothest hot chocolate flavor.
- Almond milk, whole milk, or oat milk can all be used depending on your preferred flavor and creaminess level.
- Stir the hot chocolate continuously while heating to help prevent the chocolate from sticking or scorching.
- Baileys can be adjusted to taste depending on how strong or subtle you would like the flavor.
- For extra almond flavor, add a small splash of almond extract, but use it sparingly since it is very concentrated.
- Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or toasted almonds for a festive presentation.
- This recipe can easily be made non-alcoholic by omitting the Baileys and adding extra chocolate or flavored syrup.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Two things that I love: Baileys and hot chocolate! I will definitely use this recipe to make this drink
Yum to the yum! I just pinned this to make later. I love hot chocolate and I love Bailey’s – delicious!
I have got to try this 🙂 I love this.
Wow….I didn’t know Baileys had almond milk on their ranks?! Thanks for letting me know about it. I shall surely try it out.
Now this is my kind of hot chocolate recipe! Loaded with flavor and adult perks! YUM!