Baileys hot chocolate recipe

Baileys hot chocolate is a grown-up take on a sweet and comforting classic. 

This warming wintery drink combines two of our favourite things – chocolate and an after-dinner tipple. Making your own homemade hot chocolate powder is so easy, you'll wonder why you never tried it before. Plus, once you have the basic recipe, you can experiment with your own blends. Blending cocoa and chocolate together is idea for that smooth, rich flavour, and a little cornflour thickens the drink up a little to make it super-indulgent. Then you just need to top with mini marshmallows or a spoonful of whipped cream, dust with a little grated chocolate and you're done.

Ingredients

• 565ml milk
• 50ml Baileys

For the chocolate mix:

• ½ tbsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp icing sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 25g quality dark chocolate
• Whipped double cream, marshmallows and grated chocolate, to serve

Method

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring almost to the boil. Meanwhile, combine chocolate mix ingredients in a bowl, finely grating in the chocolate.
2. Spoon the chocolate mix into the hot milk with the Baileys, whisking thoroughly, and allow to bubble for a few mins before serving.
3. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, some marshmallows and a grating of chocolate.

Top tips for making Baileys hot chocolate

Why do I need to add cornflour to the hot chocolate mix?

Cornflour might seem like an odd thing to be adding to a drink, but if you want that really thick, unctuous feel with a bit of a foamy top, adding the cornflour is the best way to get this. It thickens the liquid and makes it feel so much more luxurious.

Can I use other spirits in this hot chocolate?

Yes, try swapping the Baileys for rum for a festive flavour, and add a few dried raisins along with the marshmallows. Or Disaronno and sprinkle with some flaked almonds.

What flavours can I add to the hot chocolate mix?

You can get really creative. Try adding spices to the power mix. If you want an extra kick, try cayenne pepper - chilli and chocolate actually go really well together. For something a bit more festive, how about a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg? If you're a fan of chocolate orange you could add some grated orange zest. Otherwise you can add liquids to the final drink, before you garnish it. Salted caramel syrup or peppermint essence both work well.

Can I make Baileys hot chocolate into a homemade gift?

Yes, this makes a really lovely homemade food gift. Make up a big batch of the powder by increasing the quantities. Then simply fill jam jars with it, cover the lids with a pretty circle of fabric and tie with a ribbon and a tag explaining how to make it up into a drink with milk. Add a mini bottle of Baileys tied with a ribbon to make it even more decadent.

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• Mulled cider
• Mulled apple juice
• Mexican hot chocolate