Baileys hot chocolate is a great way to kick off any holiday party. Follow this short and easy recipe to make a Baileys hot chocolate at home.

This Irish hot chocolate is so scrumptious during the winter months, especially at Christmas time. While a hot chocolate powder can produce a good hot chocolate I find making your own with real chocolate makes a much better product with not much more work!
Check out my crockpot hot chocolate and hot chocolate cookies next!
Let's get to the recipe
Ingredients
- Whole Milk. You can most certainly use 2% or skim milk but your hot chocolate will not be as creamy and rich.
- Heavy Whipping Cream. The heavy cream just adds a creamy richness to the hot chocolate but you could skip it and use all milk if you wanted.
- Granulated Sugar. Just a little bit of sugar sweetness this up.
- Good Quality Chocolate. I use Callebaut chocolate callets but you can use a good quality chocolate bar finely chopped. Since there is cream and milk added I usually go with dark or semi sweet chocolate over milk chocolate, but you can use milk chocolate if you want!
- Good Quality Cocoa Powder. You can use natural cocoa powder or Dutch process cocoa powder. I use Rodelle Dutch Process Cocoa Powder.
- Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur. The star of the show! You are going to cook the hot chocolate first then add the Irish cream. If you don't love Baileys then you could use some Kahlua.
Then top the hot chocolate with all your favorite things: a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream, chocolate chips or chocolate flakes, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and mini marshmallows.
To make this dairy free use a non-dairy milk (I like a combo of almond milk and coconut milk) and whipped cream of your choice and Baileys almande.
For ingredient quantities please reference the recipe card below. On the recipe card there is a button for US or M (Metric) measurements.
Instructions
Place all of the ingredients except the Baileys into a small pot. Stir together to dissolve the cocoa powder then put on the stove on low-medium heat whisking frequently for 5 minutes to warm up.
Take the pot off of the stove and whisk in the Baileys to the hot milk mixture.
Pour into a heatproof glass or your favorite mug and add your favorite toppings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Don't miss my Thai Iced Tea recipe!
Can you double
Yes, I wrote this recipe for one serving so you can easily multiply it to serve the number of guests you want. The recipe card below has a 2X and 3X button to easily double or triple the ingredient quantities. The cooking time will just take longer.
More Baileys recipes
These Baileys cupcakes are a friend favorite!
For a fun twist check out my Baileys tres leches cake recipe.
For the ultimate treat check out this Baileys Cheesecake Recipe.
For an easy no-bake recipe check out my no-bake nutty Irishman pie.
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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PrintRecipe Card
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Baileys hot chocolate is a great way to kick off any holiday party. Follow this short and easy recipe to make Baileys hot chocolate at home.
Ingredients
- 6oz (¾ Cup) Whole Milk
- 2oz (¼ Cup) Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 1oz Good Quality Chocolate, chopped
- 1 Tablespoons Good Quality Cocoa Powder
- 2oz (¼ Cup) Baileys Irish Cream
Toppings
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate Sauce
- Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients except the Baileys into a small pot. Whisk together to dissolve the cocoa powder then put on the stove on low-medium heat whisking frequently for 5 minutes to warm up.
- Take the pot off of the stove and whisk in the Baileys. Pour into a heatproof glass or mug and add your favorite toppings. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
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Sally anne says
This is so warm and lovely, perfect for this time of year
★★★★★
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Sally Anne, thank you so much for the lovely review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the drink!! Merry Christmas. XX Liz
Coco says
Such a great recipe !! Thank you
★★★★★
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Coco, thank you so much for the lovely 5-star review. I am so pleased you enjoyed the hot chocolate! Merry Christmas. XX Liz
Sav says
Soooooo yummy!!
Elizabeth Waterson says
So glad you liked it Sav! Merry Christmas! XX Liz