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Big-Batch Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

By Stephanie Wise
Created January 10, 2017
Christmas without cocoa is like a tree without trimmings. This scratch-made version, enhanced with Irish cream and vodka, will get the merriment flowing in no time.
Big-Batch Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

If there’s one thing lacking at our family holiday gatherings, it’s a good beverage. Sure, we’ve got plenty of wine to make everyone happy, but sometimes you want a cozy, festive drink to sip on while making merry. That’s where this Irish cream hot cocoa comes in. 

I have yet to make this recipe for a holiday party, but I already know it’s going to be a hit. I mean, how can you go wrong with hot chocolate, enhanced with Irish cream liqueur? It’s a guaranteed way to make spirits even brighter and is perfect for serving a crowd. 

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients for the cocoa: cocoa powder, sugar, milk, vanilla, salt and Irish cream liqueur. (You can also add vodka to the mix for extra merriment.)

ingredients for irish cocoa

Start by stirring the cocoa powder, sugar, milk and salt in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and very warm (but not boiling).

whisking ingredient on stovetop

Stir in the vanilla, Irish cream and vodka, if using, then pour the mixture into a serving bowl.

Big-Batch Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

Serve the cocoa cocktail immediately, while it’s still warm. Whipped cream, chocolate chips and chocolate cookie straws are great additions your guests can add to their drinks.

Big-Batch Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

Cheers to a cozier, cocoa-ier Christmas season!

Big-Batch Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

    • 8cups milk
    • 1cup unsweetened baking cocoa
    • 1cup sugar
    • 1teaspoon salt
    • 2teaspoons vanilla
    • 1cup Irish cream liqueur
    • 1/2cup vodka, if desired
    • Whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate cookie straws for serving, if desired

Directions

  • 1In 3-quart saucepan, heat milk, cocoa, sugar and salt over medium heat, beating with whisk often until cocoa is fully incorporated and mixture is warm and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, liqueur and vodka.
  • 2Carefully pour mixture into heatproof punch bowl. Serve immediately with whipped cream, chocolate chips and chocolate cookie straws.

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