Kahlua Hot Chocolate is nothing but classic hot chocolate spiked with Kahlua. This rich and creamy drink comes together in under 15 minutes using simple ingredients (vegetarian, gluten-free).
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About Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Kahlua Hot Chocolate is nothing but the classic hot chocolate spiked with Kahlua (coffee-flavored liquor). It has deep chocolate, vanilla notes, and Kahlua’s rum and caramel finish. This drink will warm you up with each sip.
This Adult-Only drink is comforting, easy to make, and comes together in 15 minutes from scratch.
I prefer making hot chocolate from scratch rather than a boxed mix, as you can easily control the sweetness and chocolate level.
You can whip up this rich and creamy drink to sip during cozy winter nights or evenings or enjoy it as a decadent dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.
This hot chocolate can be made on a stovetop, in an instant pot, or in a slow cooker. You can choose any method that you prefer.
My hot chocolate with Kahlua recipe serves 2 people, but you can double or triple the recipe for a bigger crowd.
Here are more hot chocolate recipes that you may like
- Espresso Hot Chocolate
- Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Oreo Hot Chocolate
- Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Milk – Whole milk (full-fat milk) is the best to make a rich and creamy hot chocolate. Having said that, you can also make it with skim, low-fat, or plant-based milk too.
Kahlua – This is the star ingredient of this hot chocolate recipe. Kahlua coffee liqueur has dark rum, sugar, and arabica coffee. It is dark brown and tastes like sweetened alcoholic coffee.
Heavy Cream – It makes the drink very creamy. I used unsweetened heavy cream.
You can use sweetened heavy cream instead of unsweetened heavy cream. If using sweetened cream, then reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Brown Sugar – Adds a caramelized flavor and sweetness to the drink. You can substitute it with white sugar, maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free substitutes like stevia or monk fruit.
Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder is my preferred choice to make hot chocolate, and it gives the best results. I have used Hershey’s in this recipe, but you can use any brand you like.
Chocolate Chips – I prefer dark chocolate chips, but you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips too.
Vanilla Extract – Use a good quality one.
How To Make Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Add
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened heavy cream
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
to a pan and mix well until combined.
Cook on medium heat until the milk comes to a boil, frequently stirring to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.
Once the milk comes to a boil, add ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips and cook until they dissolve and the hot chocolate is thick and creamy. Stir continuously while cooking.
Finally, add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 oz (60 ml) Kahlua and mix well.
Pour the hot chocolate into serving mugs.
Note – You can strain the hot chocolate through a fine mesh strainer if some fat globules are on top.
Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkling of instant coffee powder or sprinkles, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips By Neha
Kahlua is very sweet on its own. So adjust the sugar in the drink as per your taste.
To make this drink vegan, replace dairy milk with plant-based milk like oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or almond milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add all the ingredients (except vanilla extract and Kahlua) to an instant pot and mix well to combine. Secure the lid and press PRESSURE COOK. Set the timer to 2 minutes at high pressure. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally. Then open the lid,
Add all the ingredients (except vanilla extract and Kahlua) to a slow cooker and mix well to combine. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring a few times in between. Stir in vanilla extract and Kahlua and serve.
Combine the dry ingredients and transfer them into a cute jar with a ribbon. In another small glass bottle, fill up the Kahlua. Your easy homemade DIY holiday gift is ready.
Yes, you can make Kahlúa hot chocolate using a hot chocolate mix. Simply prepare the hot chocolate according to the package instructions, and then add a shot or two of Kahlúa to the hot chocolate. Stir well and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This hot chocolate can be served right out of the pan, hot & steamy. Top it with whipped cream, ice cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, coffee powder, or sprinkles.
Serve candy canes or cinnamon sticks along to stir the drink.
You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce (chocolate syrup) or caramel sauce on top of it.
This cozy cup of hot chocolate is also a great spiked beverage for winter house parties or holiday evenings.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover hot chocolate can be stored for 3-4 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Reheat the hot chocolate in a pan over the stovetop or microwave, and top with your favorite toppings.
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Recipe Card
Kahlua Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (full fat milk) (you can also use skim,-low fat, or plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or any other sweetner)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces Kahlua (60 ml)
Instructions
- Add milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and cocoa powder to a pan and mix well until combined.
- Cook on medium heat until the milk comes to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, add chocolate chips and cook until they dissolve and the hot chocolate is thick and creamy. Stir continuously while cooking.
- Finally, add vanilla extract, and Kahlua and mix well.
- Pour the hot chocolate into serving mugs.
- Note – You can strain the hot chocolate through a fine mesh strainer if there are some fat globules on top.
- Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkling of instant coffee powder or sprinkles, and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!