The first chilly evening of winter always brings back fond memories of sipping cozy drinks by the fireplace. This year, I decided to elevate the classic cup of hot chocolate with a delightful twist that transforms it into something special. Enter the Bad Santa Hot Chocolate—an indulgent concoction that’s not just your ordinary sweet treat.
Imagine thick, creamy whole milk steeped with rich cocoa, enhanced by the luxurious melt of both milk and dark chocolate. But here’s the kicker: a generous splash of bourbon adds just the right amount of warmth, making this drink a perfect companion for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in. As luscious mini marshmallows float on top, you’ll be tempted to dive right in.
Whether you’re hosting a festive soirée or simply longing for a comforting solace on a frosty night, this Bad Santa Hot Chocolate is sure to impress. Join me in crafting a mug filled with joy, warmth, and just a touch of mischief!
Why is Bad Santa Hot Chocolate a must-try?
Indulgent flavors come together in this recipe that combines rich cocoa with both milk and dark chocolate, creating a luxurious treat. Quick and simple to whip up in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights. Versatile delight can be enjoyed as a festive drink at gatherings or a cozy night in alone. Bourbon boost adds warmth, making it a grown-up twist on the classic. Crowning touches like mini marshmallows and chocolate curls elevate the experience, ensuring each sip is both fun and satisfying!
Bad Santa Hot Chocolate Ingredients
• Ready to create this deliciously indulgent drink? Here’s what you’ll need!
For the Hot Chocolate
- Whole milk – provides a creamy base for the richest flavor in your Bad Santa Hot Chocolate.
- Granulated sugar – enhances the sweetness and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – adds depth and that classic chocolatey flavor we all crave.
- Milk chocolate – contributes a smooth, sweet richness that elevates the drink.
- Dark chocolate – brings a bold intensity that contrasts beautifully with the milk chocolate.
- Vanilla extract – infuses warmth and additional sweetness to the mix.
- Bourbon – offers a delightful warmth that makes this hot chocolate perfect for adults.
For the Toppings
- Mini marshmallows – fluffy goodness that melts into your chocolatey warmth, adding a fun texture.
- Chocolate curls – a gorgeous garnish that ups the indulgent feel of the drink, perfect for presentation!
How to Make Bad Santa Hot Chocolate
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir continuously until the mixture is hot and steaming, but avoid boiling to keep it from scorching.
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Melt Chocolate: Add in the chopped milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Keep whisking until both chocolates are fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
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Stir in Flavors: Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon, allowing the drinks to take on that delightful warmth and aroma.
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Serve with Style: Pour the hot chocolate into two heat-safe mugs. Top each mug generously with fluffy mini marshmallows and elegant chocolate curls. Enjoy your creation immediately while it’s warm!
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bad Santa Hot Chocolate?
Imagine cozying up by the fire with a rich, chocolatey drink in hand, complemented by warm and delightful pairings.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Spicy and sweet, they contrast nicely with the creamy warmth of the hot chocolate, evoking holiday cheer with every bite.
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Chewy Brownies: Fudgy and decadent, brownies bring a lovely chocolate intensity that harmonizes perfectly with your indulgent drink.
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Spiced Rum Cake: This moist, flavorful cake adds a festive twist, matching the warmth of bourbon while offering a sophisticated dessert option.
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Roasted Chestnuts: Their rich, nutty flavor creates a lovely, crunchy counterpoint to the velvety hot chocolate, elevating the cozy experience.
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Peppermint Bark: Layers of dark chocolate and crushed peppermints not only look stunning but also provide a refreshing contrast to your rich drink.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your hot chocolate with a scoop of melting ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast, creating a rich dessert experience.
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Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced beverage that complements the bourbon in your hot chocolate, bringing cozy warmth for chilly evenings.
Elevate your cozy experience with these perfect companions, each adding a unique twist to your delightful Bad Santa Hot Chocolate!
Expert Tips for Bad Santa Hot Chocolate
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Whisk Constantly: Stirring the mixture continuously prevents the milk from scorching and ensures a silky smooth hot chocolate.
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Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chocolate and bourbon enhances the flavors and overall indulgence of your Bad Santa Hot Chocolate.
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Don’t Boil: Remember to heat the milk gently and avoid boiling it; boiling can change the texture and flavor of your drink.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar based on your taste preference; this liquid indulgence can be just as sweet or rich as you like.
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Garnish Creatively: Get playful with your toppings! Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist.
Make Ahead Options
These Bad Santa Hot Chocolate preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the chocolate base (milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolates) up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop, whisking continuously to keep it smooth and creamy. When you’re ready to serve, simply stir in the vanilla and bourbon, then pour into mugs topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate curls. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful richness and warmth of your hot chocolate with minimal fuss—just as delicious, ready in a flash!
Bad Santa Hot Chocolate Variations
Cozy up your cup with these delightful twists that will make your Bad Santa Hot Chocolate uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, non-dairy alternative. Your hot chocolate will still be rich and comforting without the dairy!
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully. This unexpected warmth can surprise and delight your taste buds.
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Chocolate Lovers: Increase the amount of milk chocolate or dark chocolate to intensify the chocolate flavor. Go decadent and make it extra lush and velvety!
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Nutty Goodness: Incorporate a splash of hazelnut syrup or a spoonful of nut butter for a delightful nutty flavor. The addition brings a rich creaminess that makes every sip even more special.
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Minty Fresh: Stir in some peppermint extract or top with crushed candy canes for a festive mint twist. It’s like Christmas in a cup—refreshing and delicious!
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Maple Sweetness: Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetness and a touch of earthy flavor. It’s a delightful way to elevate your beverage with a twist.
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Bourbon Alternatives: If bourbon isn’t your style, you can use a splash of dark rum or spiced rum instead. These spirits will add their own unique flair while keeping the warmth.
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Vegan Delight: Omit the bourbon and use a combination of coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a completely vegan version. You won’t miss out on the indulgence, and it will still be incredibly satisfying!
How to Store and Freeze Bad Santa Hot Chocolate
Fridge: Store any leftover Bad Santa Hot Chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: While not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, you can freeze hot chocolate for up to 2 months. Pour it into ice cube trays to create chocolate cubes that can be blended into milk later.
Reheating: When reheating from frozen, allow the hot chocolate to thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently warm it on the stove. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Serving Tip: Always taste before serving; you might want to freshen up the flavors with additional vanilla or a touch of bourbon after reheating!
Bad Santa Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my Bad Santa Hot Chocolate?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using high-quality milk and dark chocolate. Look for bars with at least 50% cocoa for the dark chocolate and choose a creamy milk chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own for the best results.
How should I store leftover Bad Santa Hot Chocolate?
Very simply! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture.
Can I freeze Bad Santa Hot Chocolate?
Certainly! While it’s not ideal due to the dairy, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Pour the hot chocolate into ice cube trays to create chocolate cubes. When you’re ready to use them, blend a few cubes with some warm milk for a quick treat.
What if my hot chocolate turns out too thick after reheating?
If you find that your Bad Santa Hot Chocolate is too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of milk while warming it on the stove. This will help restore the creamy consistency. Always taste it before serving; you might want to freshen up the flavors with a dash of vanilla or an extra splash of bourbon!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re serving this to guests or family, be aware of any allergies, especially to dairy, chocolate, or alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon, and you can use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a delicious twist.
Indulgent Bad Santa Hot Chocolate for a Cozy Night In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir continuously until hot and steaming, but avoid boiling.
- Add in the chopped milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Keep whisking until fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon.
- Pour the hot chocolate into two heat-safe mugs. Top with mini marshmallows and chocolate curls. Enjoy immediately!
