Curl up by the fire or snuggle up on the couch with a steaming mug of this Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream. This cozy, indulgent drink is a true hug in a cup, blending rich, creamy chocolate with the warm, caramelized notes of maple syrup and a hint of bourbon for a grown-up twist. It’s the ultimate winter pick-me-up or after-dinner delight that will leave you feeling satisfied and oh-so-comforted.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
This Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate is the perfect balance of sweet, boozy, and utterly decadent. The maple syrup adds a cozy, caramelized depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, while the bourbon lends a subtle, warming kick. And the fluffy, cloud-like whipped cream on top takes this hot chocolate to the next level of indulgence. It’s the ultimate cold-weather treat that will transport you to a cozy cabin in the mountains, no matter where you are.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate: high-quality dark chocolate, milk, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon. The chocolate provides the lush, velvety base, the maple syrup lends its signature sweetness and caramelized notes, and the bourbon adds a warm, complex finish.
- 8 oz (225g) – High-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) – Whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) – Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Bourbon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Alcohol-Free: Omit the bourbon (no additional substitution needed)
- Chocolate: Try using milk, semi-sweet, or bittersweet chocolate based on your taste preferences
How to Make Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
Follow these simple steps to create this cozy, indulgent hot chocolate at home.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by chopping the chocolate into small pieces so it melts easily. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until steaming and just about to simmer.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, maple syrup, and bourbon. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve the Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate immediately, while it’s hot and frothy. Enjoy the cozy, indulgent aroma and that first sip of rich, velvety chocolate spiked with warm, zesty bourbon.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Variations: Try using different types of chocolate, such as milk, dark, or even white chocolate. You can also experiment with other liquor additions, like Irish cream or hazelnut-flavored liqueur.
- Festive Garnishes: For a festive twist, garnish with crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Extra Indulgent: Top your hot chocolate with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Creamy Richness: For an even richer, creamier texture, try using a combination of milk and half-and-half or whole milk and heavy cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Enjoy this Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate on its own or pair it with a cozy blanket and your favorite holiday movie.
Storage: Any leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream is best added just before serving.
Reheat: When ready to serve, simply reheat the hot chocolate gently on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat.
Make-Ahead: You can make the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving and top with the whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate is a rich, indulgent treat, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. A single serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the chocolate and maple syrup. The bourbon also adds a small amount of alcohol per serving.
- Serving Size: 1 mug (8 oz/240ml)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hot chocolate non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon and you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly version of this cozy, comforting drink.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with different chocolate varieties, from milk to dark to even white chocolate, depending on your personal taste preferences.
How can I make this hot chocolate extra creamy?
For an even richer, creamier texture, try using a combination of milk and half-and-half or whole milk and heavy cream.
Can I make this hot chocolate in advance?
Yes, you can make the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving and top with the whipped cream.
How do I get the perfect whipped cream topping?
To make the fluffiest, most luxurious whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before whipping the cream. Be sure not to overmix, as the cream can quickly turn to butter.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake With Whipped Cream
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Milkshake With Whipped Cream
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate With Whipped Cream
Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Maple Bourbon Hot Chocolate, perfect for cozy evenings. The combination of maple syrup and bourbon adds a unique twist to traditional hot chocolate, topped with a fluffy layer of whipped cream.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 ounces bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream (for topping)
Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat.
2. Heat until warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the dark chocolate chips, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
6. Top generously with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
This hot chocolate can be made non-alcoholic by omitting the bourbon.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup as per your taste.
For a richer flavor, use higher quality dark chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, bourbon, maple, comfort drink