Curl up with a mug of this Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple Infusion and Bacon Bits for a cozy, comforting treat that’s perfect for chilly nights. This creamy, boozy hot chocolate is infused with real maple syrup and topped with crispy bacon bits for an indulgent, flavor-packed sip. It’s the ultimate in comfort and decadence, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple Infusion and Bacon Bits
This spiked hot chocolate is the ultimate in cold-weather comfort. The rich, chocolatey base is elevated with a touch of maple syrup for warmth and sweetness, while the bacon bits add a salty, savory crunch. The addition of your choice of liquor (we recommend rum or bourbon) takes this to the next level of indulgence. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, comforting, and craveable. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize to your liking, making it the ideal treat for enjoying by the fire or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
To make this Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple Infusion and Bacon Bits, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: milk, heavy cream, high-quality cocoa powder, maple syrup, your choice of liquor, and crispy bacon bits. The combination of rich, creamy chocolate, sweet maple, and salty bacon is simply irresistible.
- 3 cups (720 ml) – Whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) – Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Rum or bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) – Crispy bacon bits
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk (for a slightly thinner texture)
- Liquor: Coffee liqueur or Irish cream (for a non-alcoholic version, omit the liquor)
How to Make Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple Infusion and Bacon Bits
Making this indulgent spiked hot chocolate is easy, with just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble or chop it into small bits. Set the bacon aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and the cocoa powder has dissolved.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and stir in your choice of liquor. Pour the spiked hot chocolate into mugs and top with the crispy bacon bits.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Top the spiked hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate.
- Signature Twist: Experiment with different liquors, such as spiced rum or Irish cream, to create your own unique version.
- Richer Texture: For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, use less milk and more cream.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the maple syrup to your desired sweetness level.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Cozy blankets, a crackling fire, and good company.
Storage: The hot chocolate base (without the liquor) can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. The bacon bits can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Reheat: To serve, reheat the hot chocolate base and stir in the liquor just before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the fridge, then add the liquor when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple Infusion and Bacon Bits is a rich, indulgent treat, so enjoy it in moderation. A serving contains approximately 300 calories, 18 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 mug (8 oz or 240 ml)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hot chocolate non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the liquor and enjoy the delicious maple and bacon flavors without the booze.
Can I use a different type of liquor?
Yes, you can experiment with different liquors to create your own unique twist. Rum and bourbon work best, but you can also try coffee liqueur or Irish cream.
How can I make this hot chocolate extra thick and creamy?
To achieve a thicker, richer hot chocolate, use less milk and more heavy cream in the recipe. You can also let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow it to thicken.
Can I make this hot chocolate in advance?
You can prepare the hot chocolate base (without the liquor) in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the base and stir in the liquor.
What should I do with any leftover bacon bits?
Leftover bacon bits can be used in a variety of ways, such as topping salads, soups, or even sprinkled over popcorn for a savory snack.
Try These Next
- spiked hot chocolate bacon shake with whipped cream
- spiked hot chocolate milkshake with marshmallow drizzle
- maple bourbon french toast stacks with candied bacon
Indulgent Spiked Hot Chocolate with Maple and Bacon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and indulgent spiked hot chocolate infused with sweet maple syrup and crispy bacon bits, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup bourbon or whiskey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat.
3. 2. Once heated, add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. 3. Stir in the maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
5. 4. Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
6. 5. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
7. 6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and replace it with extra milk or a splash of vanilla extract.
– You can also use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, spiked, maple syrup, bacon