Adult Hot Chocolate - Peppermint Schnapps & Cocoa Mug

The Adult Hot Chocolate turns a mug of cocoa into a peppermint-spiked dessert drink with one easy addition. Hot cocoa provides the chocolate base, peppermint schnapps adds cool mint and alcohol, and whipped cream softens the top. The combination is intentionally rich and sweet, making it better suited to slow sipping than refreshment.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Hot cocoa - provides chocolate flavor, sweetness, and body.
• Peppermint schnapps - adds mint flavor and the alcoholic kick.
• Whipped cream - gives the drink a soft, dessert-style finish.

Crème de menthe can replace peppermint schnapps, but it is usually sweeter and changes the color depending on the bottle used.

Equipment

• Mug
• Jigger
• Spoon
• Saucepan or cocoa maker

Mint Without Losing the Chocolate

Peppermint schnapps is assertive, so the cocoa should remain the largest part of the drink. Adding the schnapps after the cocoa is hot avoids unnecessary heating of the spirit and makes it easier to control the final mint intensity.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use crème de menthe for a sweeter mint variation.
• Add a small measure of dark rum for extra depth.
• Use dark-chocolate cocoa for a less sugary profile.
• Finish with grated chocolate instead of candy pieces.
• Use a dairy-free cocoa and suitable whipped topping if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Heat the cocoa until steaming, not boiling.
• Prewarm the mug so the drink stays hot longer.
• Stir in the schnapps after the cocoa is ready.
• Taste before adding extra sweet garnish because the drink is already dessert-like.
• For a group, keep the cocoa warm separately and add schnapps to individual mugs when serving.