Take a classic warm winter beverage and give it a cocktail twist with this salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate. Creamy, sweet hot cocoa is combined with Crown salted caramel whiskey for a treat that will warm you through and through!
What’s not to love about creamy, rich, sweet hot chocolate with the addition of salted caramel whiskey? It provides a flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter, and great for chasing off those chilly evenings.
This recipe can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it, which is always a plus to me. You can use a powdered hot cocoa mix and just add in your whiskey, or you can make your own homemade hot chocolate.
If you’re entertaining, you can make a crock pot of hot chocolate and offer the whiskey as an “add-in” for the adults. It’s perfect for Christmas, New Year’s or any holiday get together.
Top it off with marshmallows, whipped cream, or any of your other favorite hot chocolate garnishes for the perfect winter warmer.
Ingredients List
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
1 cup milk (I use 2%)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ ounces salted caramel whiskey (such as Crown Royal)
Garnishes as desired
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use semisweet or dark chocolate chips in place of the milk chocolate if preferred. Feel free to substitute ¼ cup cocoa powder and ¼ cup granulated sugar instead
For a non-dairy alternative, use the cocoa powder option mentioned above. Swap the regular milk for almond milk, and substitute non-dairy coffee creamer (plain or vanilla works) for the half and half. These are usually oat or coconut based
Feel free to adjust the whiskey to taste – add as little as 1 ounce or up to 2 ounces based on preferences
If you can’t find Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey (it’s seasonal for the winter months) then use any caramel flavored liquor you like. Bailey’s salted caramel, caramel vodka, or regular whiskey mixed with some of my Microwave Salted Caramel Sauce are all good alternatives
Garnish options include marshmallows, whipped cream, salted caramel sauce, chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or anything else you’d like!
Step By Step Instructions
Add chocolate chips, half and half, milk, and vanilla to a microwave safe bowl or cup
Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until mixture is hot and smooth, and chocolate is fully melted (usually about 3 minutes total for me in a 1000W microwave)
Stir in the salted caramel whiskey and mix well
Pour hot chocolate into mugs, leaving a little room at the top for garnishes
What Makes Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate Unique?
Salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate combines the rich flavors of cocoa, salted caramel, and whiskey, offering a delightful and cozy drink for cold days.
It’s an adult cocktail version of the classic winter drink, but is easily adaptable for children and non-drinkers as well.
Can I Use Different Types of Whiskey in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of caramel or salted caramel whiskey in this recipe. If you do not have caramel whiskey, use regular whiskey with about 1 Tbsp of caramel syrup and a pinch of sea salt to compensate.
Alternatively, caramel vodka, caramel Bailey’s, or other similar liquors can be used instead.
Can I Make This Drink Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the whiskey to make a mocktail version of this drink.
To replace the salted caramel flavor, use about 1 Tbsp caramel syrup (or more to taste) and a pinch of sea salt (or a salted rim) to compensate.
What’s the Ideal Garnish for Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate?
Whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt make wonderful toppings for this indulgent beverage.
Other good options include marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate syrup, or any other similar decorations.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Drink?
To adjust the sweetness of the drink, use different types of chocolate chips, or use cocoa powder and add sugar to taste.
Alternatively, use a prepared cocoa mix that you like the sweetness level of as your base.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you don’t have a microwave, you can also prepare your hot chocolate on the stovetop. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until chocolate is melted and mixture is warm and smooth
This recipe is designed for two 6-ounce mugs. If you leave toppings space, you’ll have a little left over, so it can probably work for 6- to 8-ounce mugs generally. Feel free to scale up or down as needed!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, store without toppings (as they can be tricky in reheating)
To reheat, simply microwave a mug of hot chocolate, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed to your liking (usually 1 – 1 ½ minutes). Alternatively, you may also reheat on the stove in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until warmed
This salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate is warm, creamy, sweet, and perfect for a winter cocktail. Even if it wasn’t already a hot beverage, the whiskey twist would warm you straight to your toes!
It’s perfect after a long day of shoveling, sledding, skiing, or otherwise being out in the snow. Feel free to use the base recipe and omit the whiskey for the kids and non-drinks as well!
I think this is an awesome use for Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey (which coincidentally is only available in late fall and winter months), but you can use other brands or other caramel-flavored liquors if you prefer.
This salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate recipe features homemade hot cocoa and Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey. It’s the perfect warming cocktail for winter!
1 ½Ouncessalted caramel whiskey(such as Crown Royal)
Garnishes as desired
Instructions
Add chocolate chips, half and half, milk, and vanilla to a microwave safe bowl or cup
1 Cup milk chocolate chips, 1 Cup half and half, 1 Cup milk, ½ Tsp vanilla extract
Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until mixture is hot and smooth, and chocolate is fully melted (usually about 3 minutes total for me in a 1000W microwave)
Stir in the salted caramel whiskey and mix well
1 ½ Ounces salted caramel whiskey
Pour hot chocolate into mugs, leaving a little room at the top for garnishes
Garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Garnishes as desired
Notes
You can also use semisweet or dark chocolate chips in place of the milk chocolate if preferred. Feel free to substitute ¼ cup cocoa powder and ¼ cup granulated sugar instead
For a non-dairy alternative, use the cocoa powder option mentioned above. Swap the regular milk for almond milk, and substitute non-dairy coffee creamer (plain or vanilla) for the half and half. These are usually oat or coconut based
Feel free to adjust the whiskey to taste – add as little as 1 ounce or up to 2 ounces based on preferences
If you can’t find Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey (it’s seasonal for the winter months) then use any caramel flavored liquor you like. Bailey’s salted caramel, caramel vodka, or regular whiskey mixed with salted caramel sauce are good alternatives
Garnish options include marshmallows, whipped cream, salted caramel sauce, chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or anything else you’d like!
If you don’t have a microwave, you can also prepare your hot chocolate on the stovetop. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until chocolate is melted and mixture is warm and smooth
This recipe is designed for two 6-ounce mugs. If you leave toppings space, you’ll have a little left over, so it can probably work for 6- to 8-ounce mugs generally. Feel free to scale up or down as needed!
Store any leftover salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, store without toppings (as they can be tricky in reheating)
To reheat, simply microwave a mug of hot chocolate, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed to your liking (usually 1 – 1 ½ minutes). Alternatively, you may also reheat on the stove in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until warmed
Exact nutritional values will vary widely based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword alcoholic hot drink recipes, caramel hot drinks, hot beverages with whiskey, rich and creamy drinks, salted caramel hot drink, salted caramel whiskey hot chocolate, salted caramel whiskey recipes, whiskey cocoa drinks, winter cocktails
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
