Frosty Cocoa Kisses: The Ultimate Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cocktail
(By Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com)
There are few feelings as comforting as settling down on a chilly evening, wrapped in a blanket, with the scent of pine needles in the air. But as much as I love a classic mug of hot chocolate, sometimes you just need to elevate the experience, especially during the holidays. That’s where the Frosty Cocoa Kisses comes in.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s a winter wonderland in a glass. It perfectly marries the nostalgic warmth of rich, creamy hot chocolate with the cool, invigorating kick of peppermint. The blend of smooth chocolate liqueur and a whisper of schnapps, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, transforms a simple cocoa into an elegant, yet playful, holiday cocktail. It’s the perfect sipper for a quiet evening by the fire, or the sophisticated signature drink for your next holiday gathering.
Trust me, once you take that first sip—a perfect balance of warm, minty, and sweet—you’ll understand why this drink has become my absolute favorite way to toast the season.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer that holiday recipes should be low-stress and high-impact. The Frosty Cocoa Kisses cocktail nails this brief.
- Speed: It takes literally five minutes to assemble. If you can warm up cocoa, you can make this. No complex shaking, no fancy muddling—just stir and enjoy.
- The Flavor Profile: The combination of rich chocolate (I opt for crème de cacao for maximum velvetiness) and bright peppermint is the quintessential holiday pairing. It’s reminiscent of my favorite candy canes and thin mints, but in a sophisticated, grown-up format.
- Customization: It’s incredibly easy to adjust to your taste. Want it creamier? Swap in Baileys. Need it non-alcoholic for the kiddos? Use peppermint syrup! This recipe is a flexible framework for holiday joy.
- Presentation: With a mountain of whipped cream and a dusting of crushed candy canes, it looks exactly like the festive treat it is. It’s a showstopper without the effort.
☕ Frosty Cocoa Kisses Cocktail Recipe
This recipe is designed for a single serving, but it’s easily scalable to fill a festive punch bowl or a large slow cooker for a crowd.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes & Preference |
| Rich Hot Chocolate | 3 oz | Use your favorite homemade or high-quality mix. The creamier, the better! |
| Chocolate Vodka or Crème de Cacao | 1 oz | Crème de cacao gives a richer, sweeter, more decadent chocolate flavor. |
| Peppermint Schnapps | ½ oz | Use a good quality brand for a clean, refreshing mint flavor. |
| Whipped Cream | For topping | Freshly whipped cream is always best! |
| Crushed Candy Canes or Chocolate Curls | For garnish | A mix of both offers a fantastic textural contrast. |
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Swaps and Notes
- The Chocolate Base: For an extra-rich drink, I highly recommend using a whole milk or cream-based hot chocolate. You can also use dark chocolate cocoa for a less sweet, deeper flavor.
- The Alcohol:
- Creamier: Replace the chocolate vodka with Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlúa for a luscious, creamy base.
- Stronger Mint: If you love mint, increase the schnapps to ¾ oz, but taste as you go!
- Mocktail Version: To make this family-friendly, replace the chocolate vodka and schnapps with extra chocolate milk and 1 teaspoon of peppermint syrup (like the kind used for coffee).
How to Make Frosty Cocoa Kisses
This is a simple stir-and-serve cocktail, perfect for quick assembly.
Step 1: Prep the Hot Chocolate Warm up your favorite hot chocolate until it is piping hot. This is crucial for melding the flavors and making it truly cozy.
Step 2: Assemble the Drink Pour the warm hot chocolate into your festive mug or glass.
Step 3: Add the Spirits Carefully stir in the 1 oz chocolate vodka or crème de cacao and the ½ oz peppermint schnapps until fully combined.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Top generously with a large swirl of whipped cream. Finish by sprinkling with crushed candy canes or elegant chocolate curls. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and the “frosty” garnish contrasts beautifully with the heat.
🎯 Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: Since hot chocolate is the main ingredient, don’t skimp. A rich, high-quality cocoa mix or homemade European-style drinking chocolate will make a huge difference.
- Mug Matters: Choose a glass mug if possible! Seeing the swirl of the rich cocoa and the white whipped cream adds to the festive visual appeal.
- Chill the Schnapps: While the cocoa is hot, having the peppermint schnapps pre-chilled can provide a wonderful “frosty” temperature contrast when you mix it in.
- Rim the Glass (Optional): For an extra touch, rub the rim of your mug with a lemon wedge and then dip it into a mix of sugar and finely crushed candy canes before pouring in the cocoa.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich cocktail is a dessert in itself, but it pairs beautifully with light, holiday-appropriate treats that complement the mint and chocolate flavor.
- Dessert Pairings:
- For a fun, dippable option, try my recipe for This Brownie Batter Dip is my favorite no-bake dessert for instant chocolate cravings.
- The mint in this drink is a perfect match for a slice of This Grasshopper Pie is my favorite no-bake dessert with a mint chocolate twist.
- If you’re hosting, serve it alongside a platter of These Pecan Pie Bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert—the warmth is a great contrast to the nuttiness.
- Savory Pairings: Serve this after dinner with a small cheeseboard featuring sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, which provide a robust, savory contrast to the sweet, decadent drink.
- Garnish Upgrade: Don’t just use chocolate curls; try grating dark chocolate right over the whipped cream for a flurry effect.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 250–350 (Varies based on hot chocolate type and amount of whipped cream)
- Carbohydrates: 25g–35g
- Fat: 5g–10g
- Protein: 2g–5g
- Alcohol: Approx. 1.25 standard drinks
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
Because this is a hot, single-serving cocktail, it’s best enjoyed immediately.
- Leftover Cocoa: If you scaled the recipe and have leftover spiked hot chocolate, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavor will still be delicious, but the alcohol might become slightly less pronounced after reheating.
- Frozen Variation: If you want to transform leftovers, blend the cooled cocoa with ice for a frozen, boozy milkshake texture!
🎁 More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the sweet, festive indulgence of the Frosty Cocoa Kisses, you’ll adore these other decadent treats:
- These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are my favorite winter treat to share and savor
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are my favorite sweet obsession
🥂 Final Thoughts
The Frosty Cocoa Kisses cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a simple, comforting ritual that captures the magic of the holiday season in one festive mug. It’s warm where it needs to be, cool where it counts, and utterly irresistible all over. It truly brings that cozy, winter-wonderland feeling to life.
Give it a try this year and let me know if it becomes your new favorite holiday tradition!
I’d love to hear your feedback! Did you swap the vodka for Baileys? Did you add extra candy cane garnish? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow @ChefManiac on all social platforms for more easy, impressive recipes!
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