Boozy Hot Chocolate

When the weather’s cold and you need a warming pick-me-up, nothing beats a good hot chocolate. Except, of course, a Boozy Hot Chocolate. Adding a dose of liquor to your mug creates a rich, satisfying cocktail that’s perfect for enjoying after a long day on the ski slopes or as a decadent after-dinner treat.

The drink combines semisweet chocolate, milk, marshmallows and the spirit of your choice and is easy to make, even if you don’t know a shaker from a strainer (with this recipe, you require neither.)

The best thing about the Boozy Hot Chocolate is that it’s endlessly customizable. It’s a real winner at parties, where you can lay out various ingredients and let your guests choose their own adventure. Different chocolates will produce different tasting drinks; just be sure to choose a chocolate that will melt smoothly in your mug. The milk is also up to you—choose whole milk for a richer drink, and lower-fat milk for a lighter beverage. Those same principles apply to the spirits, too.

If you want to spike yours with whiskey, go for it. If someone would rather use rum, no problem: Break out the rum. And if another person prefers añejo tequila or brandy, great, both spirits make a fine drink. There are no rules here, but aged spirits tend to work best. Neutral vodka, biting London dry gin or grassy agricole rhums can disrupt the rich blend of chocolate and milk.

The Boozy Hot Chocolate is simple to construct and it goes down easy, no matter the route you go. And you don’t need to wait for a party to enjoy one. If the craving strikes for something sweet and spiked, build yourself a tasty fireside nightcap before settling into your favorite chair. You deserve it.