'Tis the season for festive gatherings, warm drinks, and holiday cheer! And what better way to get everyone in the spirit than with some seriously delicious adult holiday drinks? Whether you're hosting a cozy night with friends or the biggest holiday bash of the year, these crowd-pleasers are bound to be the hit of the season. Today, we're sharing a rich, spiked hot chocolate recipe and a one-of-a-kind eggnog that will make everyone go “Wow!”—including you. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in some fun holiday trivia to keep things merry!
Spiked Mexican Sipping Hot Chocolate
This Mexican sipping chocolate is not your average hot chocolate. It’s thicker, richer, and full of authentic flavors like cinnamon and a touch of chili. Add a splash of tequila or mezcal, and you have a decadent holiday treat that will transport you straight to a cozy night in Mexico City!
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 oz high-quality Mexican chocolate, chopped (or use dark chocolate if you can’t find Mexican chocolate)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1-2 ounces tequila or mezcal (optional but highly recommended for an authentic twist)
Whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish
Directions
Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Stir occasionally, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Add Chocolate & Cocoa: Add the chopped Mexican chocolate and cocoa powder, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Spice It Up: Add cinnamon and a small pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust the cayenne to your spice preference) and stir well.
Add Tequila or Mezcal: Remove from heat and stir in your choice of tequila or mezcal for a smoky depth that complements the spices beautifully.
Serve & Garnish: Pour into small mugs or cups, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for extra warmth.
This luxurious drink is meant to be sipped slowly—perfect for cozying up by the fire or adding a special touch to your holiday gatherings. 🎄🍫
Why Do We Drink Hot Chocolate in Winter?
Did you know that hot chocolate dates back to 500 BC with the Mayans, who enjoyed it cold and bitter? Europeans introduced sugar and heat to create the hot chocolate we know and love today. And here’s a tip: adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of peppermint can be a lovely nod to that ancient tradition.
The History of Mexican Hot Chocolate
Chocolate has a long history in Mexico, dating back to the Aztec and Maya civilizations. The Aztecs drank chocolate as a frothy, spiced beverage called xocolatl, often flavored with chili and cinnamon. They believed it was a drink of the gods—and after one sip of this rich, spiked hot chocolate, you’ll see why!
Spiked Ice Cream Eggnog Cocktail
Eggnog meets ice cream in this ultra-creamy, festive cocktail. By blending ice cream and eggnog, you get a rich, custardy drink that’s just as delicious as it is fun to sip. This recipe is a win-win for eggnog lovers and ice cream fans alike—perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 scoops cinnamon ice cream (my personal recipe below)
1 ounce bourbon, rum, or brandy per serving
Whipped cream and additional cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish
Directions
Make the Eggnog Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is thick and pale.
Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
Combine and Temper: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, a bit at a time, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid scrambling.
Blend with Ice Cream and Alcohol: Once the mixture is combined, pour it into a blender with a scoop or two of ice cream and your choice of bourbon, rum, or brandy. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve & Garnish: Pour into glasses, add a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Where Did Eggnog Come From?
Eggnog’s roots trace back to medieval England, where monks drank “posset,” a warm ale punch mixed with eggs and figs. The holiday tradition caught on in the U.S. in the 1700s, and George Washington himself was a fan—he even had his own eggnog recipe with three types of liquor!
Extra Fun Fact: Eggnog is Basically an Ice Cream Base!
If you’ve ever made custard-style ice cream, you might recognize that eggnog is very similar to the base used for homemade ice cream. In fact, eggnog’s blend of milk, cream, and egg yolks makes it a close cousin to ice cream custard! If you’re interested in whipping up your own ice cream at home, check out our blog on making ice cream with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for some inspiration.
This spiked eggnog cocktail is like a drinkable dessert, ideal for sharing with friends and family this holiday season. Cheers to a cozy and festive season! 🥂
Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Holiday Party
Set the Scene: Light some holiday-scented candles (think cinnamon or pine), add some cozy blankets, and put on a festive playlist. A warm, inviting atmosphere makes the drinks taste even better.
Use Festive Mugs and Glassware: Presentation matters! Holiday mugs for the hot chocolate and glasses rimmed with a little sugar for the eggnog go a long way.
Make a Hot Chocolate Bar: If you’re hosting a big party, set up a hot chocolate bar with all the toppings—whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and a selection of liqueurs so guests can customize their drink.
Some Holiday Cheer!
The holidays are all about bringing people together, and what better way to do that than with some deliciously festive drinks? Whether you're savoring a cup of spiked hot chocolate or treating yourself to a special eggnog, these recipes are guaranteed to add a bit of magic to your celebrations. So gather your loved ones, cozy up, and raise a glass to a season filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious drinks. Cheers! 🥂
Need A Gift For A Cocoa Lover?
This sampler is the pefect party pleaser, something for everyone. Maybe you're on the fence with hot chocolate drinks, no biggie, try all 12!
Don't Forget to Save These Recipes!
Add these recipes to your holiday favorites, and share them with friends who might need a little help with their holiday hosting. Here’s to making this holiday season the most memorable yet!
BONUS: My Personal Cinnamon Ice Cream in KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
2 large egg yolks
1 cup whole milk
1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Directions
Whisk the Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and brown sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve. This will help make the ice cream smooth and creamy.
Add Milk, Cream, and Flavorings: Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed.
Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Ensure your KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment bowl has been frozen for at least 15 hours (or per your manual’s instructions) before using.
Churn the Ice Cream: Set up your KitchenAid with the ice cream maker attachment. Pour the chilled mixture into the frozen bowl, and churn on the “stir” speed (speed 1) for 15-20 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze for Firmer Texture: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours for a firmer texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls or cones, and savor the rich, cinnamon-infused flavor!
A Little Extra Cheer:
Extra Spice: If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, try adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
Garnish Ideas: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or even a few crushed gingerbread cookies for a holiday twist.
Enjoy this easy, no-cook cinnamon ice cream—perfectly smooth and creamy, thanks to the KitchenAid ice cream maker!
Happy Holidays!