15-Minute Boozy Bailey's White Hot Chocolate
Rich and creamy white hot chocolate infused with real Madagascar vanilla bean and spiked with Bailey's Irish Cream. The silky white chocolate base creates a luxurious backdrop for the warm vanilla notes, while fresh whipped cream adds an indulgent finish. Perfect for cozy winter evenings, holiday entertaining, or when you want to transform a simple hot chocolate into an adult treat that feels like a warm hug in a mug.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 inch Madagascar vanilla bean
- 1 cup Bailey's Original Irish Creamrum or bourbon1:1alcohol
adds warmth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 splash vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- unsweetened cocoa powder, for sprinkling(optional)
- white chocolate shavings, for garnish(optional)
- sea salt, pinch for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place whole milk in a saucepan and warm over medium heat
- 2
Add white chocolate chips and whisk, keeping heat medium-low to simmer without bubbling over
- 3
Slice open vanilla bean and peel back to expose the inside
- 4
Scrape the inside of the pod out with a knife and add to the saucepan
- 5
Continue whisking until everything is combined and smooth
- 6
While chips are melting, add heavy whipping cream to an electric mixer and whip until almost completely firm
- 7
Add agave and vanilla extract to cream and continue whipping until firm peaks form
- 8
Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in Bailey's
- 9
Pour into individual glasses and top with homemade whipped cream
- 10
Sprinkle whipped cream with unsweetened cocoa powder, white chocolate shavings, and sea salt
Tips
Keep heat at medium-low when melting white chocolate to prevent seizing or burning, which can make the mixture grainy
Scrape vanilla bean seeds thoroughly with the back of a knife to extract maximum flavor and those coveted black specks
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days, reheat gently on stovetop
Make base without Bailey's up to 1 day ahead, add alcohol when reheating
Serve immediately while hot in warmed mugs
Common Mistakes
Use medium-low heat to avoid scorching the white chocolate
Add Bailey's off heat to prevent curdling from high temperature
Substitutions
adds warmth
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the Bailey's and add an extra splash of vanilla extract or use vanilla syrup for similar flavor depth.
What if my white chocolate seizes while melting?
Add a tablespoon of warm milk and whisk vigorously. If it doesn't smooth out, strain the mixture to remove lumps.
How long will leftover hot chocolate keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, whisking frequently to prevent separation.