When the holiday season hits its peak and the nights get truly chilly, there is nothing quite like a steaming mug of something sweet to warm your soul. This Eggnog Hot Chocolate is my absolute favorite way to “deck the halls” in liquid form.
If you’ve ever found eggnog a bit too heavy on its own, or felt like your standard hot chocolate was missing that “holiday spice,” this is the recipe for you. By simmering rich eggnog with high-quality chocolate, we create a drink that is incredibly creamy, subtly spiced with nutmeg, and deeply chocolatey. It’s like a hug in a mug that tastes exactly like a cozy Christmas Eve by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Ultimate Mashup: It combines the creamy, spiced profile of eggnog with the comforting richness of hot cocoa.
- Thick & Luxurious: The natural thickness of eggnog makes for a hot chocolate that feels like a decadent dessert.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes on the stovetop.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with a splash of bourbon or rum for the adults, or extra marshmallows for the kids!
Recipe Card Info
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty: Super Easy
Ingredients
- 2 cups high-quality eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (to balance the richness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or 3 oz of chopped semi-sweet chocolate)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground nutmeg (extra for garnish)
- Toppings: Fresh whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and chocolate shavings.
Instructions
- Combine: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the eggnog, milk, and cocoa powder.
- Heat Gently: Heat the mixture slowly, whisking frequently to break up any cocoa clumps. Crucial: Do not let the mixture boil! Boiling can cause the eggnog to curdle or separate.
- Flavor: Once the liquid is hot and steaming, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Froth (Optional): If you want a bit of foam, use a handheld milk frother for 30 seconds until the top is bubbly.
- Garnish: Pour into your favorite mugs. Top generously with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Tip 1 (Low Heat is Key): Eggnog contains eggs and sugar that can scorch or “cook” if the heat is too high. Keep it at a gentle simmer to maintain that silky texture.
- Tip 2 (The Chocolate Choice): If you want an even richer drink, use chopped dark chocolate bars instead of cocoa powder. It adds a beautiful gloss and a deeper cocoa punch.
- Tip 3 (Boozy Twist): For a “Grown-Up” version, stir in 1 oz of dark rum, brandy, or bourbon per mug just before serving.
Encouraging Conclusion
This Eggnog Hot Chocolate has become a Christmas morning staple in my house. It’s rich, festive, and feels so much more special than a standard packet of cocoa.
