National Cocoa Day lands every year on December 13, and Texans know this is perfect timing for a warm holiday treat. When cool evenings settle across the state, nothing hits the spot like a rich mug of hot chocolate with a little extra kick. This guide walks you through easy mix-in ideas, crowd-friendly recipes, and tips for building a hot chocolate bar that turns any gathering into a cozy celebration. You can stock everything you need at your nearest Zipps Liquor store.
As you get ready for happy National Cocoa Day, keep this guide handy for spirits, toppings, batch recipes, and Texas winter hosting ideas.
The Best Spirits for Spiked Hot Chocolate
Great boozy cocoa starts with great spirits. You can browse the best spirits for hot chocolate on the Zipps Liquor spirits page to find the perfect bottle for your mug.
Here are the most reliable choices for a smooth, warm finish:
Whiskey and Bourbon
These pair well with classic cocoa. Vanilla, caramel, and oak notes blend with chocolate in a way that feels rich and bold. Many Texans pick bourbon when they want something that warms fast and tastes familiar.
Dark or Spiced Rum
Rum brings molasses, baking spice, and a mild sweetness. It works well with dark chocolate and keeps the drink smooth. Rum also makes a great base for large batches because it blends easily.
Brandy
Brandy gives the cocoa a soft fruit-kissed profile. It feels perfect after dinner or as a late-night treat. It lifts the richness without overpowering the chocolate.
Peppermint Schnapps
This is the taste of the holidays in one pour. Peppermint schnapps turns basic cocoa into a crowd favorite.
Coffee Liqueur or Irish Cream
These bring a creamy, dessert-like touch. They also work well for people who want something lighter and sweeter.
You can also check the holiday liquor picks section on the site for seasonal bottles and festive flavors.
5 Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipes (Single Serve and Batch)
Below are five easy recipes with clear steps to help you celebrate National Cocoa Day in true Texas style. Each one includes single-serve measurements and a simple batch method if you are hosting a group.
1. Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate
Single Serve Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa mix or melted dark chocolate
- 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint for garnish
Steps
Heat your milk in a saucepan until warm. Stir in the cocoa until smooth. Add peppermint schnapps. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
Batch Tip
Prepare 8 to 12 servings of cocoa base in a slow cooker on low. Leave the schnapps as a pour in option so guests can control strength.
2. Bourbon Maple Hot Chocolate
Single Serve Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa mix
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Cinnamon stick
Steps
Warm the milk and cocoa. Stir in bourbon and maple syrup. Add the cinnamon stick to serve.
Batch Tip
Mix the cocoa base in the slow cooker and set out the bourbon for guests to add per cup. This keeps the drink consistent and safe for mixed age gatherings.
3. Mexican Style Cocoa with Añejo Rum
Single Serve Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 ounce añejo rum
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of chili powder
- Splash of vanilla
Steps
Heat milk and cocoa. Add cinnamon, chili, and vanilla. Stir in the rum. Serve with a cinnamon stick.
Batch Tip
Combine milk, cocoa, and spices in the slow cooker. Add rum only as guests serve themselves.
4. Irish Cream Mocha Cocoa
Single Serve Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 ounce Irish cream
- 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
Steps
Warm the milk and cocoa. Stir in espresso powder, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur. Top with whipped cream for a dessert-like finish.
5. Orange Brandy Hot Chocolate
Single Serve Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 ounce brandy
- Grated orange zest
- Optional splash of orange liqueur
Steps
Warm the milk and cocoa. Add brandy and orange zest. Serve with a twist of orange peel.
Boozy hot chocolate on National Cocoa Day combines simple cocoa bases with whiskey, rum, brandy, or peppermint schnapps for a warm Texas style treat. Mix single serve drinks in minutes or prepare large batches in a slow cooker for easy hosting. Add toppings like whipped cream, crushed peppermint, and chocolate shavings to create a festive cocoa bar.
Build Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar
A hot chocolate bar is one of the easiest holiday setups you can create. It works for family visits, office gatherings, neighborhood nights, and porch hangouts.
Base Options
- Whole milk
- Oat milk
- Dark chocolate cocoa
- Classic cocoa mix
- White chocolate mix
Spike Station
Set out labeled bottles of:
- Bourbon
- Spiced rum
- Dark rum
- Brandy
- Irish cream
- Coffee liqueur
- Peppermint schnapps
If you want to compare bottles or find new options, you can check the best spirits for hot chocolate again or even the holiday liquor picks page for seasonal flavors.
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Candy canes
- Crushed peppermint
- Shaved chocolate
- Toffee bits
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange zest
If your guest list is large, consider the hot chocolate party drink calculator to help plan the right amount of ingredients.
Hot Cocoa Bar Checklist
This list works for indoor and outdoor setups and is simple enough to print for shopping.
Bases
Milk, oat milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Spirits
Bourbon, spiced rum, dark rum, brandy, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
Toppings and Spices
Whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt flakes, and orange zest.
Serveware
Mugs, stir sticks, napkins, ladle, small labels, slow cooker or hot beverage urn, insulated carafe.
Safety and Flow
Keep a kid-friendly cocoa base separate. Set up an adult-only spike area. Use a simple sign to remind guests to drink responsibly.
If you need larger quantities of cups, toppings, or spirits, you can buy in bulk through Zipps Liquor wholesale services.
Batching, Transport, and Hosting Tips
Batching Formula
Plan for 6 to 8 ounces of cocoa per guest. Add 1 to 1.5 ounces of spirits per adult serving. Keeping all alcohol as a pour-in option helps you control flavor and strength.
Slow Cooker Method
Warm the milk and cocoa in your slow cooker on low. Set the cooker to keep warm once guests arrive. Leave spirits at the spike station.
Traffic Flow
Place toppings first, spike station second, and lids or sleeves last. This helps keep lines moving and prevents spills.
Leftovers
Cool the cocoa base quickly and store it in the fridge. Keep alcohol separate for the next use. Reheat the cocoa base slowly on the stove or in a slow cooker.
FAQs About National Cocoa Day and Spiked Cocoa
What is National Cocoa Day, and when is it?
National Cocoa Day is celebrated every year on December 13. Many Texans use it as an excuse to enjoy a cozy drink with friends and family.
What liquor goes best with hot chocolate?
Whiskey, rum, brandy, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps all blend well with cocoa. Bourbon works for a warm, classic taste. Peppermint schnapps works for a holiday twist.
How do I make boozy hot chocolate for a crowd?
Make a large cocoa base in a slow cooker and keep spirits on the side. Guests can add their own pour.
What toppings are best for a cocoa bar?
Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest.
Can I order spirits and mixers online in Texas?
Yes. You can check your nearest Zipps Liquor store location to see pickup and delivery options. Large parties can also use Zipps wholesale services.
Get Your National Cocoa Day Spirits and Cocoa Bar Supplies at Zipps Liquor
National Cocoa Day gives you the perfect reason to gather with friends, warm up a mug, and enjoy the flavors of the season. With these recipes and a simple setup, you can build a hot chocolate bar that fits any Texas home, patio, or party space.
If you are gathering supplies, you can browse spirits, plan with the drink calculator, or check your nearest Zipps Liquor store location for pickup or delivery. Contact Zipps Liquor or stop by a store near you to stock up for December 13.
