French toast meets hot chocolate in this indulgent drink made with hazelnut cocoa, warm spices, French toast syrup, and a splash of bourbon cream liqueur.
This boozy hot chocolate is perfect for chilly nights or holiday sipping.
This rich and cozy hot chocolate is the perfect drink to sip while watching Almost Christmas during the holiday season.
Boozy French Toast Hot Chocolate
We were inspired to create this boozy hot chocolate based on the movie Almost Christmas.
Watching the family drama play out in this fun holiday movie, full of actors and actresses who are well-known, will make you want to drink something with bourbon right along with them.
Its indulgent flavors and subtle warmth from the bourbon cream liqueur make it an ideal treat for a festive movie night.
It’s also a delicious, rich hot chocolate to enjoy during the cold months.
We recently tried some popular, viral French Hot Chocolate recipes, but found them too thick.
If you’re thinking the same, then you’ll love our French Toast Hot Chocolate. It’s the right balance of thick, but not soup thick.
What You Will Need:
Hazelnut hot chocolate mix. This brings a warm, nutty depth that instantly sets this drink apart from basic hot cocoa, giving it a deeper flavor and hot chocolate vibes.
French toast syrup. Sweet, buttery, and lightly spiced, this is where the “French toast” magic really shows up. If you don’t have French Toast syrup, you can use maple syrup.
Light brown sugar. Adds a molasses sweetness that rounds everything out without overpowering the chocolate.
Unsalted butter. A small amount goes a long way here, giving the hot chocolate that rich, French-toast-style finish that makes it taste indulgent and intentional.
It adds richness and gives the drink that unmistakable French toast finish.
Go for good butter if you can (Kerrygold or Land O Lakes works).
Ground nutmeg. Warm and aromatic, nutmeg adds subtle spice and depth.
Ground cinnamon. Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and brings familiar breakfast-comfort flavors into every sip.
Bourbon cream liqueur. Creamy with a hint of vanilla and bourbon warmth, this transforms your hot chocolate into a boozy treat.
Milk. Whole milk creates a luxuriously creamy texture, but any milk you love will work just fine.
Whipped cream. Shaved chocolate. To top off this delicious, rich hot chocolate, add a little whipped cream and shaved chocolate, and you’ll take this hot cup to another level.
How To Make French Toast Hot Chocolate
1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup prepared hazelnut hot chocolate (or 1 serving of your favorite hazelnut hot chocolate mix)
- 1-2 tbsp French toast syrup (you can also use maple syrup if you don’t have the French Toast syrup)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (or substitute with cinnamon or cardamom)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1-1 1/2 ounces bourbon cream liqueur
- 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk (we are using whole milk)
Directions:
- Add 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- When the milk begins to steam, whisk in the prepared hazelnut hot chocolate (or hazelnut hot chocolate mix), 1-2 tablespoons of French toast syrup, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter and 1-1 1/2 ounces of bourbon cream liqueur.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a serving glass.
- Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.
Non-Alcoholic Version:
To make our French Toast Hot Chocolate recipe non-alcoholic, omit the bourbon cream liqueur.
Add 1-2 tablespoons to give a creamy texture similar to bourbon cream liqueur.
You will also want to add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle, warm flavor boost.
Where To Find Hazelnut Chocolate?
If you don’t have hazelnut chocolate available (we’re using the Hotel Chocolat brand), you can make your hazelnut chocolate mix or purchase it here.
Where Can I Find French Toast Syrup?
You can order French toast syrup online. You can also find it at stores like World Market and HomeGoods.
If you don’t have or can’t find the French Toast syrup, you can use maple syrup.
DIY Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Options:
Regular Hot Chocolate + Hazelnut Flavoring:
Use 1 cup of your favorite regular hot chocolate (prepared or from a mix).
Add 1-2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup (like Torani or Monin) for the hazelnut flavor.
Nutella Hot Chocolate:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella to 1 cup of hot milk or regular hot chocolate. Whisk until entirely melted and combined for a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
Hazelnut Coffee Creamer:
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of hazelnut coffee creamer to your regular hot chocolate to add a subtle hazelnut twist.
Can I make this into a batch drink?
Yes, you’ll want to scale up the ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make it on the stovetop, let it cool, and gently reheat it when ready to serve. Just whisk before pouring.
Now that you have the recipe, grab your ingredients and make this French Toast hot chocolate the next time you’re in the mood for hot cocoa.
More Recipes:
Bourbon Eggnog With White Chocolate
Peaches and Cream Cheese French Toast {can be made overnight}
French Toast Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared hazelnut hot chocolate or 1 serving of your favorite hazelnut hot chocolate mix
- 1-2 tbsp French toast syrup you can also use maple syrup if you don't have the French Toast syrup
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or substitute with cinnamon or cardamom
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1-1 1/2 ounces bourbon cream liqueur
- 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk we are using whole milk
Instructions
- Add 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- When the milk begins to steam, whisk in the prepared hazelnut hot chocolate (or hazelnut hot chocolate mix), 1-2 tablespoons of French toast syrup, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter and 1-1 1/2 ounces of bourbon cream liqueur.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a serving glass.
- Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.
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