If you love chocolate-mint treats, this crème de menthe hot chocolate is about to become your new favorite cozy drink. It’s luxuriously creamy, gently minty, and topped with a cloud of whipped cream for an indulgent café-style experience you can make right at home. Perfect for cold nights, holiday sipping, or when you want a dessert that feels a little extra special.
Crème de Menthe Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- heat-safe spatula
- mugs
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or half milk + half cream for extra richness
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz dark chocolate finely chopped (60–70% cacao)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 –3 tbsp green crème de menthe to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Mini chocolate chips
- Fresh mint leaf
Instructions
Heat the base
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth and steaming (don’t boil).
Melt the chocolate
- Add chopped dark chocolate and whisk constantly until fully melted and glossy.
Flavor it
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and crème de menthe. Start with 2 tbsp, taste, then add more if you want extra minty magic.
Serve immediately
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- Chocolate choice matters: Use good-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cacao) for the best balance against the sweetness of crème de menthe. Milk chocolate will make it noticeably sweeter.
- Mint strength: Crème de menthe varies by brand—start with less and add more to taste. It’s easier to boost mint than to fix overpowering mint.
- Do not boil: Keep the heat gentle. Boiling can scorch the milk and make the texture grainy.
- Alcohol adjustment: For a lighter drink, reduce crème de menthe to 1½ tablespoons per mug. For a stronger after-dinner version, increase slightly.
- Make it non-alcoholic: Swap crème de menthe for peppermint syrup or a few drops of peppermint extract plus extra sugar.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 24 hours and gently reheated on the stove while whisking.
- Serving tip: Warm mugs beforehand to keep the hot chocolate creamy and hot longer.
Flavor Variations
- Extra-Minty: Add ⅛ tsp peppermint extract (careful—it’s strong!)
- White Chocolate Mint: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate + reduce sugar
- Frozen-Style: Chill and blend with ice for a boozy mint chocolate frappe
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace crème de menthe with peppermint syrup + green food coloring (optional)
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stove while whisking before adding the crème de menthe.
What type of crème de menthe should I use?
Either green or clear crème de menthe works. Green adds a fun minty color, while clear keeps the drink a classic chocolate shade.
Is this drink very alcoholic?
No, it’s lightly boozy. The alcohol flavor is subtle and mainly enhances the mint. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk and dairy-free chocolate. The texture will still be rich and smooth.
How can I make it thicker like café-style hot chocolate?
Whisk in an extra ounce of melted chocolate or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold milk before heating.
Is this suitable for kids?
The alcoholic version is not. For a kid-friendly option, replace the crème de menthe with peppermint syrup or omit it entirely.
Cozy Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try Next
Warm up with more indulgent sips from Sugar Cloud Baking:
- ☕️ Pistachio Cream Hot Chocolate – nutty, creamy bliss in every mug
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/09/pistachio-cream-hot-chocolate/ - 🍬 White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha – sweet and minty holiday flavor
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2025/11/20/white-chocolate-peppermint-mocha-recipe/ - 🍌 Caramelized Banana Hot Chocolate – rich banana meets chocolate warmth
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2025/12/07/caramelized-banana-hot-chocolate/ - 🍦 Creamy Banana Cream Pie Milkshake (Pie in a Glass) – dessert meets dreamy drink
https://sugarcloudbaking.com/2026/01/22/creamy-banana-cream-pie-milkshake-pie-in-a-glass/
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