- 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.
Crème de Menthe Hot Chocolate
A rich, creamy hot chocolate infused with cool crème de menthe, delivering deep chocolate flavor with a smooth minty finish—cozy, indulgent, and perfect for a festive or after-dinner treat.
Servings 2 mugs
Calories 460kcal
Cost $8 for entire recipe
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
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)