Christmas Cocktails Baileys | Drunken Snowman
Cuddled Up With a Drunken Snowman (and Yes, It’s as Fun as It Sounds)
Okay, picture this—it’s snowing (or, if you’re like me, hailing with a vengeance), the lights are twinkling, the dog’s nicked half the tree, and you’re dying for something that’s more exciting than your uncle’s eggnog. That’s where my Drunken Snowman cocktail comes in! Actually, the first time I made this was a total accident—I was out of cocoa, had maybe a thimbleful of Baileys left (should’ve checked before the shops closed, classic me), and thought, “Well, it can’t go THAT wrong.” Spoiler: it didn’t! In fact, I think the Baileys works pure magic in this—it’s become a Christmas Eve tradition, even if, on one year, my brother managed to knock his all over the dog.
Why This Won’t Last Five Minutes in Your House
I whip this up when people need warming up (and quieting down, honestly; there’s something about a thick, boozy drink that gets everyone calm). My family threatens to riot if I skip it. Kids get hot cocoa, adults get the Drunken Snowman, and everyone’s happy. I used to burn the first batch because I’d get distracted by a Christmas movie (y’know, the one with the train and the bell? The name escapes me every year). Anyway—now I just make sure to hover nearby. Totally worth it, even if my jeans disagree post-holidays.
What You’ll Need (But Don’t Stress!)
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk, almond’s alright, oat’s not terrible—skim feels like a waste though)
- 60ml Baileys Irish Cream (roughly two shot glasses, or a chug—kidding, kinda)
- 1 tablespoon good-quality hot chocolate powder (my gran never trusted anything but Cadbury, but honestly, whatever’s in the cupboard is fine)
- Whipped cream, for topping (Aerosol is lazy and grand; but if you want to whip your own, go to town)
- Handful mini marshmallows (optional, but come on… you want them)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (sometimes I just use a crumbled up Flake or, in a real pinch, those pancake sprinkles meant for the kids)
How I Throw This Together (Sometimes Literally)
- Warm the milk—Dump it into a saucepan and heat on medium. Don’t let it boil; it gets weird. This is the bit I always almost ruin, thinking I can sneak off and wrap a gift.
- Mix in the chocolate powder. Whisk like mad. No, really, clumps are the enemy, and my cousin told me once that lumps are the mark of a distracted cook. He’s not wrong.
- Take it off the heat before it simmers over (or before your phone pings and you forget). Here’s where I usually steal a tiny spoonful—don’t tell anyone.
- Pour in the Baileys. Stir gently. If you’re feeling fancy, use a wooden spoon. If not, a fork works; I’ve done it with a chopstick, too (don’t judge).
- Pour the boozy cocoa into your favourite mug. Or the snowman mug your niece gave you. Anything, really.
- Top with whipped cream, pile the marshmallows so high you can’t see what’s underneath, rain down chocolate shavings. Try not to eat all the toppings before serving. Cannot emphasize this enough.
- That’s it, seriously. Sip (carefully, learned that the hard way—lip burn), and brace yourself for the warm fuzzies.
Notes from Too Many Christmases of Testing
- If you accidentally boil the milk, don’t panic—it won’t taste lovely, but a dollop more Baileys hides a multitude of sins. Trust me.
- Marshmallows—if they sink, I just lob more on top. Problem solved.
- I’ve tried this with chocolate milk instead of hot chocolate powder, and, well, it was fine—just sweeter than I expected. Not a disaster, but go easy!
When I Felt Like Tinkering (Variations I’ve Attempted)
- I added a splash of peppermint schnapps once. Oddly refreshing… but only try if you’re keen on mint (one friend said it was like drinking a boozy After Eight; not wrong).
- Tried coconut milk—kind of tropical, kind of weird with Baileys? Maybe not my best idea, but if you’re avoiding dairy it’ll do.
- Bourbon instead of Baileys: Not a Drunken Snowman anymore, just “drunk.” Ha! Wouldn’t recommend, but hey, experiment at your own risk.
Do I Really Need Special Gear?
You should use a small saucepan, but once, at a mate’s, I microwaved the milk in a measuring jug. Not my finest moment—got milk everywhere, but it worked (mostly). A whisk is handy, though a fork will do in a pinch. Mug, obviously. I once tried it in a wine glass for photos, but it felt a bit daft, honestly.
How Does This Keep?
Leftovers? In this house? Don’t make me laugh. But if you do have any left, fridge it and warm gently later. Tastes stronger to me the next day, though maybe that’s just me trying to convince myself not to have a second mug.
If You Want to Serve It Like I Do…
Set out a toppings bar! My youngest cousin loves to build his, ungodly mound of marshmallows and all. I like to serve with a Christmas cookie (try these beauties) and always, always in a festive mug. No snowman-shaped ones left? Doesn’t matter. It still tastes like Christmas.
Lessons Only the Brave Learn (and Now You Know!)
- I once dumped the Baileys in while the milk was still bubbling and curdled it—don’t. Let it cool a touch first. Maybe count to twenty? Or just wander off for a few seconds.
- Don’t be stingy with the hot chocolate powder. I tried to cut corners, but it turned out bland. Life’s short, use a proper scoop.
- Actually, I find it works better if you pile on the toppings and then let it sit a minute—cream melts, marshmallows go gooey. Heavenly.
Burning Questions I’ve Actually Been Asked
- Can I make this without Baileys?—You sure can, but then you’ve just got fancy hot chocolate. It’s still nice, just not as much fun.
- Is this very strong?—Not really, unless you get heavy handed (no judgment, I do it too sometimes). For something lighter, cut the Baileys in half.
- Can I use a slow cooker to make this for a crowd?—Oh totally. Stick everything (except the Baileys) in the cooker, keep it on low. Add the Baileys once it’s off the heat. If you’re after some ideas, BBC Good Food’s easy Christmas cocktails are worth a look too.
- Will this keep well?—Technically, yeah, in the fridge for a day or two. But to be honest, I think it thickens weird overnight. Not undrinkable, but not its finest hour either.
- Can I serve to kids?—Absolutely not (unless you want a wild party). Just make a plain hot choc for them, no Baileys!
So there you have it—my slightly chaotic, cream-laden, boozy cocoa that makes the holidays extra merry. Hope your snowman stands up longer than mine (metaphorically and literally; mine always looks a bit sad by the time I’m done with toppings!).
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot chocolate
- 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- 1 tablespoon festive sprinkles
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Prepare hot chocolate and pour 1 cup each into two large mugs.
-
2Stir 1/4 cup of Baileys Irish Cream into each mug of hot chocolate.
-
3Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream to each mug.
-
4Top each drink with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and sprinkle festive sprinkles.
-
5Optionally, dust with ground cinnamon and garnish with a maraschino cherry before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
