Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate

Section: Impressive Recipes for Celebrations and Gatherings

This warm drink blends rich chocolate, cream, and smoky ancho chili powder cooked slowly in a crockpot. Kahlua adds a spirited touch, balanced by sweet marshmallows and syrup toppings. Perfect for cozy winter nights or festive gatherings, it’s easy to prepare in large batches. Stir the liquor in last for a custom strength, then serve garnished for a comforting indulgence that warms both body and soul.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:44:18 GMT
Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. Bookmark
Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. | foodbymary.com

Cozy up to the fire this winter with a nice, warm mug of hot chocolate made in the crockpot with chocolate, sweetened cocoa, cream and kahlua, with a touch of ancho to help warm your bones, topped with marshmallows and chocolate syrup.

Party Patty here with your December Thirsty Thirteenth. Ahhhhh, December. With this time of year a lot of changes are happening.

It’s getting colder, the holiday parties and shopping are in full swing, and with all of that, it’s time for some comforting warm food and drinks to relax and enjoy with friends.

Around here we do a monthly girl’s night. The December party is always the biggest because people are excited about the holidays and we plan something fun.

This year we decorated wine glasses with Santa sliding down the chimney or snowmen or whatever people decided to paint. I made a palm tree glass, because I love to think about the warm tropical weather.

And for this party, which I was hosting, I needed a fun cocktail. For the ladies I decided to go with a peppermint hot chocolate that I thought was perfectly festive for the holidays.

But for all of you chileheads out there, I made a variation that is more my speed. I NEED spice. So, Mexican hot chocolate it is. Most recipes for Mexican hot chocolate list chili powder as one of the ingredients.

Well, what kind of chili powder? You and me both know there are many many kinds. I decided to go with ancho to get a pleasant smoky flavor, and cinnamon rounds out the chocolate milk.

I also decided to use Kahlua for the liquor because, well, I just love it and it goes so well with Mexican flavors.

Making this in the slow cooker is super easy and you can make a big batch for a party in a snap.

Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate Ingredients

  • Milk
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Heavy Cream
  • Good Quality Sweetened Chocolate
  • Cocoa
  • Ancho Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Kahlua
  • Marshmallows
  • Chocolate Syrup

How to Make This Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate

Start:
Add all ingredients except the liquor to a slow cooker. Use low for small batches or high for larger crockpots.
Cook:
Cook for 2 hours stirring every 30 minutes.
Add liquor:
Stir Kahlua in just before serving to allow taste adjustment.
Serve:
Garnish with marshmallows and chocolate syrup.
Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. Bookmark
Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. | foodbymary.com

Whether you are just curling up on your couch with a movie, or celebrating with friends, the marshmallows will make you feel like a kid again and enjoy the snow that much more.

Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. Bookmark
Two glasses of spiked Mexican hot chocolate. | foodbymary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives this hot chocolate its smoky flavor?

The ancho chili powder provides a pleasant smoky and mildly spicy note that complements the chocolate beautifully.

→ Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the Kahlua and enjoy the rich chocolate and spice flavors on their own.

→ How long should I cook it in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, or on high for faster results depending on your crockpot size.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ What toppings work best?

Mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup add a festive and cozy finishing touch.

Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate

Slow cooker hot chocolate infused with smoky ancho, cream, Kahlua, and topped with marshmallows.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
120 minutes
Overall Time
130 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Special Occasions

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Serves: 6 Serving Size (6 servings)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Liquids & Dairy

Ingredient 01 2 cups whole milk
Ingredient 02 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Ingredient 03 1 cup heavy cream
Ingredient 04 0.5 cup Kahlua liqueur

→ Chocolate & Spices

Ingredient 05 1 cup sweetened chocolate, chopped
Ingredient 06 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
Ingredient 08 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Toppings

Ingredient 09 Mini marshmallows, for garnish
Ingredient 10 Chocolate syrup, for drizzle

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Add milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, ancho chili powder, and cinnamon to a slow cooker.

Step 02

Cook on low for 2 hours in a small slow cooker, stirring every 30 minutes; use high for large batches if necessary.

Step 03

Just before serving, stir Kahlua into the hot chocolate for desired strength.

Step 04

Pour into mugs, then garnish with mini marshmallows and drizzle chocolate syrup on top.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  2. Adjust ancho chili powder amount to taste for milder or spicier warmth.
  3. Adding Kahlua last allows guests to customize their drink's strength.

Must-Have Tools

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stirring spoon

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and alcohol

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 320
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbs: 30.5 grams
  • Proteins: 5.5 grams