Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cocktail Recipe

When the weather turns cold, I start craving something warm, cozy, and honestly, just a bit indulgent. If you’re in the mood for a sweet spin on classic hot chocolate, my salted caramel hot chocolate cocktail is the answer—it’s got smooth chocolate, creamy caramel, a touch of salt, and, well, a grown-up twist.

It’s the kind of drink you want to curl up with at the end of a long day. Or, honestly, it’s perfect for sharing with friends on a chilly night—everyone seems to love it.

I like this cocktail because it’s easy to whip up at home and calls for ingredients you probably already have. The salty-sweet combo is just so good, and every sip feels a little special.

Whether you’re hosting a few people or just hanging out solo, this drink never fails to impress.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cocktail Recipe

I find myself making this creamy, sweet drink whenever the temperature drops or when I just want a treat. With caramel vodka and a rich chocolate base, it’s a match made in heaven—especially once you add whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mugs or heatproof glasses
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Small spoon (for drizzling caramel sauce)
• Spoon or milk frother (for stirring and frothing)
• Optional: piping bag for whipped cream

Having these tools ready makes things go a lot smoother, trust me. Melting chocolate in the microwave is a quick trick I use all the time.

I always reach for a whisk to blend the hot chocolate—nobody likes a lumpy drink.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 ounces caramel vodka
• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Pinch sea salt
• Marshmallows (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional topping)

Every ingredient adds something. Dark chocolate brings richness, heavy cream makes it extra creamy, and caramel vodka gives it that sweet, boozy note.

Sometimes I throw in marshmallows or sprinkles—why not?

Instructions

• Pour milk and heavy cream into a saucepan. Warm over medium heat—don’t let it boil.
• Add dark chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and smooth.
• Stir in the salted caramel sauce.
• Take it off the heat. Whisk in the caramel vodka.
• Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
• Top with whipped cream, drizzle on caramel sauce, and add a pinch of sea salt.
• If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some marshmallows or sprinkles.

I always make sure the chocolate’s fully melted before adding anything else. The vodka goes in last, after it’s off the heat—keeps the flavor bold.

Toppings are best added right before serving, so they stay fresh.

Notes

If I want to skip dairy, almond milk works well. No caramel vodka? Any caramel liqueur will do in a pinch.

For a stronger chocolate hit, I just add more dark chocolate.

Homemade whipped cream is amazing, but I won’t judge if you grab the canned stuff. Flaky sea salt looks pretty and really brings out the caramel.

Sometimes I drizzle extra caramel inside the mug for a little more sweetness. And if I’m after something lighter, I just use milk and skip the cream.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cocktail, the first thing that hits me is the warmth. It’s that cozy kind of heat, the sort that just feels right when the weather’s cold.

The aroma is honestly inviting—there’s this gentle mix of chocolate and caramel in the air. I can’t help but lean in for another whiff before actually drinking.

The first flavor that pops is sweet chocolate, creamy and bold. Then, almost right away, the salted caramel comes in and shakes things up a bit.

That sweet and salty combo? It’s smooth, kind of addictive, and just feels balanced somehow.

The texture’s velvety—richer than your average hot drink, but thankfully not too thick. Every now and then, there’s a whisper of alcohol; it lingers, leaving a soft warmth in my chest that I actually look forward to.

Flavor notes:

• Rich chocolate
• Buttery caramel
• Subtle saltiness
• Soft warmth from the alcohol

As I bring the cup closer, the caramel scent stands out even more. It just makes the whole thing more tempting, honestly.

Whenever I share this with friends, our mugs seem to empty faster than I expect. Something about the way the flavors are balanced makes each sip easy to enjoy—never too sweet, never too heavy.