Boozy S’mores Hot Cocoa – Mix That Drink

Boozy S’mores Hot Cocoa is just right to take the chill off a cold winter evening. It blends S’mores flavored vodka with hot chocolate for a toasty chocolate flavor with hints of honey and cinnamon.

I’ve just revamped this recipe. It originally called for s’mores flavored vodka, but I think every company that made a version of that has stopped. So I improvised.

Now it uses my marshmallow vodka infusion (or a bottle of flavored vodka off the shelf), the cocoa and RumChata to get that blend of flavors that reminds you of s’mores.

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Enjoy this drink the next time you want a hot chocolate with a little something extra. The S’mores vodka adds wonderful notes of vanilla while making the flavor of the cocoa even richer.

What’s Great About It

This drink is easy and comforting. You’re still making hot chocolate, just giving it a grown‑up twist. There’s no shaking, straining, or worrying about ice, which makes it work even when you’re tired or it’s late and you want something calming.

It’s also easy to scale. You can make a single mug for yourself or heat up a whole pot of cocoa and let everyone customize their own by adding the alcohol at the end. That keeps things simple if you’re hosting and don’t want to play bartender all night.

Another nice bonus is that it works whatever boxed cocoa mix you have, including dairy free and vegan versions. And ditto on the milk – whole dairy milk is richest, but vegan versions will still be delicious.

How it Tates

It really tastes like a s’more. The chocolate is front and center, with the marshmallow vodka adding sweetness. RumChata brings in creaminess with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

What’s nice is how familiar it tastes. If you’ve ever had a s’mores dessert around a campfire, the flavors trigger that same memory, just in a warmer, silkier form. There’s no sharp alcohol bite.

If you want to adjust the balance, it’s easy. A darker cocoa mix will make the drink more chocolate‑forward. A sweeter mix highlights the marshmallow and vanilla flavors. Even small tweaks change the personality of the mug.

Pro Tips

Start with hot, not boiling, cocoa. If the cocoa is too hot when you add the vodka and RumChata, some of the alcohol aroma disappears.

If you’re doing graham cracker rims, lightly moisten the rim with chocolate syrup rather than water. It sticks better and adds flavor.

For a thicker drink, use whole milk or add a splash of half‑and‑half to your cocoa base. It gives the final result a more dessert‑like texture without needing extra ingredients.

Choosing Ingredients

One of my favorite cocoa blends for drinks like this is Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate, which they only sell during winter time, so stock up while you can! Otherwise, whatever cocoa you like will be great.

You can make the marshmallow vodka infusion in about 12 hours with a French press. If you don’t want to go that route, buy a bottle of marshmallow vodka and that’ll work fine. If you can’t find it, vanilla vodka or even whipped cream flavored vodka will work, since they’ll all have the vanilla component the drink needs. Smirnoff, Pinnacle, and Absolut are all good.

RumChata adds the spice layer you would get from graham crackers. If you need a substitute, look for a cream liqueur with vanilla or cinnamon notes, but the flavor will shift slightly.

You can also make your own homemade marshmallows for this one. It’s a little extra work, but it can taste so much fresher than store bought.

When to Serve

This drink shines on cold nights. Think snowy evenings, after shoveling walks, or when you’re winding down after a long winter day. It’s also great for casual gatherings where people want something warm but festive.

It fits well at smaller holiday get‑togethers, especially after dinner. Instead of dessert, you can serve these as a nightcap. They’re filling enough that most people won’t miss cake or cookies.

It’s also a good choice for low‑key celebrations like movie nights or game nights. You can make it feel special without adding extra work, which is always a win when you’re hosting.

Garnish Ideas

There are a couple of ways you can garnish this cocktail. The easiest way is to put some whip cream on top and then stick a graham cracker in it.

But you can also rim the drinks with crushed graham cracker and put some marshmallows and chocolate syrup on top. It takes a little more time, but it’s easier to do than you think, and it’s such a great look.