Mexican Hot Chocolate Shots

Warm up this winter holiday with spicy, spiked Mexican hot chocolate shots!

Hosting a holiday party this year? Skip the big pot of hot chocolate and the row of mugs. Greet your guests with Mexican hot chocolate shots instead.

Each shot is warm hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne, poured over vanilla vodka and chocolate liqueur. A chocolate rim and a few mini marshmallows dress up every glass. They take about 10 minutes to make. Adults only, of course.

A full mug of rich hot chocolate can be a lot. These hot chocolate shots give you just the right amount, with a little heat at the end. Set them out next to a tray of decorated cookies and the party is ready to go.

What Is a Hot Chocolate Shot?

A hot chocolate shot is a small serving of warm hot chocolate with alcohol, poured into a shot glass. You may also see them called hot cocoa shots or hot chocolate shooters. Think of it as a mini hot chocolate cocktail.

In this recipe, each shot is a half ounce of vanilla vodka and a half ounce of chocolate liqueur, topped with 2 tablespoons of the warm spiced hot chocolate.

Don't confuse these with a chocolate cake shot. That one is a cold shot of vanilla vodka and hazelnut liqueur, served with a sugared lemon wedge. It tastes like cake but has no chocolate in it at all.

What Makes These Hot Chocolate Shots Mexican?

There's a lot of variance in Mexican hot chocolate recipes. Many of them include nutmeg, chili powder, and vanilla. Recipes differ on what's traditional, but a chili spice is a popular addition.

These shots skip the nutmeg so you can really taste the cinnamon and cayenne. Cayenne is a ground chili pepper, so each shot finishes with a little chili heat.

Don't worry, it's not a lot. The recipe uses just ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne for 10 shots. If you're sensitive to heat, skip the extra sprinkle of cayenne over the marshmallows. It looks nice, but it also adds an extra kick.

How to Rim Shot Glasses with Chocolate

Dress up your shot glasses so they're too pretty to refuse. A chocolate rim with shimmering sanding sugar turns each shot into a little holiday treat.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 10 to 15 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly. Dip the rim of each glass into the melted chocolate, then into a dish of sanding sugar or your favorite sprinkles.

Hold each glass upside down for a minute, then put the dipped glasses straight into the freezer for a minute or two. This keeps the chocolate from sliding down the sides.

For the topping, add mini marshmallows, shave a little chocolate over the marshmallows, or use whipped cream instead.

Serving Hot Chocolate Shots at a Holiday Party

There's no reason to save these hot chocolate shots for dessert. Pour a round as soon as guests arrive, or bring them out after dinner. Whenever you serve them, they make fun holiday shots for any winter party.

Set out a plate of baked churros next to the tray. Churros and chocolate are a classic match.

If you want an after-dinner dessert cocktail, try this chocolate hazelnut espresso cocktail. Or just pour another round of hot chocolate shots.

For another cinnamon and cayenne spiced chocolate dessert, make this easy Mexican chocolate cake with espresso frosting.