I’m absolutely obsessed with this cozy cocktail that’s been keeping me warm all winter long!
There’s something magical about combining creamy hot chocolate with a splash of vanilla vodka and those perfectly golden toasted marshmallows on top. This Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cocktail is it!
It’s like childhood comfort food grew up and got a little more interesting, you know?
The best part is how ridiculously simple it is to make at home, and once you try my foolproof technique, you’ll never want store-bought again.

Boozy Comfort In A Mug

Picture this: your favorite childhood hot chocolate just got a grown-up makeover, and honestly, it’s about time! This boozy beauty combines rich, creamy hot chocolate with smooth vanilla vodka and gets crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows that are golden and slightly crispy on the outside. It’s like someone took your coziest winter memory and gave it a sophisticated twist that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
The vanilla vodka doesn’t overpower the chocolate at all… instead, it adds this subtle warmth that makes each sip feel like a hug in a mug, but with a little extra kick that’ll help you forget about whatever stress your day threw at you.
This drink is basically the lovechild of a classic hot chocolate and a campfire s’more, which explains why it’s so darn irresistible. While hot chocolate cocktails have been around forever, adding those toasted marshmallows really takes things to the next level because they give you that nostalgic campfire experience without having to brave the cold outdoors.
The vanilla vodka was a genius choice too since it complements the chocolate without fighting for attention, and when you toast those marshmallows just right, they get this amazing caramelized flavor that makes the whole drink taste like liquid comfort food. It’s one of those drinks that just makes sense, you know what I mean?
What makes this cocktail really work is how all the flavors play together like they were meant to be best friends. The rich chocolate provides that decadent base we all crave, while the vanilla vodka adds just enough warmth and sweetness to make things interesting without being too boozy.
Those toasted marshmallows aren’t just for show either… they slowly melt into the drink, creating this incredible creamy texture that’s part hot chocolate, part dessert and totally addictive. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about toasting your own marshmallows, even if it’s just with a kitchen torch or under the broiler for a few seconds.
It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel fancy and cozy at the same time, which is honestly the perfect combination for any night you want to treat yourself.
Tips To Make a Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cocktail Perfectly At Home
Making this boozy hot chocolate at home is easier than you think when you know the right tricks.
- Toast your marshmallows properly: Use a kitchen torch or your oven’s broiler to get that perfect golden-brown color. Don’t just plop regular marshmallows on top and call it a day – the toasted flavor makes all the difference.
- Warm your vodka first: Cold vodka will cool down your hot chocolate instantly. Give it a quick 15-second microwave zap or add it to the pan with your hot chocolate for the last minute of heating.
- Use real cocoa powder: Skip the packet mixes if you want that rich, velvety texture. Good quality cocoa powder or melted chocolate will give you that café-level taste at home.
- Don’t boil the mixture: Keep your heat on medium-low once you add the vodka. Boiling will cook off the alcohol and make your drink taste harsh instead of smooth.
- Make your hot chocolate from scratch: Store-bought hot chocolate mix is fine in a pinch but homemade with milk, cream, cocoa and a touch of sugar will make your cocktail taste like it came from a fancy ski lodge.
- Rim your mug: A light coating of marshmallow fluff or chocolate syrup around the rim adds that extra special touch that makes it feel like a real cocktail instead of just spiked hot chocolate.
- Serve immediately: This isn’t a drink that sits well. The marshmallows will start to dissolve and the temperature will drop fast, so have everything ready before you start mixing.
Food Pairing Ideas

The smooth vanilla notes and toasted marshmallow sweetness of this cocktail create endless opportunities for delicious pairings.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy winter gathering or just treating yourself to an indulgent evening, these bites will make every sip even better.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: The rich chocolate base mirrors your drink while the salted caramel adds a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that makes the vanilla vodka pop.
- Cinnamon Sugar Churros: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these bring a warm spice element that complements the toasted marshmallow flavors without competing.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates: The smoky saltiness of bacon paired with sweet dates creates the perfect sweet-savory balance against all that creamy chocolate richness.
- Graham Cracker Cookies: Obviously channeling s’mores vibes, these add a honey-tinged crunch that plays beautifully with the marshmallow topping.
- Spiced Nuts: Whether it’s candied pecans or rosemary almonds, the warm spices and satisfying crunch provide a nice textural contrast to the smooth cocktail.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Go full decadent mode with these rich bites that intensify the chocolate experience while the alcohol content helps cut through the richness.
- Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip: Sometimes you need something completely different, and the salty pretzel crunch with creamy cheese creates a perfect palate cleanser between sweet sips.
Simple 5-Ingredient Winter Cocktail
This cozy winter cocktail brings together the creamy richness of hot chocolate with the smooth warmth of vanilla vodka, creating a drink that’s basically a hug in a mug.
The toasted marshmallows add that perfect campfire nostalgia while giving you those Instagram-worthy golden peaks that’ll make your friends seriously jealous. It’s like childhood comfort food decided to grow up and get a little fancy, and honestly… we’re here for it!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam, but don’t let it boil because nobody wants burnt milk ruining their vibe.
- Whisk in the hot chocolate mix until it’s completely dissolved and looking all smooth and chocolatey.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla vodka and heavy cream, mixing everything together until it’s perfectly combined.
- Pour the mixture into your favorite mug, the bigger the better because this drink deserves room to shine.
- Top generously with mini marshmallows because there’s really no such thing as too many marshmallows in this situation.
- Use a kitchen torch or your broiler to toast the marshmallows until they’re golden brown and looking absolutely perfect.
- Serve immediately while it’s still steaming hot and the marshmallows are all gooey and delicious.
Prep Times:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 8 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 574
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
Variations To Try

Small tweaks to this cozy cocktail can transform it into something entirely new while keeping that warm marshmallow magic.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Replace vanilla vodka with caramel vodka and add a pinch of sea salt to the whipped cream topping
- Peppermint Bark Version: Use peppermint vodka instead of vanilla and garnish with crushed candy canes and dark chocolate shavings
- Bourbon Campfire: Swap vanilla vodka for bourbon and add a dash of smoked paprika to the marshmallow topping
- Coconut Cloud: Use coconut rum in place of vodka and top with toasted coconut flakes alongside the marshmallows
- Spiced Chai Variation: Add a chai tea bag to steep in the hot chocolate and use spiced rum instead of vanilla vodka
- Virgin S’mores: Skip the alcohol entirely and add graham cracker crumbs mixed into the whipped cream with extra chocolate drizzle
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cocktail
Toasted marshmallow hot chocolate cocktail spiked with your favorite liqueur - sweet, cozy, and indulgent like a campfire in a cup!
Ingredients
- 236 ml whole milk
- 60 ml vanilla vodka
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam, but don't let it boil because nobody wants burnt milk ruining their vibe.
- Whisk in the hot chocolate mix until it's completely dissolved and looking all smooth and chocolatey.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla vodka and heavy cream, mixing everything together until it's perfectly combined.
- Pour the mixture into your favorite mug, the bigger the better because this drink deserves room to shine.
- Top generously with mini marshmallows because there's really no such thing as too many marshmallows in this situation.
- Use a kitchen torch or your broiler to toast the marshmallows until they're golden brown and looking absolutely perfect.
- Serve immediately while it's still steaming hot and the marshmallows are all gooey and delicious.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 574Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 397mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 2gSugar: 56gProtein: 12g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.
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If you enjoy this you will probably also love a salted caramel and rum hot chocolate.