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When the kids go to bed and the fire is still crackling, it is time for the grown-ups to enjoy a Dirty Snowman. Max calls this "Dad's special cocoa" because we serve it in our fancy glass mugs with a rim that looks like a messy, delicious chocolate explosion. It is essentially a luxurious hot chocolate that went to a holiday party spiked with Baileys and vodka, then loaded with enough toppings to qualify as a dessert.
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Why You Will Love This Dirty Snowman
This cocktail bridges the gap between a cozy winter warmer and a festive party drink. It takes the rich, velvety comfort of homemade hot chocolate and infuses it with the warming kick of Irish cream. The best part, however, is the presentation: the chocolate-sprinkle rim adds a satisfying crunch to every sip, while the melting whipped cream creates a creamy float that makes you feel like you are drinking a melted sundae.
How To Make Dirty Snowman
To recreate the look in the photo, we start by dipping the rim of a clear glass mug into melted chocolate and rolling it in chocolate sprinkles. Then, we whisk together a rich hot chocolate base using milk and real chocolate chips. Off the heat, we stir in Baileys and vanilla vodka to preserve the alcohol. We pour the steaming drink into the rimmed glasses and finish with a mountain of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and mini chocolate chips.
Dirty Snowman Ingredients
The Rim & Garnish
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup or melted chocolate (for rimming)
- ¼ cup chocolate sprinkles (jimmies)
- Whipped cream (canned or homemade)
- Mini chocolate chips (for topping)
- Extra chocolate syrup (for drizzle)
The Cocktail Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 4 tablespoon cocoa powder + 2 tablespoon sugar)
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz Vanilla Vodka (optional, but adds a "frosting" flavor)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Method
Rim the Glasses
- Pour the chocolate syrup onto one shallow plate and the chocolate sprinkles onto another.
- Dip the rim of your clear mugs into the chocolate syrup, then immediately press into the sprinkles, rolling gently to coat the edge completely. Set aside.
Make the Cocoa Base
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the milk and chocolate chips together.
- Heat until the chocolate is fully melted and the milk is steaming (do not let it boil vigorously).
Add the Spirit
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream, Vanilla Vodka, and vanilla extract.
Assemble
- Carefully pour the hot cocktail into the prepared mugs, being careful not to wash away the sprinkle rim.
- Top generously with whipped cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Serve immediately.
Max’s Reaction: "It looks like the snowman melted in the cup! Can I have a plain one with extra sprinkles?"
What Pairs Well With Dirty Snowman
This drink is sweet and boozy, so it pairs best with simple, crunchy snacks that aren't too sugary. A bowl of salted pretzels or roasted nuts is perfect. If you are serving it as a dessert course, it goes beautifully with a simple butter cookie or shortbread to dip into the foam.
Dirty Snowman Variations
The "Clean" Snowman (Non-Alcoholic)
- Omit the Baileys and vodka. Instead, stir in a teaspoon of Irish Cream coffee syrup or just extra vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version that looks just as fun.
Frozen Dirty Snowman
- Let the chocolate mixture cool, then blend it with 2 cups of vanilla ice cream for a boozy milkshake version that is perfect for warmer winter days.
Peppermint Twist
- Swap the Vanilla Vodka for Peppermint Schnapps and use crushed candy canes on the rim instead of chocolate sprinkles for a mint-chocolate variation.
Chocolate Cherry
- Add a splash of grenadine or cherry liqueur to the base. The fruitiness cuts through the heavy cream and chocolate beautifully.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Clear Glass Mugs (to see the layers)
- Shallow Plates (for rimming)
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh
This drink is best consumed immediately. However, you can make a batch of the chocolate base (without alcohol) and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can rim the glasses hours in advance and let them sit; the chocolate syrup will firm up slightly, holding the sprinkles in place even better. Mix the hot chocolate in a slow cooker for a party, and have a "spiking station" with the Baileys and Vodka on the side.
Reheating Instructions
If reheating the base, do so gently on the stove. Do not boil if the alcohol has already been added, or you will evaporate the "fun" part of the drink.
Top Tips for Best Dirty Snowman
For the best rim, use thick chocolate syrup or even chocolate ganache. Thin syrup tends to drip down the glass too quickly, making a mess before you even pour the drink. If you want the whipped cream to sit high like in the photo, wait about 30 seconds after pouring the hot liquid before adding the cream; if the liquid is piping hot, the cream melts instantly. Finally, use good quality chocolate chips for the base—since there are few ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate really stands out.
Dirty Snowman Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hot chocolate powder?
Yes, you can use a high-quality mix made with milk. Just reduce the amount of added sugar since the alcohol adds some sweetness.
Is there a substitute for Baileys?
Any Irish cream liqueur works, or you can use RumChata for a cinnamon-vanilla twist.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes! It makes a delicious iced latte style drink. Just pour the mixture over ice and top with cold foam.
A Toast to Winter Nights
This cocktail is the perfect way to cap off a holiday gathering or warm up after shoveling snow. It’s rich, indulgent, and just a little bit naughty. If you are looking for more fun holiday drinks, try our Creamy Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail for another creamy delight, or the cozy S'mores Latte for a non-alcoholic treat. For a colorful party option, the Red Velvet Martini Recipe is a stunning choice.
Share your Dirty Snowman! Tag us @HannahCooking with #DirtySnowman — we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Dirty Snowman recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
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- Strawberry Hot Chocolate15 Minutes
Dirty Snowman
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan (Small size)
- 2 Clear Mugs (For serving)
- 2 Plates (For rimming)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk - Base liquid
- ½ cup chocolate chips - Semi-sweet
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream - Alcohol
- 1 oz Vanilla Vodka - Optional kick
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - Flavor
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup - For rimming & drizzle
- ¼ cup chocolate sprinkles - For rim
- 1 cup whipped cream - Topping
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips - Garnish
Instructions
- Dip mug rims in chocolate syrup and roll in sprinkles to coat.
- Heat milk and chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and steaming.
- Remove from heat; stir in Baileys, Vanilla Vodka, and vanilla extract.
- Pour into prepared mugs and top generously with whipped cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
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