Clark Griswold’s “Merry Chaos” Spiked Peppermint Cocoa
Clark Griswold’s “Merry Chaos” Spiked Peppermint Cocoa
(How to Make It in 5 Steps)
If you have ever watched Christmas Vacation and thought, “You know what this moment needs? Hot chocolate with a little danger,” then this drink is your new holiday tradition. Spiked Peppermint Cocoa is warm, cozy, and perfect for sipping while pretending you are not related to half the people in the living room. Without a simple recipe, it is easy to end up with something too strong, not chocolatey enough, or missing the peppermint moment entirely.
You are in the right place. This five step recipe will help you make a rich, festive spiked cocoa that tastes like holiday magic in a cup. It pairs perfectly with our Peppermint “Making Spirits Bright” Cups, which bring a sweet mint rim that melts right into every sip.
By the time you finish Step 5, you will have a cup of cocoa that would make even Clark proud.
Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Choose Your Cocoa
Before you add the good stuff, start by making your cocoa base. This is what builds the flavor and keeps the drink rich and cozy.
Here is what to do:
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Use your favorite hot cocoa mix or a homemade version.
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Heat milk or a milk alternative on the stove until warm but not boiling.
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Whisk in cocoa mix until smooth and silky.
For example:
A richer milk like whole milk or oat milk makes the cocoa feel creamier. Thin milk will water it down and your future self will be sad about it.
What to look out for:
Do not use water as the base. This is a holiday drink, not a camp packet.
All done? Let’s move on to the fun part.
Step 2: Pick Your Liquor
You may be wondering which alcohol belongs in spiked cocoa. The answer is simple.
It depends on the vibe you want:
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Peppermint schnapps for a minty, classic holiday taste.
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Baileys for creamy warmth.
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Rum or bourbon if you want a stronger sip.
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Vanilla vodka if you want it sweet and smooth.
You can even mix a splash of two. No judgment here.
What to look out for:
Do not over pour. Too much alcohol takes over the cocoa and makes the drink taste sharp instead of cozy.
Step 3: Build the Cocoa in Your Peppermint Cup
Now it is time to bring out your Peppermint “Making Spirits Bright” Cup. This is where the drink turns festive and photo ready without any extra effort.
Here is what to do:
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Fill the cup halfway with your hot cocoa.
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Add your chosen liquor and stir gently.
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Top with more cocoa until the cup is almost full.
Notice how the warm cocoa slightly melts the peppermint rim. It adds sweetness and mint with every sip.
What to look out for:
Do not let the drink sit too long before sipping. The rim is best when it is just starting to soften.
Step 4: Add Toppings That Say “Holiday Movie Night”
This is the step that takes the drink from “yum” to “main character energy.”
Try one or more of these:
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Whipped cream
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Mini marshmallows
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Crushed candy cane
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Chocolate drizzle
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A sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon
These toppings make the cup look festive and add texture to every sip.
What to look out for:
Do not pile on toppings that immediately melt into the cocoa. Start with a small amount and add more once you see how it behaves.
Step 5: Serve It Like the Star of Your Holiday Spread
You are almost there. Now it is time to finish the drink and enjoy it.
Here is what to do:
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Add one last pinch of crushed peppermint for sparkle.
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Serve immediately while warm and steamy.
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Sip, smile, and ignore the chaos in the background. It is part of the season.
Tips for the best results:
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Keep extra cocoa warm on the stove so guests can refill.
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If the drink tastes too sweet, add a splash of more cocoa.
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If you want it stronger, add one tiny splash at a time.
What to look out for:
The first time I made this, I added way too much schnapps and ended up with cocoa that tasted like melted toothpaste. Everyone still drank it. The lesson: holiday forgiveness is real.
Bonus Tip
Use a peppermint stick as a stirrer. It slowly melts and makes the drink sweeter and mintier as you sip.
Key Takeaways
You just learned how to make Clark Griswold’s Merry Chaos Spiked Peppermint Cocoa in five steps. This drink is warm, festive, and perfect for our Peppermint “Making Spirits Bright” Cups, which turn a simple mug of cocoa into a full holiday moment.
Every Sip Is a Celebration.
Quick Recipe Card: Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
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Hot cocoa
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1 to 2 oz liquor of choice (peppermint schnapps, Baileys, rum, bourbon, or vanilla vodka)
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Whipped cream
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Mini marshmallows
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Crushed candy cane
Instructions:
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Prepare hot cocoa.
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Add cocoa to the cup and stir in the liquor.
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Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed peppermint.
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Serve warm and enjoy.