Boozy Hot Chocolates to Pair with Black Christmas Classics

From This Christmas to The Preacher’s Wife, these boozy hot chocolates pair perfectly with Black Christmas Classics. The warmth, humor, and heart each film brings—making your movie nights as decadent and comforting as the drinks themselves.

As you cozy up this holiday season, pair one of those hot chocolate recipes while watching your favorite Black Christmas movie. 

Boozy Hot Chocolates to Pair with Black Christmas Classics

When it comes to holiday movie nights, adding a touch of heartwarming drama, humor, and stellar performances makes the season even brighter. This year, settle in with some of the best Black Christmas movies and a cozy mug of boozy hot chocolate.

Start with Almost Christmas, starring Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, and Gabrielle Union. It is a film about a family’s hilarious and touching attempts to survive their first Christmas after their mother’s passing.

Then, enjoy This Christmas, where Idris Elba, Regina King, and Chris Brown shine in a family reunion story filled with secrets, surprises, and soulful music.

Next on the list, The Best Man Holiday brings back Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, and Nia Long, where old friends reconnect for a Christmas full of laughter, love, and loss.

For a timeless classic, turn to The Preacher’s Wife, starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, which brings a magical, uplifting tale of faith, love, and heavenly intervention.

Finally, don’t miss The Last Holiday, where Queen Latifah takes you on a heartwarming rom-com adventure about living life to the fullest! 

Of course, no holiday movie night is complete without the perfect boozy hot chocolate to match.

And, of course, we had to put together a list of irresistible, decadent hot chocolate recipes—from rich and creamy to decadently spiked—that will elevate your movie-watching experience. 

This Christmas | French Toast Hot Chocolate

This rich and cozy hot chocolate is the perfect drink to sip while watching This Christmas during the holiday season.

Its indulgent flavors and subtle warmth from the bourbon cream liqueur make it an ideal treat for a festive movie night. 

1 serving (or 1-2 smaller servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared hazelnut hot chocolate (one serving of your favorite hazelnut hot chocolate mix)
• 1-2 tbsp French toast syrup (you can also use maple syrup if you don’t have the French Toast syrup)
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (or substitute with cinnamon or cardamom)
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1-1 1/2 ounces bourbon cream liqueur
• 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk (we used whole milk)

Directions:

1. Add 7 1/2 ounces of your preferred milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. When the milk begins to steam, whisk in the prepared hazelnut hot chocolate, 1-2 tablespoons of French toast syrup, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter and 1-1 1/2 ounces of bourbon cream liqueur.
5. Pour the hot chocolate into a serving glass or mug.
6. Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

Just omit the bourbon cream liqueur to make our French Toast Hot Chocolate recipe into a non-alcoholic version. Add 1-2 tablespoons to give a creamy texture similar to bourbon cream liqueur. You will also want to add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle, warm flavor boost.

If you don’t have hazelnut chocolate available (we’re using the Hotel Chocolat brand), you can make your hazelnut chocolate mix or purchase it here. 

DIY Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Options:

Regular Hot Chocolate + Hazelnut Flavoring:

Use 1 cup of your favorite regular hot chocolate (prepared or from a mix).

Add 1-2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup (like Torani or Monin) for the hazelnut flavor.

Nutella Hot Chocolate:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella to 1 cup of hot milk or regular hot chocolate. Whisk until thoroughly melted and combined, achieving a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate flavor.

Hazelnut Coffee Creamer:

Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of hazelnut coffee creamer to your regular hot chocolate to add a subtle hazelnut twist.

The Best Man Holiday | Bourbon Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate

The Bourbon Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate is perfect for The Best Man Holiday.

Elevate your experience by using Sable Bourbon, co-owned by director Malcolm D. Lee, and stars Morris Chestnut and Taye Diggs.

Sable’s smooth caramel and vanilla notes enhance the hot chocolate, making each sip a tribute to the film’s themes of friendship and connection.

As you sip this decadent, bourbon-spiked hot chocolate, you’ll find it embodies the same warmth and complexity as the movie’s themes.

Just as the deep, velvety richness of this bourbon hot chocolate complements the emotional moments in this movie, the radiant presence of its melanated fine actors adds smooth sweetness and comforting warmth—making this holiday viewing a treat worth savoring. Can you say, “Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?”

Serving size: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping  cream
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp shaved milk chocolate (OR you can also use milk chocolate baking chips) 
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2-3 pumps of brown sugar syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• garnish with whipped cream
• dust with ground cinnamon 

Directions:

1. Combine 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. When the milk begins to steam, add 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp shaved milk chocolate and stir until thoroughly melted.
3. Mix in 1 tbsp light brown sugar, 2-3 pumps of brown sugar syrup, and 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract. Stir until dissolved and fully incorporated.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs or serving glasses and add 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of Sable bourbon to each mug.
5. Top with homemade whipped cream dusted with ground cinnamon.

For extra flair, garnish with chocolate shavings, a caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Non-Alcoholic version: 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of non-alcoholic bourbon alternative (such as Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative, Lyre’s American Malt, or a splash of maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like flavor)

Almost Christmas | Hennessey Hot Chocolate

This boozy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with Almost Christmas. In the film, Mo’Nique mentions dark liquor will make you want to fight, and this rich, Hennessy-kissed concoction mirrors the movie’s spirited tension.

Its smooth, warming sweetness balances the family drama and chaotic countdown to Christmas, making every sip as comforting as it is delightfully mischievous.

We all know things got tense when Jasmine showed up at the Christmas dinner, and no one wanted Grandma Cheryl to show up, amiright? 

Serving size: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 2 ½ ounces milk chocolate (we use milk chocolate baking chips)
• 1 ½ ounces dark chocolate (we use dark chocolate baking chips)
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp + 1/2 tsp dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp caramel sauce
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 2 ounces Hennessy (You will add an additional 1/2 ounce per serving glass) 
• homemade or store-bought whipped cream

Directions: 

1. Add 1 cup of whole milk and ⅔ cup of heavy cream in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until steaming.
2. Stir in the chopped 2 ½ ounces milk chocolate and 1 ½ ounces dark chocolate until melted and smooth.
3. Mix in 1 tbsp + 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp sea salt. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Add 2 tbsp + 1/2 tsp dark brown sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp + 1 tsp caramel sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
5. Pour in 1 tbsp of melted unsalted butter and stir to blend flavors.
6. Add 2 ounces of Hennessy to the hot chocolate mixture, stirring gently.
7. Divide the hot chocolate between two serving glasses. Add an additional ½ ounce of Hennessy to each glass just before serving.
8. Top with whipped cream and any desired garnishes, then serve immediately.

Note: The additional 1/2 ounce of Hennessy added to each serving glass makes for a boozy cocktail. If you prefer a lighter version, leave out the additional 1/2 ounce of Hennessey. 

Garnish options:

• Chocolate shavings
• Caramel drizzle
• Additional pinch of cinnamon or sea salt

To make this a non-alcoholic hot chocolate, omit the Hennessey. Here are a few alternative whiskey options. Substitute the Hennessy with an equal amount of a non-alcoholic whiskey-style spirit (e.g., Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative or Lyre’s American Malt). You’ll still get the deep, caramel-like notes without the alcohol. If you don’t have a non-alcoholic spirit, add 1-2 tablespoons of real maple syrup or an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce. 

Adjust sweetener levels to taste and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. Your rich, comforting hot chocolate will still have layers of complexity—just without the booze!

The Last Holiday | Red Wine Chocolate

This red wine hot chocolate pairs perfectly with The Last Holiday, where Queen Latifah enjoys a glass of red wine at the resort.

Just as she savors life’s pleasures, this indulgent drink sets a warm, luxurious tone.

For extra depth and meaning, use Black Girl Magic wines by the McBride Sisters—supporting a Black-owned brand while enjoying a rich, fruit-forward flavor worthy of the occasion.

Serving size: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/3 cup merlot (we are using Black Girl Magic Red Blend)
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
• Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
• Shaved chocolate (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Place a saucepan over medium-low heat and add 1/4 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
2. Add the 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, 1/3 cup merlot, and 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar.
3. Stir continuously until the brown sugar dissolves and the chocolate fully melts, resulting in a silky, reddish-brown mixture.
4. Stir in the 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract and the 1/8 tsp sea salt before serving.
5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate. Serve immediately.

You will omit the red wine to make this a non-alcoholic hot chocolate. Look for a high-quality, dealcoholized red wine to maintain a similar depth of flavor. Here are some options:

• Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon or Ariel Merlot (Dealcoholized)
• FRE Merlot or FRE Cabernet Sauvignon (Sutter Home)
• Leitz “Eins Zwei Zero” Red Blend
• Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge
• Pierre Chavin Zero Red

The Preacher’s Wife | Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

This spiced, creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with The Preacher’s Wife, a film about hope, faith, and family. Its warm flavors echo the movie’s uplifting spirit. 

For extra meaning, use Uncle Nearest Bourbon—Black-owned and honoring master distiller Nathan “Nearest” Green—to enrich each sip with smooth caramel notes and celebrate a legacy worth toasting

1-2 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces heavy cream or half-and-half
• 9 ounces whole milk
• 1/4 tsp ground saigon cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground clove
• 3 tbsp mexican hot chocolate mix
• 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon (We are using Uncle Nearest 1884)
• 2 ounces gingerbread syrup
• pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
• homemade or store-bought whipped cream
• gingerbread spice finishing sugar for garnish

Directions:

1. Place a saucepan over medium-low heat, add 6 ounces of heavy cream(or half-and-half) and 9 ounces of whole milk.
2. When the milk begins to steam, add 3 tbsps of Mexican hot chocolate mix, 1/4 tsp ground saigon cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground clove, and 2 ounces of gingerbread syrup.
3. Thoroughly mix using a wire whisk until all ingredients are combined. 
4. Add 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey and a pinch of sea or kosher salt.
5. Pour hot chocolate into a serving glass and top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream.
6. Sprinkle with gingerbread spice finishing sugar. (You can also use cinnamon sugar if you don’t have the gingerbread spice) 
7. Serve immediately.

To make this into a non-alcoholic gingerbread hot chocolate, omit the bourbon. You can use zero-proof whiskey as an alternative.

If you don’t have a non-alcoholic spirit handy, add an extra tablespoon or two of gingerbread syrup or a splash of pure maple syrup. 

Honorable mention: We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Friday After Next as a Black Christmas movie classic. Stay tuned for a hot chocolate pairing for this one! 

Now that you have this Christmas boozy hot chocolate recipe list, which one will you try first? 

They are all good. We spent time curating these hot chocolate recipes that would align with each classic Christmas movie. But hey, you don’t have to watch a specific movie to enjoy these boozy (or n/a) hot chocolate recipes. 

They are all worth trying!