Baileys Hot Chocolate + Coconut Whipped Cream

Bailey's hot chocolate drink topped with coconut whipped cream. Be sure to get the full-fat coconut milk - it makes all the difference.

See how creamy that hot cocoa is? It's from the coconut whipped cream! I'll take it any day over regular whipped cream, and it's perfect with a Baileys hot chocolate.

Seriously perfect.

Now that we live in the mountains, and are experiencing apocalyptic amounts of snow, Baileys hot chocolate has been my go-to drink. How much snow, you might ask? A resort across the Lake had to close one of its lifts because in the last storm, the snow depth was higher than the chairs. They were over 40 feet above the ground.

Thankfully, we're getting a sunny breather for the next couple of weeks, although I'm not sure how much melting is in our future since the temperatures barely nudge over 30˚F. A reprieve before the next onslaught, but I'll take it.

Meanwhile, we're looking at houses in all this weather. Our days are a combination of hunkering down for a few stormy days, and then when the roads get plowed and re-open, our realtor meets us at various properties. It's been quite a change after living in the Bay Area for the past 30 years of mild weather.

But, and I'm sure you think I'm crazy, I haven't lost a bit of my excitement over moving here. I just need to make sure I have a stash of coconut whipped cream in the refrigerator, Baileys on the bar, and fixings for hot chocolate on hand.

Tips for Making Baileys Hot Chocolate 

I think I've tried every one of Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate powder flavors, and they're all great. But if you like a super chocolate-y hot chocolate, then go for Chocolate Truffle flavor. I find it at my grocery store with all the other hot chocolate powders.

Or if you want to try all the flavors, you can order a sample kit of all four: Marshmallow Swirl, Chocolate-Chocolate, Chocolate-Truffle, and Chocolate-Moo-uss.

The Original Bailey's is an alcoholic beverage flavored with cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey. However, they have a vegan version of its creamy liqueur: Baileys Almande, an almond milk liqueur.  I confess, I haven't tried it.

Tips for Making Coconut Whipped Cream

Use full-fat coconut milk. The low-fat version doesn't separate into a solid and liquid as well in the can before refrigeration.

You only need to use the solid coconut cream to make Coconut Whipped Cream. The liquid is coconut water, and can be reserved for smoothies and other drinks.

Make sure everything is cold when you get ready to whip the coconut cream. Chill the coconut milk, the bowl it will be whipped in, and whatever kind of beaters or whisk that you use. Everything except the coconut milk needs only a quick 10 - 15 minute chill. The coconut milk must be chilled overnight. Otherwise, it won't harden up enough to be whipped.

If I can find it, I use Aroy-D Coconut Milk. Cook's Illustrated did a taste test in 2017 and declared it the winner. I've also used Thai Kitchen with very good success.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.