Campfire Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter Whiskey

This campfire hot chocolate is made with warm milk, hot chocolate mix and peanut butter whiskey. Top it with toasted marshmallows for a decadent dessert cocktail.

This fall, we finally (FINALLY!) went on a vacation.

It's been a long two years, folks. But you know that.

We packed the car full of camping supplies and food and headed north. For an entire week, we camped with friends in the Adirondacks. We stayed at Cranberry Lake.

As I sat around the campfire, the crisp fall air edged in and I had one thought: I want hot chocolate.

But not just any hot chocolate.

Spiked hot chocolate.

This campfire hot chocolate is made with warm milk, hot chocolate mix and peanut butter whiskey. To make it even more decadent, top your hot chocolate with a toasted marshmallow (or two!).

What's the Deal with Peanut Butter Whiskey?

It's a dessert whiskey that tastes like (surprise!) peanut butter.

I find that it's delicious in a dessert, but is a tad too sweet for me to sip on its own.

In this campfire hot chocolate, it's perfection.

Where Can I Find Peanut Butter Whiskey?

You should be able to find it in your local liquor store.

I used Screwball whiskey for this recipe, but I saw no fewer than three brands of peanut butter whiskey on the shelf when I bought mine. So Screwball isn't the only brand out there, but it's the only one I've tasted.

Can I Use a Different Whiskey?

Of course you can.

This hot chocolate is also fabulous with bourbon or any other unflavored whiskey.

What Type of Hot Chocolate Mix Should I Use?

I used Sillycow Farms hot chocolate in this recipe.

Why? Because I was hot chocolate mix shopping while in New England and wanted to support a local brand.

For the record, Sillycow Farms hot chocolate is absolutely delicious.

Best Non-Refrigerated Milk for Camping

We almost always bring along these Horizon Shelf-Stable 8-ounce Milk Cartons when we go camping.

These little milk cartons are shelf-stable and taste fantastic with our morning coffee or with this toasted oats cereal (my go-to camping breakfast). One carton is the perfect size for one mug of hot chocolate.

Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk?

Of course you can!

Just keep in mind that the flavor of the milk could affect the flavor of the hot chocolate, so avoid using milks that don't pair well with peanut butter.

Almond milk or oat milk should work perfectly.

Can I Use Water Instead of Milk?

Almost every store-bought hot chocolate mix will include directions for using water instead of milk when making hot chocolate.

I do not care for hot chocolate made with water — I think it tastes, well, watery.

So no, I do not recommend using water instead of milk if milk is an option.

That said, if you're camping and REALLY want hot chocolate, but only have water, go for it! Camping is all about improvising.

Or, if you almost always make your hot chocolate with water and love it that way, then, again, go for it!

What Equipment Do I Need for Campfire Hot Chocolate?

To heat milk on a campfire grate, you'll need a campfire-safe saucepan or kettle.

We use this Toaks titanium pot.

I prefer to use a saucepan (over a teakettle) because they're generally easier to clean if the milk accidentally scalds the pot. But try to keep a close eye on the milk to keep that from happening.

Check out my guide to the best camping kitchen gear before you head out!

Can I Make Campfire Hot Chocolate Without the Campfire?

Mostly! The only thing you'll miss out on are the toasted marshmallows.

You can definitely add untoasted marshmallows to your hot chocolate instead, or simply skip them altogether.

If you're camping, you can heat the milk on a camp stove or a small backpacking stove, and then proceed with the recipe.

Looking for other warm and cozy drinks that don't require campfire cooking? Try a chai latte with chocolate, chile mocha, or French hot chocolate with salt!

How to Make Campfire Hot Chocolate

Start by pouring milk into your campfire safe pot. In the pictures you can see my Toaks titanium pot.

Heat the milk over the campfire until it's warm.

Avoid bringing it to a boil, because that increases the chance that the milk will burn onto the pot. Burnt milk is one of my least favorite things in the world to clean up.

As soon as the milk is warm, take it off the fire.

Stir in the hot chocolate mix.

If you want, you could even add a little extra hot chocolate. You're camping — it's a good time to splurge.

Next, add a splash (or two) of the peanut butter whiskey to your hot chocolate.

To make this hot cocktail a little more decadent, toast a couple marshmallows and add them to the hot chocolate.

Sip your spiked hot chocolate as you sit around the campfire with friends. Maybe even roast another marshmallow or two while you enjoy the evening.

Looking for more cocktail ideas for gathering with friends? We also love this apple sangria. No campfire required!