INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a magical time of year filled with joy, family, and delicious food. Among the traditions we cherish, waking up on Christmas morning with a warm cup of coffee can be one of the best. Why not make it extra special this year with a delightful spiked coffee? This festive drink, lovingly known as the Best Christmas Morning Coffee, combines the rich flavor of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate and a hint of peppermint. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when you want a cozy drink to sip by the fireplace while opening gifts or enjoying the company of loved ones.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making this special coffee drink. From the ingredients to the method, serving suggestions to variations, you’ll find all the information you need to create the perfect cup that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful coffee treat that brings joy to every Christmas celebration!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to fall in love with the Best Christmas Morning Coffee. First, it combines two beloved beverages: rich, hot coffee and sweet, creamy hot chocolate. The balance of flavors creates a warm hug in a mug that is perfect for the holiday spirit.

Second, the addition of peppermint schnapps adds a festive twist. The minty flavor brings the taste of Christmas into your cup! It’s like a holiday celebration in every sip, making it the ideal drink for relaxing mornings.

Lastly, this recipe is easy to make. You don’t need to be a coffee expert or a professional chef. With a few simple steps, you can create a drink that looks and tastes like it came from a coffee shop. Serve it to your loved ones, and see the smiles it brings.

HOW TO MAKE Best Christmas Morning Coffee

Creating the Best Christmas Morning Coffee at home is simple and fun. Gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps. You will be sipping this delightful drink in no time!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this warm and festive drink, you will need the following equipment:

Coffee maker or preferred brewing method
Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Mugs for serving
Spoon for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1-2 cups strong brewed coffee*
1/4 cup high-quality chocolate (semi-sweet or dark)
Christmas sprinkles (for the rim & topping)
2 oz peppermint schnapps (divided)
1 oz Kahlua (divided)
Milk of choice (I use 2% or whole dairy milk)
Canned whipped cream

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Brew coffee using your preferred method: Start by brewing 1 to 2 cups of strong coffee. You can use a coffee maker, French press, or any other method you love. Make sure it’s nice and hot.
Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in 20-second increments, stirring in between each cycle. This should take 2-3 cycles to fully melt.
Prepare the mugs: Dip the rim of your mugs into the melted chocolate. This adds a tasty chocolate rim! Then, shake some sprinkles onto the wet chocolate so it sticks. Next, take the remaining melted chocolate and scoop it into the bottom of each mug.
Fill mugs with coffee: Once your coffee is ready, pour it into the mugs, filling each one about 3/4 full. Stir the coffee to help melt and mix the chocolate at the bottom.
Add the schnapps and Kahlua: Add 1 oz of peppermint schnapps and 1/2 oz of Kahlua to each mug. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Top it off: Pour in some milk to each mug. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy you want your coffee.
Finish with whipped cream: Top each drink with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle some extra Christmas sprinkles on top for a festive look.
Enjoy!: Your Best Christmas Morning Coffee is ready. Serve it warm and enjoy the delightful flavors that celebrate the season!

HOW TO SERVE Best Christmas Morning Coffee

Serving your Best Christmas Morning Coffee can be just as fun as making it. Here are a few tips on how to serve it:

Use Festive Mugs: Choose mugs with holiday colors or fun designs. This adds to the festive spirit of the drink.
Garnish: Consider adding a candy cane or a chocolate stirrer alongside each cup for a fun touch.
Pair with Snacks: This spiked coffee goes well with holiday treats like cookies, pastries, or breakfast muffins. Set up a little snack table next to the coffee bar.
Offer a Non-Alcoholic Option: Not everyone may want the spiked version. You can serve the coffee without schnapps and Kahlua for those who prefer a non-alcoholic drink.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Best Christmas Morning Coffee

If you find you have leftover coffee after your festivities, you can store it in the fridge for later. However, it is best enjoyed fresh. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Pour any leftover coffee into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. It should be used within 1-2 days.
Reheat: To enjoy your coffee later, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the flavors have faded a bit, add a little more chocolate or cream to freshen it up.
Freezing: While it’s not common to freeze coffee with milk and alcohol, if you wish to freeze plain brewed coffee, pour it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, use the cubes in future drinks.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving your Best Christmas Morning Coffee, consider these suggestions:

With Breakfast: Serve this coffee alongside your favorite breakfast foods, like pancakes, waffles, or a hearty holiday brunch spread.
Coffee Bar: Create a coffee bar at your holiday gathering. Include different kinds of milk, flavored syrups, and even holiday-themed garnishes for guests to personalize their drinks.
Gift in a Jar: For a fun gift idea, layer the ingredients (minus the coffee and alcohol) in a jar. Write a little tag with instructions, and you have the perfect homemade gift for friends or family.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to adapt the Best Christmas Morning Coffee to suit your taste! Here are some variations:

Different Flavors: Instead of peppermint schnapps, try hazelnut or vanilla liqueur for a different flavor profile.
Non-Dairy Options: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy to make the drink suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Hot Chocolate Base: For a sweeter drink, use hot chocolate as the base instead of brewed coffee. Just dissolve your favorite hot chocolate mix in hot water or milk.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee non-alcoholic?

Yes! Simply omit the peppermint schnapps and Kahlua for a delicious non-alcoholic version.

What can I use instead of chocolate?

If you want to skip the melted chocolate, you can use chocolate syrup or a chocolate-flavored creamer.

How strong should the coffee be?

Aim for strong brewed coffee. A dark roast works great, but you can adjust the strength according to your preference.

Can I use flavored coffee?

Absolutely! Using a flavored coffee, like mocha or French vanilla, can add another layer of taste to your drink.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Best Christmas Morning Coffee

Planning ahead is always a good idea, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are some tips to make your coffee experience easier:

Brew Coffee Ahead: You can brew your coffee the night before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the morning.
Melt Chocolate in Advance: Melt the chocolate ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can just warm it back up in the microwave when you are ready to use it.
Pre-Mix Ingredients: Combine the schnapps and Kahlua in a small container ahead of time. This way, you can just pour it into each mug quickly.

With these tips and steps, you’re ready for a wonderful Christmas morning! Enjoy the Best Christmas Morning Coffee and make every sip a celebration.