Trust us when we say, we’re adding a little extra pizazz to our drinks this season. Of course, the likes of mulled wine, cider and port are usually more aligned with Christmas, but we like a bit of chocolately goodness with our alcohol, and that’s where boozy hot chocolates come in. Whether it’s a Bailey’s hot chocolate you love, or a sneaky bit of rum − we’ve rounded up the best boozy hot chocolates to try this winter in Manchester, some sans booze but much more substance to make up for it.
1. Winter Assembly at Courts Club
Offering winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, German BBQ specials and of course gorgeous boozy (and non-boozy) hot chocolate, Winter Assembly is keeping us warm from the inside out this winter. Grab a seat and settle down with a Christmas film on one of the huge screens, and enjoy a Bailey’s hot chocolate, surrounded by magical decor and festive tunes. Why not grab a huge marshmallow to roast over the campfire to dunk straight in your hot choc, too?
📍 Goods Yard St, Manchester, M3 3BG.
2. Manchester Christmas Markets
The home of all things festive in Manchester city centre, the Christmas Markets are back – with plenty of boozy drinks to enjoy this season. As well as your seasonal mulled wine, the Manchester Market bars are stocked up with all the good stuff, including boozy hot chocolates pimped up with Bailey’s and Amaretto.
3. Bar Hutte
One of Manchester’s most festive bars – Bar Hutte – is back for Christmas, bringing the perfect backdrop to enjoy a boozy hot chocolate. Make your classic hot chocolate Irish, before enjoying the unique karaoke huttes, Bombardinos and live music to listen to when the singing gets a little too much.
📍 Bar Hutte, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN.
4. Albert’s Schloss
Back for the winter at Albert’s Schloss, guests can wind down in the alpine-style bar with a deliciously boozy and orange flavoured hot chocolate, complete with Grey Goose L’Orange, Cointreau and whipped cream. Making for the perfect warming treat, the new festive drink joins their Alpine Hot Schokolade and limited edition White Christmas Margarita on the winter menu, which also boasts their signature Bier Onion Soup, Cheese Fondue for Two, and Beef Bourguignon. Complete with a roaring fire and cosy grotto vibes – winter is well and truly here at Schloss.
📍 Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
5. Mala
Instagram post from @mala_mcr
Offered alongside a stunning festive menu within this secret garden tucked away in the Northern Quarter, Mala has concocted a number of boozy festive drinks. Although not exactly a hot chocolate, Mala boasts a campfire mocha by Coffee Rituals. With the option to make it boozy and topped with toasted marshmallows, as well as give us that caffeine kick to get us through the festive season, it’s an indulgent and dreamy concoction to enjoy this Christmas.
📍 Mala, 8 Dale St, M1 1JA.
6. Knoops
The newest spot in Manchester dedicated to hot chocolate, Knoops is of course offering a festive option for its second Christmas in Manchester. Famous for their incredibly huge marshmallows consisting of different flavours, these make the perfect sweet addition to their luxurious hot chocolate. OK, as far as we know, there aren’t any boozy versions to try, but we couldn’t miss out this massive name in hot chocolate, and you never know when the booze might creep in…
📍 Knoops, 68 Cross St, Manchester, M2 4JQ.
7. Winter Island at Freight Island
Winter Island is back at Freight Island, and the brand-new Cabin Chocolat will be serving delicious velvety hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows, caramel and sweet treats; plus a boozy option available. Festive bars across Winter Island will serving classic spiced drinks including Mulled Wineand Cider, but you really can’t go wrong with the gorgeous hot chocs!
📍 Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PZ.