Snow Plow Cocktail Recipe: Creamy Coffee Brunch Cocktail

This Snow Plow cocktail is warm, comforting, and indulgent — like a boozy hot chocolate that soothes the chill away.

There’s nothing quite like coming in from the cold after shoveling snow and sinking into a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Add a splash of liquor and it transforms into a cozy, relaxing cocktail — the Snow Plow. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make, so you can enjoy it after a day outdoors or any time you want a comforting, adult treat.

Helpful tips

• Assemble this cocktail right in the mug so everything mixes gently when you pour the hot chocolate.
• The recipe below makes one cocktail. Double or triple the amounts to serve more people.
• For a silkier drink, use milk to prepare your hot chocolate instead of water.
• Choose your favorite version of Irish cream and creme de cacao — any comparable brands will work.

How to make a Snow Plow cocktail

Pre-step

Gather a small saucepan (or follow package directions for your hot chocolate), a sturdy glass mug, and a measuring tool. You’ll mix the alcohol in the mug first, then add hot chocolate.

Step one — Gather ingredients

Prepare these ingredients: hot chocolate (prepared hot), Irish cream liqueur, creme de cacao, and coconut rum. Have whipped cream and cocoa powder on hand for garnish, if desired.

Step two — Measure the alcohol

In your mug measure and add:

• 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream (or another Irish cream)
• 1 ounce coconut rum
• 1/2 ounce creme de cacao

Step three — Prepare the hot chocolate

Prepare hot chocolate according to the package or your preferred homemade recipe. I recommend using milk for a richer result. Heat until very hot but stop just before a rolling boil.

Step four — Combine and finish

Pour the hot chocolate into the mug over the measured liqueurs. Stir gently to combine. Top generously with whipped cream, and, if you like, dust with a pinch of cocoa powder for an extra chocolate note.

Step five — Serve

Sip slowly and enjoy the warmth and sweetness. The combination of Irish cream, creme de cacao, and coconut rum gives the hot chocolate an indulgent, layered flavor that’s both smooth and slightly boozy.

Other comforting cocktails

• Hot toddy — soothing and great for cold evenings
• Bourbon Manhattan — a warming, spirit-forward classic
• Eggnog shot — rich and festive for holiday gatherings

Enjoy experimenting with small adjustments to suit your taste: use flavored whipped cream, add a cinnamon stick for stirring, or swap the coconut rum for another light rum if you prefer. No matter how you customize it, this Snow Plow cocktail is an easy, delightful way to warm up and unwind.

Originally published in March 2017. If you try this Snow Plow cocktail, leave a note about how you customized it — I love hearing which variations people enjoy most. And as always, may your dishes and drinks be delish!