Dirty Snowman Baileys Ice Cream Cocktail

The Dirty Snowman Drink is a whimsical winter cocktail that brings together the best of hot chocolate and ice cream in one creamy, indulgent mug. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep, this adult twist on a childhood favorite turns any snowy evening into a celebration. Think root beer float meets boozy hot cocoa—cozy, sweet, and fun to eat with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This drink combines the comforting warmth of hot chocolate with the sweet chill of vanilla ice cream and the rich, creamy flavor of Baileys Irish Cream. It’s decadent, unexpected, and so much fun to serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a date night in, or just want a unique treat for yourself, this boozy hot chocolate float is a crowd-pleaser. You can even make a kid-friendly version by skipping the alcohol and keeping all the toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vanilla ice cream

• Baileys Irish Cream (or homemade Irish cream)

• Hot chocolate, prepared

• Whipped cream

• Sprinkles (chocolate or festive themed)

Directions

1. Scoop two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into your favorite cocktail mug or glass.

2. Pour 1–2 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream over the ice cream.

3. Carefully pour in 1 cup of hot chocolate, letting it melt the ice cream slightly.

4. Top with whipped cream.

5. Finish with a sprinkle of your favorite sprinkles.

6. Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Boozier Twist: Add a splash of whipped cream vodka, rum, or chocolate liqueur for an extra kick.

• Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the alcohol and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a fun treat kids will love.

• Mocha Snowman: Add a shot of espresso or use mocha hot chocolate to add a coffee note.

• Peppermint Snowman: Add a few drops of peppermint extract or use peppermint schnapps for a minty version.

• Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream and add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty finish.

• S’mores Inspired: Use chocolate ice cream and top with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.

• Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate: Use spiced hot cocoa and a dash of cayenne or cinnamon to give it a warm heat.

• Cookie Crumble: Sprinkle crushed cookies or chocolate shavings on top for texture and flavor.

• Nutty Delight: Add a shot of hazelnut liqueur and top with crushed toasted hazelnuts.

• Oreo Twist: Blend in crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream vibe.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is meant to be enjoyed fresh and doesn’t store well. If needed, you can prep your hot chocolate and keep it warm on the stove or in a thermos until you’re ready to assemble. Avoid freezing or refrigerating the assembled drink, as the texture and flavor will change significantly.

FAQs

What is a Dirty Snowman Drink?

A Dirty Snowman is a hot chocolate cocktail made with vanilla ice cream, Baileys Irish Cream, and hot chocolate. It’s topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive touch.

Can I use any kind of hot chocolate?

Yes! Use your favorite prepared hot chocolate—store-bought, homemade, or from a mix. Milk-based hot chocolate makes it creamier.

Can I use other alcohol instead of Baileys?

Definitely. Whipped cream vodka, chocolate liqueur, Kahlua, or rum are all great choices.

Is there a way to make it non-alcoholic?

Yes. Just skip the Baileys. The combination of ice cream and hot chocolate is still absolutely delicious on its own.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Chocolate jimmies are classic, but any festive sprinkles—snowflakes, holiday confetti, or crushed candy canes—work beautifully.

How do I serve it?

Serve in a heat-safe cocktail mug with a spoon. The ice cream melts slowly, so it’s fun to sip and scoop.

Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes. Prepare several mugs with ice cream and Baileys, then pour in hot chocolate just before serving. Keep hot cocoa warm on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Does it work with dairy-free options?

Yes. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk for the hot chocolate, and a vegan Irish cream alternative.

How can I make it look extra fancy?

Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before adding ingredients, or rim the mug with crushed cookies or graham crackers.

Can I turn this into a milkshake?

Absolutely. Blend all the ingredients together with a few ice cubes for a cold, boozy milkshake version.

Conclusion

The Dirty Snowman Drink is everything winter comfort should be—creamy, warm, a little boozy, and irresistibly sweet. With just a few ingredients and endless ways to customize it, this hot chocolate float is sure to become your go-to winter cocktail. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, it’s a playful yet indulgent treat that’s as fun to make as it is to drink.