Description
This Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe is a warm, rich, and flavorful drink perfect for cozy winter days. Made with a blend of cacao powder, bittersweet chocolate, and traditional Mexican spices like cinnamon and chili powder, it offers a luscious and slightly spicy twist on classic hot chocolate. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and finished with a hint of vanilla, this comforting beverage can be enjoyed with or without whipped cream toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base
- 4 cups milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Simmer the Ingredients. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and chili powder. Stir continuously to dissolve the cacao powder and sweetener, ensuring there are no clumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer but avoid boiling, which helps meld the flavors together.
- Add the Chocolate. Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to the simmering mixture. Whisk continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chocolate is fully melted and the hot chocolate becomes smooth and silky in texture.
- Serve. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. If desired, top each serving with whipped cream or your favorite toppings for an extra indulgent treat. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- This Mexican hot chocolate is a cozy, spiced drink you will want to enjoy throughout the winter season.
- The combination of cinnamon and chili powder adds a subtle warmth and complexity beyond traditional hot chocolate.
- Use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk to keep this recipe vegan.
- For a sweeter option, substitute maple syrup with honey or adjust to taste.
- Watch the preparation carefully to prevent the milk from boiling over while simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 165 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
