Warm up with Mexican Hot Chocolate, a rich and creamy drink with a hint of spice from cayenne and other flavorful seasonings. It's the perfect cozy treat for chilly days or a festive twist on tradition.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
Table of Contents
There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of Mexican hot chocolate on a chilly day. It's more than just a drink; it's an experience that brings a little spice and excitement to a classic favorite. I first tried it on a trip to Mexico, where I discovered how the subtle heat of cayenne and the aromatic hint of cinnamon could turn an ordinary cup of cocoa into something extraordinary.
What sets this drink apart from other recipes like my Hershey's hot chocolate is its balance of rich, creamy chocolate and a surprising kick of spice. It's indulgent without being overly sweet, and that touch of cayenne adds a warmth that lingers long after the last sip. It's easy to make and perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or even a little self-care moment when you need a pick-me-up.
I love making this recipe because it reminds me of the joy of slowing down and savoring life's little pleasures. It's the kind of drink that feels both indulgent and grounding. It also connects you to its rich cultural roots just like sitting down to a meal with carne asada and Mexican rice. Plus, the ingredients are simple and probably already in your pantry, so you don't need to plan ahead to whip up a batch. Trust me, once you try this, plain old hot cocoa might just take a backseat.
Ingredients
You'll need a handful of key ingredients that create the rich, spiced flavor of this hot chocolate. Each item plays an important role in delivering the warmth and depth this drink is known for.
- Cocoa Tablet (or equivalent Chocolate): Serves as the foundation for a rich and authentic chocolate flavor.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cocoa tablet or chocolate, creating a smooth base to build on.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and a velvety texture, making the drink indulgent and satisfying.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the hot chocolate with warmth and traditional Mexican spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the complexity of the flavor with subtle, earthy undertones.
- Ground Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle kick of heat, balancing the sweetness and making the flavor profile uniquely bold.
- Whipped Cream (optional): Adds a layer of indulgence and creaminess to each sip.
- Dark Chocolate (optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the drink a velvety texture.
- Stick Cinnamon (optional garnish): Adds a visually appealing touch and a hint of aromatic spice to enhance the overall experience.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Making Mexican hot chocolate at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a rich, spiced drink ready in no time. Follow these instructions to create a cozy treat that's perfect for chilly days or whenever you're craving something warm and indulgent.
In a small saucepan, add cocoa tablet and pour water. Bring to a boil (248°F / 120°C) and crush cocoa tablet using a molinillo.
Stir until chocolate is completely dissolved.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring until well-combined.
Lower heat (140°F / 60°C) and pour milk. Stir continuously until the milk has completely blended and turn the heat off. Do not boil.
Cool for a minute or two and pour in your favorite cup. Traditionally, a stick of cinnamon is served in every serving and used as a stirrer. You can also add garnishes like whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate.
Hint: whisk vigorously or use a traditional molinillo to froth the mixture, creating a creamy texture that enhances the drink's rich, spiced flavor.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize your hot chocolate:
- Add whipped cream: Top your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an indulgent touch.
- Use different milk: Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the spice: Increase or reduce the cayenne pepper for your desired level of heat or add a pinch of chili powder for a smoky kick.
- Incorporate vanilla: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
- Add a liqueur: Mix in a small amount of coffee liqueur, Baileys, or tequila for an adult twist.
- Make it extra chocolatey: Use dark chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an even richer flavor.
- Include marshmallows: Top with mini marshmallows or a toasted marshmallow for a fun, cozy vibe.
- Infuse with orange: Add orange zest or a few drops of orange extract for a citrusy variation.
Try garnishing with dairy-free whipped cream if you do use a milk alternative.
Tips
Top tip: Use authentic Mexican chocolate tablets for an authentic flavor and texture.
- Heat slowly: Warm the milk and water over medium heat to prevent scalding and ensure a creamy consistency.
- Whisk vigorously: Use a whisk or molinillo to create a frothy texture, which is a signature characteristic of Mexican hot chocolate.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels gradually to match your preference.
- Don't skip the spices: Cinnamon and cayenne pepper are essential for the warm, spiced flavor that sets this drink apart.
- Use high-quality milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but feel free to substitute with plant-based options if needed.
- Serve immediately: Mexican hot chocolate is best enjoyed hot and freshly prepared for the fullest flavor and texture.
- Experiment with toppings: Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added indulgence.
Serving suggestions
For a cozy morning or brunch, serve the Mexican hot chocolate with fresh churros for dipping. The cinnamon sugar coating on churros complements the spiced richness of the hot chocolate, creating an irresistible combination. Or, you can pair it with a creamy leche flan for an indulgent dessert experience.
If you're serving the hot chocolate as a dessert, consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. A pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel can add an extra layer of flavor. For a more decadent presentation, serve it with a side of chocolate-dipped strawberries or biscotti for dipping.
For authenticity, use a cinnamon stick as a stirring utensil when serving. Garnish with mini marshmallows for a more traditional hot cocoa flavor. You can also serve it with savory snacks like tortilla strips and beef queso dip for a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Storage
To store Mexican hot chocolate, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days to maintain its flavor and quality. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scorching and to recombine any separated spices or chocolate.
If you prefer to reheat it in the microwave, use a microwave-safe mug and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. For a fresh, frothy texture, whisk the hot chocolate vigorously or use a frother before serving.
FAQs
Yes, if you don't have a cocoa tablet, you can substitute it with about 17 grams of any good quality chocolate or cocoa powder. Simply melt the chocolate or mix the cocoa powder with a little hot water to create a smooth, rich base for your drink.
If you like your Mexican hot chocolate with an extra kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or even add a dash of chili powder. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or add a tiny bit of ground chipotle for more heat.
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, simply swap out the whole milk for any plant-based milk, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free chocolate to ensure the recipe is completely free from animal products.
Have a question about this recipe?
Ask AI to answer based on this specific recipe:
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 piece cocoa tablet or about 17g other chocolate
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- pinch of ground cayenne pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 stick cinnamon
- whipped cream
- dark chocolate shavings or chopped
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add cocoa tablet and pour water. Bring to a boil (248°F / 120°C) and crush cocoa tablet using a molinillo. Stir until chocolate is completely dissolved.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring until well-combined.
- Lower heat (140°F / 60°C) and pour milk. Stir continuously until the milk has completely blended and turn the heat off. Do not boil.
- Cool for a minute or two and pour in your favorite cup.
- Traditionally, a stick of cinnamon is served in every serving of Mexican Hot Chocolate and used as a stirrer.
- Optional garnishes are whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings (or chopped).
- Immediately serve Mexican Hot Chocolate. Enjoy every sip.
Comments
No Comments