Description
This authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and slightly spiced beverage perfect for warming up on chilly days. Made with a blend of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne, it delivers a deliciously smooth and flavorful hot drink with a classic frothy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 1 cup water
Chocolate & Flavorings
- 3 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne or chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of fine sea salt
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream
- cinnamon stick
- shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Warm the base: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and water. Warm over medium heat until steaming, but do not let it boil.
- Add the chocolate: Whisk in the finely chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate the flavor.
- Blend for froth (optional): To achieve the classic Mexican-style frothy texture, carefully blend the hot chocolate using an immersion blender or a vented traditional blender for 15 to 20 seconds until it becomes lightly foamy.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, and if desired, top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or shaved chocolate. Enjoy the drink warm.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar and cayenne to suit your taste preferences for sweetness and spiciness.
- Using high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate enhances the flavor significantly.
- The frothing step is traditional but optional; blending helps create an airy texture reminiscent of authentic Mexican hot chocolate.
- Milk can be substituted with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
