Description
This Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate is a cozy and flavorful drink perfect for chilly winter evenings. Made with simple pantry staples like cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, this creamy beverage delivers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and rich chocolate flavors with a warming kick.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1 cup milk (of your choice – whole milk recommended)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tbsp white granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder (adjust for spiciness)
Garnishes
- Pinch of salt (for garnish)
- Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot over medium heat, pour in the milk. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne powder, vanilla extract, and sugar. Whisk all ingredients together until fully combined and creamy.
- Heat the Mixture: Continue warming the mixture on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Let it heat for approximately 5 minutes until it is warm and well blended.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more sugar or cayenne powder if desired. Stir well to incorporate any additions.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if using, and add an extra pinch of cayenne and a small pinch of salt on top to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Adjust cayenne powder according to your tolerance for spice.
- Adding a pinch of salt on top balances and enhances the chocolate and spice flavors.
- Whipped cream or marshmallows add a sweet, creamy garnish but can be omitted for a lighter drink.
- This recipe serves 1 but can be easily multiplied for multiple servings.
