Mexican Hot Chocolate
User Reviews
5
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Description
This Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe starts by gently heating milk with cocoa powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, blending warmth and spice without boiling to prevent curdling. Chopped bittersweet chocolate is stirred in until fully melted, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture with a rich chocolate flavor that carries the warm notes of cinnamon and a subtle heat from cayenne.
The drink is commonly served garnished with whipped cream or sweetened marshmallows, and dusted with additional cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra aroma and appeal. This combination provides a creamy, comfortably spicy hot chocolate experience that differs from standard versions by introducing the warming spices characteristic of Mexican-style preparations.
Using bittersweet chocolate balances the sweetness, and fresh ground cinnamon integrates better than sticks, which require longer cooking to release flavor fully. Avoiding boiling keeps the milk smooth and prevents curdling, preserving the drink’s creamy consistency.
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk 720ml, whole
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus more for serving
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (113g)
- Whipped Cream for serving, sweetened or marshmallows
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cayenne. Place over medium heat occasionally stirring until steaming, about 5 minutes. (Do not boil.)
- Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Serve immediately topped with whipped cream or marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon.
Notes
- Use bittersweet chocolate rather than milk chocolate to avoid excessive sweetness combined with sugar.
- Ground cinnamon works better than cinnamon sticks since the drink is only heated briefly and won't extract enough flavor from sticks.
- If available, Mexican chocolate can be used, typically made from coarsely ground cacao, sugar, and cinnamon for authentic flavor.
- Do not boil the milk to prevent curdling; heat only until steaming and hot.
- Toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder enhance the drink's presentation and taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 321 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 321kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 73mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 497mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 28g | 56% |
| Vitamin A | 323IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0.04mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 253mg | 25% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.