Mexican Hot Chocolate

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    321 kcal

  • Course

    Drinks

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican Hot Chocolate is a warm beverage blending rich cocoa, whole milk, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne pepper with chopped bittersweet chocolate. This combination creates a creamy, mildly spiced hot drink with a subtle kick from the cayenne. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced with vanilla, it offers a comforting balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, traditionally served with whipped cream or marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon on top.

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.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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

  1. 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.)
  2. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

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Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

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