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4.9 from 33 votes

Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

Looking for a warm, cozy treat that tastes like a hug in a mug? This easy Mexican Hot Chocolate is rich, frothy, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s similar to champurrado, but simpler — no masa harina, no anise, and no piloncillo. Don’t worry though: just because it’s easier to make doesn’t mean it’s any less delicioso.

Cook Time
mins
Steeping
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 145 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 8 1/4 cups water divided
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 ounces Mexican chocolate
  • 4 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 cup milk whole or almond milk
  • Kahlua or Peppermint schnapps optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 8 cups of water with cinnamon sticks to a boil; remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 1 hour.
  2. Discard cinnamon sticks and return water to medium-low heat. Add Mexican chocolate stir until dissolved.
  3. In a separate cup, dissolve corn starch in ¼ cup of cold water. Stir to prevent clumps and add to pot, stirring as you pour it in.
  4. Add the milk and let it come to a slow boil, being careful to turn off heat as soon as it boils. It will thicken a little and will be creamier with whole milk.

Notes

  • Froth it up! Use a molinillo or whisk to create that classic espuma (foam) for texture and authenticity.
  • Make it party-ready: Easily double or triple the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker or insulated carafe.
  • Don’t skip steeping: Letting the canela steep is key for deep, warming flavor.
  • Make-ahead tip: You can steep the canela and melt the chocolate in advance. Once melted and smooth, let it cool and store in a covered container (like a mason jar) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To serve later: Reheat gently on the stove, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and milk. Heat until warm and slightly thickened, stirring often. Froth with a molinillo or whisk before serving for that classic foam on top.
  • Got leftovers? Store any extra hot chocolate in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat slowly, stirring well to keep it smooth and creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 145kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 19g (6%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 3mg (1%) Sodium 30mg (1%) Potassium 108mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 49IU (1%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 145

% Daily Value*

Calories 145kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 30mg 1%
Potassium 108mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 49IU 1%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.