Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate
Introduction
Mexican hot chocolate is a rich, flavorful drink that combines the deep taste of chocolate with a blend of spices, creating a warm and comforting beverage perfect for any time of the year. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Mexico with this delightful hot chocolate.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup high-quality Mexican chocolate, chopped (such as Abuelita or Ibarra)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for a citrusy note)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions for Mexican Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the Mexican chocolate. Using authentic Mexican chocolate will give your hot chocolate a unique and traditional flavor.
- Zest the Orange: If using, zest the orange with a microplane or fine grater. The zest will add a fresh, citrusy note to the drink.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream
- Combine Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the milk and cream until it is hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Cocoa
- Add the Chocolate: Add the chopped Mexican chocolate to the hot milk and cream mixture. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the Cocoa Powder and Sugar: Whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust the sugar to taste.
Step 4: Flavor the Hot Chocolate
- Add the Spices and Zest: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, chili powder (if using), and orange zest (if using). These ingredients add depth and warmth to the hot chocolate.
Step 5: Serve the Hot Chocolate
- Pour into Mugs: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Serving Suggestions for the Mexican Hot Chocolate
Serve this Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate immediately, while it’s still hot. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or as a special treat after a day in the snow.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 28g
Health Benefits
- Mexican Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, Mexican chocolate can help improve heart health.
- Milk: A good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, essential for bone health.
- Cinnamon: Has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in antioxidants.
- Nutmeg: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve digestion, nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor to the hot chocolate.
- Cloves: Contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Allspice: Adds a warm, spicy flavor and has antioxidant properties.
- Chili Powder: Adds a spicy kick and contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
- Orange Zest: Rich in vitamin C and adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the drink.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Add a Kick: For an adult version, add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Storage: Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Background on Key Ingredients
- Mexican Chocolate: Made from cocoa solids, sugar, and cinnamon, Mexican chocolate has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other chocolates.
- Cocoa Powder: Made from roasted cocoa beans that have been ground into a fine powder, it adds a deep chocolate flavor to the hot chocolate.
- Cinnamon: A spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species, widely used in both sweet and savory dishes for its warm, sweet flavor.
- Nutmeg: A spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree, known for its warm, nutty flavor and often used in baking and cooking.
- Cloves: The aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, used as a spice in various cuisines.
- Allspice: A spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, known for its warm, spicy flavor.
- Chili Powder: A blend of ground dried chilies and other spices, adding heat and depth to dishes.
- Orange Zest: The outer peel of an orange, rich in essential oils and vitamin C, adding a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes.
Conclusion
Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate is a perfect drink that combines the rich, creamy flavor of chocolate with warm spices and a hint of citrus. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to enjoy a cozy night in, this hot chocolate is sure to warm you up and bring the flavors of Mexico to your cup. Enjoy the comforting taste of tradition with every sip!
Try This Also: Classic Hot Toddy
Or Try: The Moscow Mule
Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican hot chocolate is a rich, flavorful drink that combines the deep taste of chocolate with a blend of spices, creating a warm and comforting beverage perfect for any time of the year. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Mexico with this delightful hot chocolate.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk or any milk of your choice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup high-quality Mexican chocolate chopped (such as Abuelita or Ibarra)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional, for a spicy kick
- Zest of 1 orange optional, for a citrusy note
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the Mexican chocolate. Using authentic Mexican chocolate will give your hot chocolate a unique and traditional flavor.
- Zest the Orange: If using, zest the orange with a microplane or fine grater. The zest will add a fresh, citrusy note to the drink.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream
- Combine Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the milk and cream until it is hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Cocoa
- Add the Chocolate: Add the chopped Mexican chocolate to the hot milk and cream mixture. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the Cocoa Powder and Sugar: Whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust the sugar to taste.
Step 4: Flavor the Hot Chocolate
- Add the Spices and Zest: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, chili powder (if using), and orange zest (if using). These ingredients add depth and warmth to the hot chocolate.
Step 5: Serve the Hot Chocolate
- Pour into Mugs: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
Notes
Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate
Nutrition
Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 41.6gProtein: 10.8gFat: 26.9gSaturated Fat: 16.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.1gCholesterol: 62.9mgSodium: 108.1mgPotassium: 547.7mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 36.6gVitamin A: 871.4IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 336.9mgIron: 1.5mg
