Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 7 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking to spice up your usual hot chocolate routine, this Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate is just the ticket. It combines rich chocolate flavors with a kick of spice that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a little extra heat.

Ingredients for Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate

Whole milk serves as the creamy base of the drink, ensuring a rich texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix, balancing the spice and bitterness. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth and a pure chocolate flavor. Bittersweet chocolate, chopped, enhances the richness and gives the drink a silky finish. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Ground cinnamon contributes warmth and a familiar spice note. Cayenne pepper provides the heat, a little goes a long way. Ground nutmeg adds a subtle nutty spice, enhancing the overall profile. Whipped cream is optional but offers a delightful creamy topping, and cinnamon sticks are perfect for garnish, adding a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Stir continuously while melting the chocolate to prevent scorching.
  • If you don’t have a whisk, a fork or spoon will do the trick, just ensure everything is well mixed.
  • For a frothy finish, use an immersion blender just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with churros or a slice of rich chocolate cake for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a plate of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges. If you're serving this at a gathering, consider setting up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or flavored syrups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your preferred non-dairy milk for a similar creamy texture.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to tone down the heat.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the hot chocolate and keep it in a thermos for a couple of hours. Reheat gently on the stove if needed, but avoid boiling.

Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by pouring the whole milk into a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium and let the milk warm up until you see steam rising, which should take about five minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling.

Once the milk is steaming, whisk in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until they are completely dissolved. This ensures that the sugar and cocoa are evenly distributed in the milk.

Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, which takes about three minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that silky texture.

Next, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Continue heating for another two minutes, making sure the mixture does not boil. The spices should blend seamlessly with the chocolate, creating a harmonious flavor.

Finally, pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick if you like. Serve immediately while it's still hot and enjoy the comforting warmth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a delicious twist on traditional hot chocolate, with a spicy kick.
  • Quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy it any time.
  • Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
  • The blend of spices creates a truly comforting drink experience.
  • Perfect for cozy nights in or as a unique beverage for gatherings.

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Whipped cream, for serving
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder until completely dissolved.
3. Add the chopped chocolate and stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Continue to heat for another 2 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
6. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream.
7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.

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