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Spicy Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

Featured in Delicious Refreshing Drinks.

This warming drink combines rich chocolate with traditional Mexican spices like cinnamon and chili for a cozy beverage that's ready in just 10 minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:58 GMT
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A close-up of a red mug filled with hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Pin it
A close-up of a red mug filled with hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. | recipesbyclare.com

My Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe brings back memories of cold winter evenings at my grandmother's house. The way she'd carefully blend those warm spices with rich chocolate created pure magic in a mug. Now when I make it my kitchen fills with that same comforting aroma of cinnamon and chocolate.

Different and Delicious

This isn't your ordinary hot chocolate. That hint of chili and cinnamon creates something truly special. Every sip brings a perfect balance of sweet creamy chocolate with just enough warmth from the spices to make you smile.

A cozy red mug filled with hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks, sits against a blurred festive background with lights. Pin it
A cozy red mug filled with hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks, sits against a blurred festive background with lights. | recipesbyclare.com

What You'll Need

  • Milk: 2 cups, for a creamy and rich base.
  • Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons unsweetened, for a deep chocolate flavor.
  • Bittersweet Chocolate: 1 ounce, for added creaminess and smoothness.
  • Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground, for warmth and spice.
  • Chili Powder: 1/4 teaspoon, for a smoky, spicy kick.
  • Cayenne Pepper: A pinch, optional, for extra heat.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
  • Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons, to sweeten to taste.

Let's Make It Together

Start with Warm Milk
Heat it gently you want steamy not boiling.
Add the Good Stuff
Whisk in your cocoa and spices until they're perfectly blended.
Make It Extra Rich
Stir in that bittersweet chocolate watching it melt into silky smoothness.
Perfect the Flavor
Add sugar and vanilla adjusting until it's just right for you.
Time to Enjoy
Pour into your favorite mug and add those special toppings.
A close-up of a bowl of creamy hot chocolate topped with chocolate chunks, surrounded by festive decorations. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of creamy hot chocolate topped with chocolate chunks, surrounded by festive decorations. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Extra Special

I love topping mine with fluffy marshmallows and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Sometimes I'll drizzle some cajeta on top for extra indulgence or add a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats dunking a marranito (those adorable gingerbread pigs) into this rich chocolate. The spices in both just work so beautifully together creating the perfect cozy treat.

Keep It Fresh

If you have any leftover (which rarely happens in my house) it keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it gently adding a splash of milk to bring back that perfect consistency.

A cozy arrangement featuring a mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, surrounded by festive decorations, chocolate pieces, cookies, and a red and white napkin. Pin it
A cozy arrangement featuring a mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, surrounded by festive decorations, chocolate pieces, cookies, and a red and white napkin. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make it creamier?
Use whole milk instead of 2% and increase bittersweet chocolate to 2-4 ounces for a thicker, richer drink.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, omit the cayenne for less heat, or adjust the amount of chili powder to taste. Start with less and add more if desired.
→ What type of chocolate works best?
Bittersweet chocolate gives the best rich flavor. Look for chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute any non-dairy milk, though the texture may be less creamy. Oat milk works particularly well.
→ Why shouldn't it boil?
Boiling can scald the milk and make the chocolate separate. Heat until hot but not boiling for the smoothest texture.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

A warming blend of rich hot chocolate with cinnamon, chili powder and a touch of cayenne for a uniquely Mexican twist.

Prep Time
2 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Refreshing Drinks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 2 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups milk (2% or whole).
02 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
04 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
05 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 ⅛ teaspoon chili powder.
07 ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne (optional).
08 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate.
09 Marshmallows for topping (optional).
10 Chocolate shavings for topping (optional).
11 Cinnamon stick for stirring (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Add milk, cocoa powder, sugar, spices and vanilla to saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Add bittersweet chocolate and heat until melted and hot but not boiling, whisking to combine.

Step 03

Pour into mugs and top with optional marshmallows, chocolate shavings and cinnamon stick.

Notes

  1. Use whole milk for creamier drink.
  2. Adjust spices to taste.
  3. Don't let mixture boil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 252
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 10 g