Description
This Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and comforting drink perfect for chilly days. Using dairy-free milk and chocolate chips, it’s a creamy, spiced chocolate beverage enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper. Quick to prepare in just 8 minutes, this delicious Mexican-inspired hot chocolate is perfect as a dessert or cozy drink for two.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dairy free milk (such as canned coconut milk or homemade cashew milk). If not dairy-free, use regular whole milk.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1.5 ounce dairy free chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup). If not dairy-free, use regular chocolate chips.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Optional Garnishes
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Candy cane
- Coconut whipped cream
Instructions
- Simmer Milk and Cinnamon: Pour the dairy-free milk and ground cinnamon into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until the cinnamon is fully infused into the milk. Be careful to whisk occasionally to prevent the milk from burning.
- Add Chocolate and Spices: Add cocoa powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt to the simmering milk. Whisk frequently to blend the ingredients smoothly and allow the chocolate to melt completely, about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into two mugs while hot.
- Garnish (Optional): Enhance your drink with toppings like coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, cinnamon, or a crushed candy cane for a festive peppermint twist.
Notes
- Use a rich, creamy dairy-free milk like canned coconut milk or homemade cashew milk for extra creaminess.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth—adjust to your preferred spice level.
- You can prepare the spiced milk base in advance and reheat with the chocolate chips when ready to serve.
- Add crushed candy cane for a peppermint flavor or sprinkle chili powder for extra heat.
- Store any leftovers (unlikely) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the creamy texture, avoiding microwave reheating.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
