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A warm, spicy, rich-tasting Mexican hot chocolate recipe that makes winter's very best drink. Authentic Mexican hot chocolate recipe combines ingredients like good dark chocolate with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and just a touch of chili powder.
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Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate

This Mexican hot chocolate recipe makes a batch of rich, spiced hot chocolate that warms winter perfectly.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Course: beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Keywords:: abuelita hot chocolate, chocolate, dessert, drinks, holiday drinks, hot cocoa, mexican hot chocolate, mexican hot chocolate recipe, valentine's day
Servings: 2 to 3 people

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks, lightly crushed
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • Generous pinch cayenne pepper or hot chili powder (optional)
  • 3 1/2 ounces chopped dark chocolate, such as Valrhona 70%
  • Whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine the milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne or chili powder (if using) in a medium pot. Heat over medium heat until simmering. Reduce the heat a little and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to bloom the cinnamon and spices.
  • Add the chopped chocolate. Cook, whisking, until the chocolate is fully melted and emulsified. Taste for sweetness and spice.
  • If using cinnamon sticks, strain the liquid through a mesh sieve into cups. If not using cinnamon sticks, pour the Mexican hot chocolate directly into mugs.
  • Serve warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and perhaps a garnish of a few chocolate shavings or additional cinnamon sticks.