Indulge in a warm embrace of flavors with our Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate, a delightful twist on the classic treat that will awaken your senses and ignite your taste buds! This rich, velvety beverage combines the comforting sweetness of chocolate with a tantalizing kick of spice, reminiscent of ancient Mexican traditions. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy gathering, this quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an irresistible choice for chocolate lovers. Ready to uncover the secret to this exotic drink? Read on and discover how to create your own cup of magic!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of milk and place it over medium heat. Allow the milk to warm up gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching on the bottom.
- While the milk is heating, in a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Once the milk is warm but not boiling (about 5 minutes), add the dry mixture to the saucepan. Whisk continuously to ensure that the cocoa powder and sugar dissolve completely into the milk.
- Continue to heat the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, whisking frequently. You want the hot chocolate to be steaming but not boiling.
- After 10 minutes of cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your hot chocolate.
- Pour the spicy Aztec hot chocolate into two mugs, and if desired, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or cayenne pepper on top for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of your homemade Aztec hot chocolate!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh spices. This will elevate your hot chocolate and make each sip more enjoyable.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you're not a fan of too much heat, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper to a pinch or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you love spice, add a bit more to suit your taste!
- Milk Alternatives: Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free version. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the drink.
- Whisking Technique: Whisk continuously as you heat the milk and add the dry ingredients. This helps to create a smooth, lump-free hot chocolate that’s rich in texture.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy your Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate with a slice of warm cake or some crunchy biscotti for a perfect afternoon treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
