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Glass mug of homemade mexican hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and garnished with cinnamon sticks.
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5 from 10 votes

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Creamy Mexican hot chocolate is made with real chocolate, and flavored with a combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of chili powder.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Course: drink
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex
Servings: 3 fluid cups
Author: Serene

Ingredients

  • 3 cups milk*
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla/almond extract can choose which flavoring you prefer
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Optional Toppings

  • whipped cream
  • marshmallows

Instructions

  • Pour the milk in to a small saucepan.
  • Add in the cocoa powder (to help prevent clumps of cocoa powder, sift the powder before adding it in), ground cinnamon, chili powder, salt, and sugar.
    Milk, cocoa, cinnamon and chili powder in a pot for hot chocolate.
  • Whisk all of the ingredients together. The cocoa powder takes some time to incorporate into the milk. Keep whisking until it's smooth.
  • Warm the mixture over medium/low heat. We don't want to bring the milk to a boil, just to heat it through.
  • Once the milk is warmed, add in the semi-sweet chocolate and stir while the chocolate melts.
    Smooth hot chocolate in a pot with a whisk.
  • Remove from heat and carefully pour into mugs to serve.
  • Optional toppings: Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, chopped chocolate, an extra pinch of chili powder, or some flakey sea salt.

Video

Notes

  1. Milk: this recipe calls for milk. You can use a combination of milk and cream for a thicker drink. Whole milk will make for a thicker drink than using 2% or 1% milk. Of course you can substitute and use any milk you prefer/have on hand.
  2. Chili Powder: this isn't going to make the hot chocolate spicy. It adds a depth of flavor to the finished drink. If you would prefer, you can leave this ingredient out, or you can start with a lower amount, taste test, and add more to taste if desired.
  3. Separation: as the drink cools and is being enjoyed it's possible that the chocolate will start to settle on the bottom of the mug. This is normal and occurs with homemade hot chocolates. Which is why they are typically served with a spoon or stirring stick to continue to stir while enjoying. 
  4. Storing/reheating: if you end up with some leftover, you can store in a sealed container/jar in a refrigerator.  Chocolate may have settled to the bottom of the jar or container while in refrigerator. Just scoop out with a spoon. To reheat pour into a small saucepan and heat over medium/low.
  5. Nutrition information is being calculated showing this recipe yields 3 cups in measurement. While it will serve about 4, depending on the size of your mug/cup. Nutrition information is calculated at 4 servings per recipe. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1mug | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 77mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g