Hot Cacao Drink
Enjoy a rich and super chocolatey hot cacao drink at home with this quick and easy recipe. 6 ingredients and 5 minutes is all you need to make a comforting hot chocolate using raw cacao.
When chocolate cravings strike, this recipe is my go-to recipe. Made with plenty of raw cacao powder, maple syrup, and cinnamon, you’re in for a rich and intensely chocolatey treat in 10 minutes flat.
Enjoy the hot cacao as is or add a dollop of whipped cream or chantilly mascarpone cream if you’re feeling wicked. Marshmallows obviously are delicious addition as well.
For more easy chocolate drink ideas, check out my chai hot chocolate, ceremonial cacao, and pumpkin spiced hot chocolate as well.
If you loved this Hot Cacao Recipe as much as I do, please leave a 🌟 star rating below. Thank you!
Hot Cacao Drink
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk or your preferred plant-based option
- 1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 smidgen salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan on the stove or in a microwave.1 cup whole milk
- Add the raw cacao powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt while continuously stirring the milk until well combined.1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao powder, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp cinnamon powder, 1 smidgen salt
- Heat the cacao drink until it starts simmering. Avoid boiling it.
- Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and pour it into your favorite mug. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients and substitutions
Cacao – You’ll need raw cacao powder (fair trade if possible) but you can substitute it with cacao paste or even regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand when the chocolate craving hits. If using cocoa powder opt for Dutch-processed as it has a richer taste and color.
You may wonder what the difference between cacao and cocoa is. Cacao beans (pronounced “ka·kau”) derive from the Theobroma cacao trees. Cacao is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa, making it the purest form of chocolate you can consume. It is often referred to as ceremonial grade cacao.
Milk – This recipe uses whole milk but you can use any plant-based milk including coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk. Use hot water for a pure cacao drink.
Maple syrup – I use maple syrup for sweetening this hot chocolate but you can substitute it with honey, coconut sugar, or cane sugar. Increase the amount of maple syrup for a sweeter drink.
Cinnamon – A sprinkle of cinnamon powder adds aromatic spice and depth in flavor to this drink but you can omit it as well. My homemade chai spice mix is a delicious addition as well.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract creates a rich and complex flavor. You can substitute it with vanilla syrup, paste, or essence of needed. Make sure to reduce the sweetener if you are using vanilla syrup.
Salt – This is an essential ingredient to round out the flavors. Use a smidgen or a pinch of salt if you enjoy the salty, sweet flavor combination.
very nice
Thanks Sara!