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Mexican Hot Chocolate

3 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Dash ground cloves or nutmeg
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Whole cinnamon sticks

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, mix cocoa and sugar; stir in water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Add cinnamon and cloves; stir in milk. Simmer 5 minutes (do not boil). Whisk in vanilla. Pour hot chocolate into mugs; top with whipped cream. Use cinnamon sticks for stirrers.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Tips

What is different about Mexican hot chocolate?

Mexican hot chocolate is often grainer than our powdery American hot chocolate, as spices, such as cinnamon, chili powder and cayenne are often combined throughout. It's known for its frothy texture, which comes from the use of a traditional molinillo (wooden whisk). It's perfect for drinking alongside the most delicious Mexican desserts.

Is there caffeine in Mexican hot chocolate?

This cozy drink contains chocolate, therefore it contains caffeine, but the amount will vary by brand.

What else can you put in Mexican hot chocolate?

Mexican hot chocolate typically has a little bit of heat from cayenne or chili powder (or both), so try adding a pinch of each to your pot before serving. Beyond that, we've got plenty more ideas for things to put in hot chocolate, like almond extract, nutmeg, orange zest and dulce de leche. You could even make a spiked hot chocolate by adding hazelnut liqueur or amaretto.

Can you make Mexican hot chocolate from a hot cocoa mix?

If you're short on time, you can definitely use a store-bought hot chocolate mix. Stir a little vanilla extract and ground cinnamon into the prepared cocoa. Garnish with canned whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg if desired.

—Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor, and Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 156 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.