Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make rich, creamy, and frothy Mexican hot chocolate at home using traditional spices like cinnamon and a hint of chili for a perfect cozy evening drink.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop/Whisking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces Mexican chocolate (like Ibarra or Abuelita), chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the milk, chopped Mexican chocolate, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the pan.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture into a blender or use a traditional molinillo (wooden whisk) or a standard wire whisk.
- Blend or whisk vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until a thick layer of foam or froth forms on top. This step creates the signature texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour immediately into mugs and serve while hot.
Notes
- For a richer texture, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- If you do not have Mexican chocolate tablets, use 3 ounces of good quality dark chocolate chips and increase the ground cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon.
- To achieve the best froth, blend the hot liquid in batches if necessary to avoid overflowing the blender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 35