Everything You Should Know About Mexican Hot Chocolate (2024)

Mexican hot chocolate is a delightful treat that people have enjoyed for centuries. Many folks are familiar with the classic chocolate and milk combination, but there is much more to this delicious drink! If you have never tried Mexican hot chocolate before, you are in for a real treat. Learn everything you should know about Mexican hot chocolate to help you make the perfect cup.

What Is Mexican Hot Chocolate?

Mexican hot chocolate includes various spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ancho chili pepper. These ingredients give it a unique flavor that is sweet and slightly spicy. The chocolate used in Mexican hot chocolate is typically dark chocolate, which has a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate or white chocolate. The difference is a richer flavor and a more intense chocolate experience.

History of Mexican Chocolate

Mexican chocolate has been around for centuries. Mexican cultures once used chocolate as currency. The Aztecs believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods and would only drink it on special occasions. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they began to add sugar and milk to the chocolate to make it more palatable. This is how Mexican hot chocolate came to be.

You can find recipes for Mexican hot chocolate dating back to the 1600s. It was a popular drink among the wealthy and often served on special occasions.

How To Make Mexican Hot Chocolate

Now that you know more about Mexican hot chocolate, it’s time to learn how to make it! The first step is to gather your ingredients. You will need:

  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ancho chili pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the milk is hot, add the chocolate and sugar. Stir until the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves. Then, add the cinnamon, ancho chili pepper, and cloves. Stir until everything is well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making Mexican Hot Chocolate

Here are a few additional tips to help you make the perfect cup of Mexican hot chocolate:

  • Use whole milk for a richer flavor.
  • If you want a truly authentic experience, use Mexican chocolate. This type of chocolate has a lower sugar content and a more intense flavor.
  • If you want a sweeter drink, add more sugar to taste.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe to make it spicier.

Using a Molinillo

One of the best ways to make Mexican hot chocolate is with a molinillo. A molinillo is a traditional Mexican wooden whisk used to froth hot chocolate. To use a molinillo, place it in the cup of hot chocolate and rotate it between your palms. The goal is to create a whirling motion that will froth the chocolate and create a creamy, rich beverage.

If you do not have a molinillo, you can use a regular whisk or even an immersion blender to achieve similar results.

The Difference Between Mexican Hot Chocolate and Other Hot Chocolate

Now that you know everything about Mexican hot chocolate, it’s time to learn about the difference between this delicious drink and other hot chocolates. The most significant difference is in the ingredients. Mexican hot chocolate uses various spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ancho chili pepper.

Another difference is the type of chocolate. Mexican hot chocolate consists of dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Because of this, Mexican hot chocolate has a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

Hot chocolate, famous in the United States, uses milk chocolate and is typically served with whipped cream and marshmallows. While this type of hot chocolate is delicious, it is not the same as Mexican hot chocolate. You can also use water instead of milk to make American hot chocolate.

If you are looking for a delicious and unique twist on your classic hot chocolate recipe, look no further thanMexican hot chocolate.

Things To Pair With Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican hot chocolate is delicious, and it’s even better paired with various foods. These are some of the best things to enjoy with Mexican hot chocolate.

Churros

These fried dough snacks are a classic accompaniment to hot chocolate. You might see these served at your local coffee shop, but they are also easy to make at home. Dip your churros in the hot chocolate before enjoying it for an extra-special treat.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are another classic pairing for hot chocolate. They add a touch of sweetness and a bit of fun to the drink. You can use regular marshmallows or try making flavored marshmallows at home.

Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is a delicious way to top off a cup of hot chocolate. It’s also a great way to add a bit of richness to the drink. Top your hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra-special treat.

Cinnamon Sticks

Stir your hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. A cinnamon stick is also a great way to garnish your drink. You can find cinnamon sticks at your local grocery store or online.

Sweet Bread or Roll

A sweet bread or roll is the perfect thing to enjoy with hot chocolate. The sweetness of the bread pairs well with the rich chocolate flavor. Try serving your hot chocolate with a slice of pumpkin bread or gingerbread.

Conclusion

Mexican hot chocolate is a delicious, unique version of the hot chocolate you already know and love. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something sweet. Hopefully, this guide has taught you everything you need to know about Mexican hot chocolate so you can easily make this tasty treat at home. Don’t forget to pair it with some of your favorite foods for the perfect snack or dessert. You will love the combination of rich chocolate and warm spices.

Verve Culture has the tools and ingredients you need to make authentic Mexican hot chocolate, from gift sets to chocolate. So, why haven’t you tried this treat yet? Enjoy a cup of Mexican hot chocolate today!

Everything You Should Know About Mexican Hot Chocolate (1)

Everything You Should Know About Mexican Hot Chocolate (2024)

FAQs

What are some facts about Mexican hot chocolate? ›

Mexican hot chocolate includes various spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ancho chili pepper. These ingredients give it a unique flavor that is sweet and slightly spicy.

Why is my abuelita hot chocolate grainy? ›

It has a noticeably grainy texture because it's processed only to the “liquor” stage, before it's poured into the disk-shaped molds to cool and harden. Classically, it's flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. To make the drink, this solid chocolate is broken into pieces, then just melted into a pot of hot milk.

What is the difference between Mexican hot chocolate and hot chocolate? ›

Mexican hot chocolate contains spices like cinnamon and chili and chopped bittersweet chocolate to create a very rich but less sweet flavor. Whereas traditional American hot chocolate is usually made with a combination of cocoa powder and/or chocolate and tends to be more on the sweet side.

What are the benefits of Mexican hot chocolate? ›

It's essentially hot chocolate on crack, spiked with cinnamon, chili and cayenne, which not only take the flavor to the next level, but infuse the hot chocolate with blood-sugar stabilizing, metabolism-boosting properties (which, let's be real, is especially important this time of year).

Why is Mexican hot chocolate so thick? ›

Champurrado is traditionally made with Mexican chocolate, masa harina or corn flour, piloncillo (a type of cane sugar), cinnamon, and water or milk. The masa or corn flour gives it a thicker consistency than regular hot chocolate.

Can you use water instead of milk for Abuelita hot chocolate? ›

Instant Hot Chocolate ABUELITA™ envelopes can be prepared with water.

Why is Abuelita hot chocolate so good? ›

I'm Interested! Contact Me. For generations, Nestlé Abuelita Authentic Mexican Style Hot Chocolate Mix has been an essential part of the Hispanic kitchen. Its perfect balance of cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon gives it a distinctively delicious “calor de hogar” taste.

Does Mexican chocolate go bad? ›

Chocolate does not get old in the sense that it has expired – it just turns ugly, grayish, powdery, dry, or grainy. The cocoa butter and cocoa powder can shift into many crystals over time and make your chocolate look different but it will not affect flavor. If sealed tightly, it will stay edible forever.

What is the most popular hot chocolate in Mexico? ›

Nestlé Abuelita Hot Chocolate Tablets

This is one of the most famous brands of hot chocolate from Mexico.

Why does Mexican hot chocolate contain spicy pepper? ›

Unlike “American hot chocolate”, Mexican hot chocolate contains less sugar and has a stronger, more intense chocolate taste. It also contains warm spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper to add an extra dimension to the drink. What is this? Basically, it's divine.

How old is Mexican chocolate? ›

It all began here, in Mesoamerica, where the cacao tree is native and has perfect growing conditions. The first form of chocolate used in Mexico came in the form of beverage flavored with corn, honey, chilies and more. And that goes back as far as the 450BC. Yes, we have been enjoying chocolate for a long time now!

Why is it called Mexican chocolate? ›

In short, Mexican Chocolate differs from European Chocolate in processing, texture and origin. Theobroma Cacao, the scientific name for the tree that produces cacao pods, is native to South America and was first used and cultivated by the Ancient Mesoamerican Olmec, Mayan and Aztec cultures.

What are the interesting facts about champurrado? ›

Instead of a drink, it is a sweet rice porridge traditionally eaten during cold rainy days and in the Christmas season. Many Latin Americans, especially Mexicans, enjoy champurrado around the holidays when the weather is colder. It differs significantly from hot chocolate in its taste and texture.

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