Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Health Benefits: Incorporates ingredients like raw cacao, turmeric, and ginger, which are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Mood Enhancer: Raw cacao is a natural mood booster, promoting the release of bliss hormones such as serotonin and tryptophan.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice levels and sweetness to suit your personal preferences.
- Simple Preparation: Once the spice mix is prepared, making a cup of this nourishing hot cocoa is quick and straightforward.
Ingredients
For the Spice Mix:
- 2/3 cup raw cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 6 teaspoons ground ginger
- 6 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons ground black cumin
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
For Each Serving of Hot Cocoa:
- 1 tablespoon of the prepared spice mix
- 1 cup warm, fatty milk (e.g., watered-down coconut cream or any plant-based milk with added coconut oil)
- Sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, raw sugar), to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients listed under the spice mix. Store this mixture in a sealed container for future use.
- Make the Hot Cocoa:
- Warm your chosen milk to your preferred temperature.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the prepared spice mix and your desired amount of sweetener to the warm milk.
- Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This can be done in a small pot, a barista carafe, or a large mug to prevent spills. Using a frother or automatic whisk can help achieve a smoother texture and a bit of foam.
- Serve: Pour the hot cocoa into a mug and enjoy immediately. If the drink sits for too long, it may start to separate; simply stir to recombine if needed.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: The spice mix yields approximately 14 servings, with each serving being 1 tablespoon of the mix.
- Preparation Time: The spice mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and each serving of hot cocoa takes approximately 5 minutes to make.
Variations
- Spice Level: For an extra kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the mix. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne and reduce the black pepper.
- Sweeteners: Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia to find your preferred level of sweetness.
- Milk Options: While coconut cream provides healthy fats that aid in nutrient absorption, you can use any plant-based milk. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to other milks can mimic the fatty content of coconut cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Spice Mix Storage: Store the dry spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should remain fresh for several months.
- Prepared Hot Cocoa: If you have leftover prepared hot cocoa, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to recombine any settled spices.
FAQs
What is the difference between cacao and cocoa powder?
Cacao powder is made from raw, unroasted cacao beans and retains more antioxidants and nutrients compared to cocoa powder, which is processed at higher temperatures.
Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use regular dairy milk if you prefer. Adding a small amount of coconut oil can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients.
Is this drink suitable for children?
The spices in this hot cocoa may be too intense for some children. It’s advisable to start with a smaller amount of the spice mix and adjust according to their taste preferences.
How does this drink help with inflammation?
Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and black cumin have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Can I omit any of the spices if I don’t have them on hand?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe based on the spices you have. However, omitting certain spices may alter the flavor and potential health benefits.
How often can I drink this hot cocoa?
This hot cocoa can be enjoyed daily. However, it’s important to listen to your body and consume it in moderation, especially if you’re sensitive to any of the spices.
Can I add other flavors to this hot cocoa?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding flavors like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance the taste.
Is this drink vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener, this hot cocoa is suitable for a vegan diet.
Does this hot cocoa contain caffeine?
Raw cacao contains a small amount of caffeine, so there is a minimal amount present in this hot cocoa.
Can I make a larger batch of the hot cocoa to have on hand?
Yes, you can prepare a larger batch of the liquid hot cocoa and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat individual servings as needed, ensuring to stir well before drinking.
Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings of spice mix
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm up with a mug of Spiced Hot Cocoa, a delightful and health-boosting beverage packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and raw cacao. This mood-enhancing drink is customizable, vegan-friendly, and perfect for supporting overall wellness.
Ingredients
For the Spice Mix:
- 2/3 cup raw cacao powder
- 3 tbsp ground turmeric
- 6 tsp ground ginger
- 6 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tsp ground black cumin
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
For Each Serving:
- 1 tbsp prepared spice mix
- 1 cup warm fatty milk (e.g., watered-down coconut cream or plant-based milk with added coconut oil)
- Sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, raw sugar), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix:
Combine all spice mix ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container. - Make the Hot Cocoa:
- Warm your chosen milk.
- Add 1 tbsp of the spice mix and your desired sweetener to the warm milk.
- Whisk thoroughly until smooth, using a frother for a creamy texture.
- Serve:
Pour into a mug and enjoy immediately. Stir if the drink separates over time.
Notes
- Storage: The spice mix can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. Prepared hot cocoa can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated.
- Variations: Adjust spices, sweeteners, and milk options to your liking.
- Tips: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to mimic healthy fats if using low-fat milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion