It’s crazy to hear the name Mexican hot cocoa mix, a combination of chocolate and chili, a strange and delicious dish at home for the weekend. Apronese used to think this was an impossible thing, but it’s really possible guys, it’s delicious, really delicious.

The method is really simple, not complicated, and the ingredients are easy to find. Are you curious about this interesting recipe, stay tuned.

Overhead view of a mug full of Spicy Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and garnished with a cinnamon stick. A bottle of cayenne pepper on the side.

The Ancient Combo of Chocolate and Chiles

In fact, it isn’t a new idea to add a little spice to chocolate, since the first civilizations in Central America were all about giving chocolate a spicy kick.

It is believed that ancient civilizations of Central America drink a bitter, unsweetened drink of chocolate that is sometimes flavored with chiles. In today’s world, you can still find recipes for the original “xocoatl” drink, which is still made today.

How Does This Spicy Hot Cocoa Taste?

There is a great deal of depth, earthiness, and warmth to this cocoa because the cinnamon adds a little more depth, earthiness, and warmth.

Considering that brown sugar contains molasses, it has a richer taste than cocoa sweetened with white sugar. It is also delicious to have a pinch of cayenne added to make you giggle with glee, and then add a pinch of cayenne to give it just the right amount of heat to make you feel good. I love this stuff.

Obviously, the spices do not totally dissolve in milk because, well, they are not soluble in milk, so you can expect some sediment on the bottom of your mug. This is not an issue for French press coffee drinkers. If this bothers you, don’t worry about it since you knew what you were doing.

Make a Big Batch for Gifts

Would you like to make two cups of cocoa mix if you want to give it as a gift or to make it in bulk? Here is the recipe for making two cups of cocoa mix:

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

To make hot cocoa, simply mix two tablespoons of cocoa mix with eight ounces of hot milk.

Overhead view of a pair of hands with gloves holding a mug full of spicy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a pinch of cayenne

Non-Dairy Milk Can I Use?

Yes, absolutely! I think you could use almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk as well, and I think all of those would work great in this recipe!

Spicy Hot Cocoa

Whether it’s slushy outside or chilly inside, this recipe for spicy hot cocoa is rich, warm, and delicious, with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper and cinnamon, so whether it’s cold outside or not, it will warm you up!

Author: Beth

Prep Time: 5 mins/ Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ($0.04)
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.02)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon ($0.02)
  • 1/16 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.01)
  • 8 oz milk (2% fat or higher) ($0.25)

Instructions

  • The cocoa powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper should be stirred together in a small bowl.
  • In a small sauce pan, heat the milk over medium-low heat, whisking the milk frequently to keep it hot, or heat it in the microwave for about 1.5 – 2 minutes, depending on your preference.
  • The milk should now be hot, so whisk in the cocoa powder and spices. Pour and enjoy.

Nutritional

Serving: 1 Serving ・ Calories: 225.8 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 29.2 g ・ Protein: 9.1 g ・ Fat: 8.7 g ・ Sodium: 125.1 mg ・ Fiber: 2.4 g

The nutritional values shown here are only estimates. Please see our nutrition disclaimer.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to eat spicy foods, you can make my classic Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe instead!

Overhead view of a mug full of Spicy Hot Cocoa with a bottle of cayenne and cinnamon sticks on the side

How to Make Spicy Hot Cocoa – Step By Step Photos

Aztec Cocoa Spices in a small white bowl

A simple addition to your favorite cocoa recipe is this: 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. To take it from “yum” to “warm fuzzies all over”: these are all the ingredients you need.

To measure the cayenne pepper, I just filled my 1/8th tsp measuring spoon half way, and if you are sensitive to spices, try just a pinch of it first… just about a pinch of cayenne pepper would probably equal 1/32. However, that’s just a guess.

Aztec Cocoa Spices Mixed

It is not necessary to mix the spices and sugar before adding them to the milk, but I do find it easier this way, and it will still be a little lumpy from the moisture in the brown sugar, so it may be a good idea to mix them together before adding them to the milk.

Hot milk in a sauce pan with a whisk

Using medium-low heat, cook 8 ounces of milk, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes, until it reaches the desired consistency. If you prefer, you can just heat it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Spices being added to milk in the sauce pot

After the milk has been heated, add the cocoa powder and spice mix into it and whisk until combined.

Spices whisked into hot milk in the sauce pot

There will probably be some sediment at the bottom of the pan, but it does not seem to be a major source of concern. Whisk everything together until everything is fairly well combined.

Aztec Hot Cocoa being poured from the sauce pot into a mug

Enjoy a cup of spicy hot cocoa in a mug, and don’t forget to tell your friends about it!

front view of a pair of hands with gloves holding a mug full of Spicy Aztec Hot Cocoa with whipped cream

The Spicy Hot Cocoa from the Nugget Cafe is the perfect way to warm up your soul.

To talk about this Spicy Hot Cocoa, Apronese does not know much, because of its simplicity and great taste. Remember to share this strange and interesting recipe with more of your friends, maybe it will become your regular dish.