We were able to visit Puerto Vallarta this past year and our resort had this amazing Mexican hot chocolate for us every morning. It was so good and I came home determined to recreate it. This isn’t the Mexican hot chocolate of history that goes all the way back to the Aztecs and Mayans who enjoyed a very bitter version of this drink made with the highly prized cacao beans. Instead, my version is made for modern tastes with a sweet, creamy hot chocolate base infused with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you choose to include the cayenne pepper for a unique kick is up to you! If you love a comforting cup of hot chocolate, check out my recipes for European-Style Hot Chocolate, Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix, Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bombs, and Homemade White Hot Chocolate!
Why We Love This Recipe
The combination of whole milk and dark chocolate creates a luscious, creamy texture that is both comforting and indulgent! The blend of cinnamon and cayenne pepper adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for the full ingredient list with quantities and recipe instructions.
Whole Milk – Provides a creamy base for the hot chocolate. Substitutions: oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a non-dairy option. Cocoa Powder – Adds a deep chocolate flavor. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the best results. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the drink. Adjust to taste or use a sugar substitute if preferred. Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is a great option for a more delicate taste. Cayenne Pepper – Adds a subtle spicy kick. A pinch of cayenne pepper is all that is needed, but adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it altogether. Dark Chocolate – Chopped for easy melting, it provides a rich chocolate flavor. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results. Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate
Tips for Success
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor. Adjust the spices to suit your taste preference. Constantly stir the mixture while heating to prevent the milk from scorching. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream before serving, or top with a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream. You can garnish with chocolate shavings and a stick of cinnamon inserted into the finished drink. Cinnamon sticks can also act as a straw to add an extra hint of cinnamon flavor to your drink!
Substitutions and Variations
Use any kind of milk, and you can use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a non-dairy version. Try using Ceylon cinnamon for a milder flavor or if you can find Mexican cinnamon sticks, that will give the best and most authentic flavor. You can either add the cinnamon sticks whole and let the hot chocolate steep for an hour to infuse with the flavor or grind them into a fine powder to stir into the hot chocolate for an even more intense and immediate flavor. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, or use chili powder for a different kind of heat. You can use chocolate chips for convenience instead of chopping a bar of chocolate. Ensure the dark chocolate is high-quality and consider using a higher cocoa content for a stronger chocolate flavor.
More Mexican-Themed Recipes You’ll Love
Horchata Mexican Drink Recipe Day of the Dead Black Buttercream Cake Spaghetti Verde (Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Poblano Sauce) Mexican Wedding Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Mexican Shredded Beef Barbacoa Blueberry Cheesecake Tacos Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
