Mexican Hot Cocoa

A rich and spicy twist on traditional hot chocolate, combining bittersweet chocolate with warming cinnamon and a hint of ancho chili. This decadent beverage is made with both evaporated and whole milk, enhanced with chocolate liqueur and topped with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream.

8 servings
20 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup chocolate liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 10 pieces cinnamon sticks
  • 1 piece dried red chile
  • ounces bittersweet chocolate
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and chili powder in a heavy saucepan. Add 2 of the cinnamon sticks and chile and cook gently over medium-low heat until warm. Add chocolate and cook, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a high simmer; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes. Combine heavy cream with remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and beat until peaks form. Ladle 1/3 cup hot cocoa into each of 8 teacups; top with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

    20 min

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