Slightly spicy and perfectly sweet Mexican hot chocolate is a tasty twist on your favorite winter drink. And there are so many fun and unique ways to make several different varieties at home with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Skip the packets and try these easy, from-scratch Mexican hot chocolate recipes instead!
Related Reading: Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee Cocktail
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What is Mexican Hot Chocolate?
While nearly every hot chocolate recipe results in some form of rich and – well, obviously – hot chocolate drink, there are many unique flavor options and preparation methods that make Mexican hot chocolate something truly special.
Powdered hot cocoa typically found at the grocery store is often made with not-so-wholesome ingredients. They tend to be very sweet, with a simple, light milk chocolate taste.
Bold Flavors and Spices
Mexican hot chocolate, however, is full of bold spices to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. They can be made many different ways with various spice combinations and heat levels.
Some have chili and cayenne for a real hit of spiciness. Other versions feature whole cinnamon sticks for a more mild, seasonal flavor.
Real Mexican Chocolate
Some of the recipes in the list below do contain cocoa powder, much like what you find in most store-bought hot chocolate packets.
But many are made using the traditional method of melting real Mexican chocolate and combining it with milk and spices. The best Mexican hot chocolates also have a great foamy, frothy top that is absolutely irresistible.
Easy To Make, Easy To Customize
Like other hot chocolate recipes, you can make Mexican hot chocolate on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or even in the microwave. They are even easy to customize to fit dairy-free, vegan diets.
Whatever style of chocolatey, spicy goodness you want, there’s a Mexican hot chocolate recipe for you!
Ingredients Needed to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate
Below you will find a fantastic list of easy homemade Mexican hot chocolate recipes. Each is slightly different, with its own special bit of pizazz.
Here are some of the most common ingredients that are suggested for the best, most delicious Mexican hot chocolate made from scratch.
Milk – Plenty of Options
Some are made with whole milk and heavy whipping cream. Others are vegan-friendly and use almond milk or cashew milk. Other milk substitutes may work as well.
Chocolate
The most authentic recipes use real Mexican chocolate.
You can look for Mexican chocolate in the Latin or international section of your supermarket or on Amazon. Also check out Taza Chocolate. They have a huge selection of Mexican Chocolate discs.
Some recipes will also include either baking chocolate (or similar) or cocoa powder plus sugar and cinnamon.
Spices
Cayenne pepper, nutmeg, dried chile pepper or chili powder, red chili pepper flakes, and/or habanero peppers are just a few of the ingredients that can be used in Mexican hot chocolate recipes.
Most also use cinnamon for a spicy kick.
Salt
Salt is often added to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
Real vanilla extract or paste adds sweetness and a depth of flavor.
Dulce de leche
Dulce de leche is a rich caramel that makes the hot chocolate even more deliciously indulgent.
Honey
Honey is often used as an alternative sweetener. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try CBD honey in your recipe.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is sometimes added to recipes with chocolate for even more smoothness and rich flavor.
Hot Cocoa Toppings
Plus, you can of course add other favorite hot cocoa toppings, like mini marshmallows and shaved chocolate.
How Do You Make Mexican Hot Chocolate From Scratch?
There are several different methods you can use to prepare a perfect mug of spicy Mexican hot chocolate.
Make a nearly hands-off, big batch version using a slow cooker. Not only is this an easy method, but your whole house will also smell like incredibly chocolatey goodness for hours!
For a traditional Mexican hot chocolate, you will need a molinillo or wire whisk to get the signature frothy top. Ingredients are combined in a pot or by the mugful, and blended well as they are heated. It can take several minutes to get the right frothiness but is well worth the effort – be patient, and also be careful whenever working with hot liquids!
Because authentic Mexican hot chocolate uses whole ingredients, you are likely to wind up with a bit of grittiness in every cup. This is totally to be expected, and in my opinion, just makes a tasty little “snack” to enjoy after drinking the hot chocolate!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
– Delicious Recipes For Hot Chocolate With Cocoa Powder
– Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (Serve Hot, Iced or Blended)
– Must-Try Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipes
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Slightly spicy and perfectly sweet Mexican hot chocolate is a tasty twist on your favorite winter drink. Skip the hot cocoa packets and try one of these unique from-scratch Mexican hot chocolate recipes instead!
Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa
This Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa makes a big batch of rich chocolatey sweet and spicy drink for the whole family. It's made with both brown sugar and white sugar for a depth of flavor without being overly sweet.
Ingredient List
- whole milk
- half and half
- cocoa
- sugar
- brown sugar
- water
- cinnamon sticks
- cayenne pepper
Mexican Hot Chocolate (Dairy-free)
This version of classic Mexican Hot Chocolate takes all the best parts of hot chocolate and then layers in a spicy blend of cayenne, cinnamon, vanilla and freshly grated nutmeg. For even more flavor, this recipe uses Dark Chocolate Almond milk!
Ingredient List
- Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
- unsweetened chocolate
- sugar
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- nutmeg
- cayenne
Mexican Hot Chocolate (with chile pepper & cayenne)
This quick recipe for rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Mexican hot chocolate uses 2 types of peppers for a bold and balanced flavor.
Ingredient List
- milk
- dried chile pepper
- cinnamon stick
- dark chocolate
- coconut sugar
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- cayenne pepper
- salt
Cashew Milk Mexican Hot Chocolate
This dairy-free Mexican Hot Chocolate with cashew milk or almond milk is made with zero-calorie sweetener, unsweetened cocoa, and rich dark chocolate. The recipe has options to make the recipe keto, paleo and vegan.
Ingredient List
- cashew milk, almond milk or other plant-based milk
- bittersweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- zero-calorie sweetener
- ground cinnamon
- chili powder or chipotle chili powder
Creamy Mayan Hot Chocolate
This unique Mayan hot chocolate recipe has a secret ingredient that makes this drink extra thick, creamy and healthy too!
Ingredient List
- butternut squash
- milk
- baking chocolate
- ground cinnamon
- nutmeg
- cayenne pepper
- sweetener of choice
- vanilla extract
Mexican Cocoa Hot Chocolate Bomb Recipe
This recipe offers a fun twist for making Mexican hot chocolate. Learn more about how you can make your own Mexican Cocoa Hot Chocolate Bombs at home!
Ingredient List
- chocolate candy melts
- hot cocoa powder
- Mini Marshmallows
- gold sparkling sugar
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- ground cayenne pepper
Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate (with chile de arbol)
This vegan-friendly Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate is made with chile de arbol, chocolate, cinnamon, and either milk or coconut milk, leaving you with a decadently spiced winter treat.
Ingredient List
- semisweet chocolate chips
- milk or full-fat coconut milk
- chiles de arbol or red chili pepper flakes
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
Creamy Mexican Hot Chocolate & Bone Dippers (inspired by Coco movie)
If you loved the Disney Pixar movie, Coco, then you are probably going to love these fun treats. Perfect for the family, these COCO inspired Creamy Mexican Hot Chocolate & Bone Dippers are super fun and will make everlasting impressions!
Ingredient List
- bittersweet chocolate chips
- heavy whipping cream
- milk
- dulce de leche
- cinnamon
- cayenne pepper (optional)
Mexican Hot Chocolate (with cayenne and honey)
This Mexican Hot Chocolate is both a little bit of spicy and sweet! Super easy to make, this rich chocolatey goodness has a touch of honey for sweetness and other healthy ingredients.
Ingredient List
- unsweetened almond milk
- cocoa powder
- dark chocolate
- honey
- almond meal
- maca (optional)
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- cayenne
- sea salt
- coconut oil
Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate Recipe (with habanero peppers)
A perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate Recipe is going to soothe your appetite on chilly days. It's made with red Savina Habanero peppers and will really brighten up your life with its richness.
Ingredient List
- semisweet chocolate
- low-fat milk
- Red Savina Habanero peppers
- cinnamon stick
- granulated sugar
- vanilla pod
- whipping cream
- powdered sugar
Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe (with cinnamon and cayenne)
This spicy and sweet Mexican hot chocolate recipe is filled with creamy and delicious flavors that will certainly make a perfect addition to any day. Cinnamon and cayenne pepper used 2 ways combine to give this recipe its delicious flavor.
Ingredient List
- milk
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- sugar
- cinnamon
- cayenne pepper
- cinnamon sticks, cinnamon and cayenne pepper for garnish
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