Mexican Hot Chocolate

Chocolate was first enjoyed as a drink. Mexican hot chocolate is a delicious twist to what most of us know as hot chocolate. For real authenticity, visit a Mexican market and purchase a molinillo, a wooden whisk-like device that creates a lovely froth when you rub the handle back and forth rapidly between your palms.

Mexican Hot Chocolate (Serves 4)

2 oz dark or unsweetened chocolate, grated
1/4 cup boiling water
2 cups warm milk
1 cup warm heavy cream
3 T sugar
1 t cinnamon
pinch of clove powder
pinch of salt
1 egg
1 1/4 t vanilla

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, or very slowly in a saucepan (medium low heat). Add the boiling water and mix well. Then add the milk and cream, sugar, spices, and salt.

Whisk continuously, and allow the ingredients to come to a boil, then let simmer about 5 minutes (keep whisking). Remove from heat and pour through a fine strainer (a cloth works well).

In a bowl, beat the egg and vanilla until frothy. Add chocolate, a little at a time, beating constantly (an electric or rotary mixer is fine). Continue combining ingredients until thoroughly mixed and very frothy. Serve immediately.

Note: Because the egg will not be fully cooked, there is a small danger that salmonella bacteria may be present. Recipe should not be served to small children or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Mexican Spiced Hot Cocoa

1 T cocoa
2 t brown sugar
1/4 t cinnamon
1/8 t nutmeg
1 cup milk
1/2 t vanilla
1/8 t almond extract

Mix the cocoa and spices in a mug. Heat the milk until very hot, then add about 1/3 to the mug. Mix thoroughly, then add the remaining milk and extracts. (I was disappointed with this recipe, I think because the nutmeg made it gritty. Experiment.)

If you prefer not to start from scratch, Mexican chocolate disks can be purchased at many grocery stores, with "Ibarra" and "Abuelita" (made by Nestle) being two common brands. You can follow the instructions on the box, or spice it up by adding cinnamon, vanilla bean, and chili powder.

Related Links

Basic Hot Chocolate Recipe and Tips
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
Drinking Chocolate
Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipes
Improve on Storebought Hot Chocolate Mix
Bulk Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
The History of Chocolate
Return to Chocolate Recipes