This Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe is made with cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla and a mix of chili powders for just a touch of warmth. It has just the right amount of chocolate and spice.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
If you're stuck in the colder weather, my friends, get your pots warmed up because we're about to warm those bones with a big cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Mexican Hot Chocolate, did you say? I absolutely did!
Growing up, I always enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate. Even as I got older, I stuck with hot chocolate as everyone else gravitated to coffee. I just prefer the flavor of chocolate.
Fast forward, and here I am still enjoying a cup every now and then, only my taste buds have evolved to prefer a hot chocolate with a bit of spiciness to it. Not CRAZY spicy, no, not at all. This Mexican hot chocolate has just the right amount of spiciness that you're going to love.
It offers a subtle, blooming warmth that will do the trick to warm those bones once the winter chill has set upon them, which is NOT FUN!
Let's get to making our Mexican Hot Chocolate, then, shall we?
Mexican Hot Chocolate Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- 3 cups milk (2% is good, or use whole milk for a richer hot chocolate)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne powder (or more as desired)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
For the chili powder, I prefer pure ancho powder. Most chili powders pair perfectly with chocolate, but there is something about ancho that really stands out. It's one of my very favorite chili powders, but use your own preferred blend.
For toppings, the sky is the limit! However, I like to use whipped cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate shavings, and serve them with cinnamon sticks that you can use for stirring. If desired!
How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate - the Recipe Method
First, add the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, chili powders and salt to a pot.
Bring it to medium heat and add the chocolate. Whisk until the chocolate if melted fully and incorporated through, about 5 minutes.
The chocolate should be hot, but not boiling.
Serve into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, along with cinnamon sticks.
Makes 4 small cups, or 2 large ones. Serve accordingly!
It's SO GOOD. Almost like these Mexican Brownies in a mug.
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy it.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Try chocolate syrup with this recipe. It works quite nicely. Add more sugar as desired for sweetness, and more cayenne powder to your preferred heat level, for those who like it spicy.
- Don't be afraid to try this out with ghost chili powder or a spicy chili powder blend, my crazy chilihead friends. If you can handle the heat, you'll love your extra hot Mexican hot chocolate.
- Try this recipe with a touch of alcohol for a cocktail version - Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate. Extra warming!
Try Some of My Other Popular Dessert Recipes
- Mexican Brownies
- Spicy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Jalapeno Peppers
- Spicy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Candied Jalapeno Peppers
- Homemade Chamoy Sauce
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS.Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk 2% is good, or use whole milk for a richer hot chocolate
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder ancho powder is my preferred ingredient
- Pinch of cayenne powder or more as desired
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
Instructions
- Add the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, chili powders and salt to a pot.
- Bring it to medium heat and add the chocolate. Whisk until the chocolate if melted fully and incorporated through, about 5 minutes. The chocolate should be hot, but not boiling.
- Serve into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, along with cinnamon sticks.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Bejerano says
I’m sure it tastes great, but what makes it Mexican? The spice? Mexican hot chocolate usually has cinnamon and maybe cloves…
Mike Hultquist says
Bejerano, this recipes uses cinnamon and Mexican chili powder. Cloves would be a nice addition if you wanted to go in that direction.
E says
This recipe is delicious! Drinking it right now. Just made it with oat milk and coconut sugar as substitutes. A little spicy for me - will try it with half the chili next time, then add to get to perfect subtle spiciness (my nose is running rn lol)
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Haha, a little less spicy next time, E! Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for the comments!
Karen says
Made this last night and it was exactly what I had been dreaming about! I had chipotle chili powder and the heat was a bit dominant. I will use ancho next time.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Karen! Glad to help you fulfill your dreams! =) =) Glad you enjoyed it.
Edie Campbell says
This sounds wonderful. I purchase the Mexican Chocolate flavored Coffee Beans at Central Market. I brew that for my leisure drinking coffee mornings at least once a week. The hot chocolate would be nice on a cold winter night with an added splash of Kahlua occasionally. Love your Chili Blog.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Sounds wonderful, Edie!
Colin Brodie says
This looks like a great method for making a lovely hot chocolate.
Like you Michael, I LOVE hot choc, but I use a really cheap instant hot chocolate powder, and just add a few twists of my black pepper and chilli flake grinder to stir in.
I'll have a go at making this over Christmas!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
That sounds great, Colin. I'm sure yours is quite awesome. Enjoy.
Hofterzielbeek says
I would love to make this recipe. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Absolutely.