Hot chocolate is obviously one of the most classic drinks for the cold season. A drink of the Aztecs, also known as the nectar of the gods, it was originally not an overly sweet and refined drink like the preparations we’re used to. It consisted simply of water and cocoa and was served on special occasions.

This one, a little different!

Rich Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

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Author: Veronica Lavenia
Yield: 2 drinks 1x

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Description

Not too sweet, this rich dark chocolate hot cocoa is meant to be reminiscent of the unsweetened chocolate drink of the Aztecs.

Ingredients

Units Scale

250 ml 7 fl oz organic milk (or rice drink-milk)
1 plenty tsp vanilla "Bourbon" powder
1 tsp nutmeg
150 g 5 oz raw grated dark chocolate 75 or 80%
1 tbsp raw coconut sugar (optional)

Instructions

Heat the milk with the vanilla and nutmeg, without boiling. Melt chocolate.
Serve hot, sweeten if desired, with a tablespoon of coconut sugar.

Category: Drink, Virgin

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of dark chocolate should I use, and does the brand matter?

Use 75% or 80% dark chocolate, raw and grated, 150 g (5 oz) per batch. High cacao percentage is the whole point here. Lower percentages are sweeter and produce something closer to standard hot cocoa. The quality matters more than the brand, so use the best dark chocolate you can find.

Why heat the milk without boiling it?

Boiling milk scalds it and can create a skin that ruins the texture. Heat the 250 ml of milk with the vanilla powder and nutmeg until it is hot and steaming, then melt the grated dark chocolate directly into it. Keeping it just below a boil gives you a smooth, silky result.

Is the tablespoon of coconut sugar enough sweetness, or should I add more?

That is up to you. The idea behind this drink is that it echoes the original Aztec preparation, which was unsweetened. The coconut sugar is listed as optional. Taste it before adding any sweetener. If you find it too bitter at 75% to 80% cacao, add the tablespoon and taste again. Date syrup is another option suggested for those who want a different sweetener.