• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content

Preppy Kitchen logo

  • About
    • Meet John
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Published: December 16, 2022 · Modified: Dec 16, 2022 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Creamy, rich, and cozy, this Mexican Hot Chocolate is warmly spiced with a hint of cinnamon and cayenne powder, so it’ll warm you from the inside out! Made with real chocolate, this drink is beyond flavorful.

    Two mugs of Mexican hot chocolate with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks inside. More garnish scattered around the counter.
    66 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest graphic of a slightly overnight view of a mug of Mexican hot chocolate with two marshmallows and a cinnamon stick.
    Pinterest graphic of a mug of Mexican hot chocolate with marshmallows and a cinnamon stick on top with a small bowl of chocolate in the back.
    Pinterest graphic of a mug of Mexican hot chocolate with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick on top with some more chocolate in the back and cinnamons sticks in the front.
    Pinterest graphic of a glass mug of Mexican hot chocolate.
    Pinterest graphic of a mug of Mexican hot chocolate topped with two marshmallows and a cinnamon stick with a second mug in the back and more toppings scattered.

    For a rich, decadent, drink you can snuggle up with, try this Mexican hot chocolate recipe. It’s thick, creamy, and luscious, and unlike regular hot chocolate, this Mexican version is less sweet and spiced with warm cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

    You’re never going back to powdered hot chocolate after trying this recipe. Thanks to the combination of cocoa powder and real chocolate, this Mexican style hot chocolate comes out super rich, smooth, and creamy texture and flavor. You will want to make this recipe all winter long! Want another chocolate-filled recipe? Try my Texas sheet cake recipe, chocolate pudding recipe, or double chocolate chip cookies recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make Mexican hot chocolate.

    Milk — I like using whole milk as it gives the hot chocolate a rich and creamy texture. You can use 2% or 1% milk, but the hot chocolate will come out thinner. For a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute almond or oat milk.

    Cocoa powder — I use 100% natural unsweetened cocoa powder.

    Cinnamon — ground cinnamon adds a warm flavor and aroma to the hot chocolate.

    Cayenne — a dash of cayenne adds to the warm flavor of the drink. You can also use chili powder, chipotle powder, or paprika instead. Not to worry, the cayenne powder won’t make your hot chocolate come out spicy!

    Chocolate — splurge on a high-quality chocolate bar for this recipe. For any bar that’s not labeled bittersweet, look for a 70% to 80% dark chocolate bar. Using real chocolate in the drink adds thickness and a stronger chocolate flavor compared to using just cocoa powder.

    How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Set of two photos showing milk and cocoa powder combined.

    1. In a medium saucepan, add the milk

    2. Add the cocoa powder and sugar.

    Set of two photos showing cinnamon and chocolate whipped into the sacepan.

    3. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, and cayenne. Whisk to combine.

    4. Place over medium heat, occasionally stirring, until steaming, about 5 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Serve immediately topped with whipped cream or marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon.

    A white mug of Mexican hot chocolate with marshmallows and cinnamon stick inside.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Avoid using milk chocolate as it will be too sweet when combined with sugar.
    • You can’t swap cinnamon sticks for ground cinnamon as the drink is not cooked long enough for the flavor to impart from the sticks.
    • If you can find Mexican chocolate, feel free to use it! Mexican chocolate usually consists of coarsely ground cacao, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
    • Make sure you do not boil the milk when you steam it, or you’ll curdle the milk.
    • I love garnishing the hot chocolate with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks with another sprinkle of cocoa powder, but you can also top the drink with some shaved chocolate, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, chocolate sauce, flaky sea salt, or extra cinnamon.
    A white mug with Mexican hot chocolate topped with two marshmallows and a cinnamon stick with a bowl of chocolate in the back.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Mexican and American hot chocolate?

    Mexican hot chocolate is cooked with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne, making it extra cozy and warm. Also, the use of bittersweet chocolate creates a rich, creamy, and thick drink that is less sweet in flavor.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    You sure can! Once the hot chocolate has cooled to room temperature, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight storage container for up to a week.

    How do I reheat hot chocolate?

    You can gently reheat leftover hot chocolate over medium heat, occasionally stirring, until steamed through. You can also reheat the drink in the microwave for around 30 seconds.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • A blue china cup of hot chocolate

      Hot Chocolate

    • A hot chocolate bomb topped with sprinkles

      Hot Chocolate Bombs

    • A chocolate martini topped with shaved chocolate.

      Chocolate Martini

    • Two glasses of coquito with cinnamon sprinkles on top and a cinnamon stick garnish.

      Coquito

    • A plate with two Mexican wedding cookies, one with a bite taken out.

      Mexican Wedding Cookies

    If you’ve tried this Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A clear glass of Mexican hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon stick on top with a small bowl of chocolate in the back.
    Print
    5 from 3 votes

    Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Creamy, smooth, and rich, this Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. It's so easy to make with a few simple ingredients.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 321kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Whisk

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups whole milk (720ml)
    • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus more for serving
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper
    • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (113g)
    • Sweetened whipped cream or marshmallows for serving

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cayenne. Place over medium heat occasionally stirring until steaming, about 5 minutes. (Do not boil.)
    • Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Serve immediately topped with whipped cream or marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon.

    Video

    Notes

    • Avoid using milk chocolate as it will be too sweet when combined with sugar.
    • You can’t swap cinnamon sticks for ground cinnamon as the drink is not cooked long enough for the flavor to impart from the sticks.
    • If you can find Mexican chocolate, feel free to use it! Mexican chocolate usually consists of coarsely ground cacao, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
    • Make sure you do not boil the milk when you steam it, or you’ll curdle the milk.
    • I love garnishing the hot chocolate with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks with another sprinkle of cocoa powder, but you can also top the drink with some shaved chocolate, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, chocolate sauce, flaky sea salt, or extra cinnamon.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 253mg | Iron: 2mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Texas Sheet Cake
    Cornflake Cookies »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • An Espresso martini on a gray surface with coffee beans scattered around

      Espresso Martini

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • A group of shortbread cookies. some are stacked while others are on crumpled paper.

      Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • photo of moist Vanilla Cupcakes in pink paper wrappers

      Moist Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015 - 2020 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    66 shares