Who else is craving one last soul-warming dessert before spring truly arrives? I hoped you say yes.
If you’re into chocolate and spice and all things decadence, this is the one for you. (Also, don’t worry. I’ll never stop making decadent desserts. Promise.)
Mayan Origins of Hot Chocolate
Chocolate has been grown in Mesoamerica since at least the 9th century. The Mayans called it xocolatl and believed it to be a gift from the gods (source). We’d say they were onto something!
They would make chocolate into a drink by fermenting, roasting, and grinding cacao and then mixing it with water, cornmeal, chili peppers, and other spices (source). The drink didn’t have any added sweetener so it was much more bitter than any hot chocolate you’ve probably tried.
Our inspired version borrows the concept of chocolate + spices, but takes a modern day twist. And don’t worry, it’s sweet!
This recipe is simple, requiring just 7 ingredients and 15 minutes.
To achieve that Mayan spice profile, I went for ground cinnamon for warmth, nutmeg for a slight nuttiness, and cayenne for heat. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the dark chocolate, and coconut whipped cream sends things over the top. Swoon.
This beverage is my new chocolate obsession. It’s:
Creamy
Rich
Chocolaty
Subtly spiced
Perfectly sweet
& Super satisfying
If you’re like me and often just want a little something sweet after dinner, this is the one for you. Topped with coconut whipped cream, a pinch more cinnamon and cayenne, and some dark chocolate, you’ll be in chocolate heaven in no time.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers!
Vegan Mayan Drinking Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (I use half full-fat coconut + half unsweetened almond milk)
- 5 ounces dairy-free dark chocolate (chopped // 70% cacao is best // 5 ounces yield ~1 cup)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cayenne (more or less, depending on preferred spice)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1-2 Tbsp raw cane or coconut sugar (optional)
- Coconut Whipped Cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Add dairy-free milk to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add dark chocolate and whisk to combine.
- Add spices and whisk vigorously to combine.
- Once chocolate is completely melted, remove from heat, and add vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Taste and adjust flavors as needed, adding sugar or sweetener of choice if not sweet enough. Add more cayenne for kick.
- To serve, top with coconut whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa or cacao powder (optional), and any additional spices and/or chocolate desired.
- Store leftover drinking chocolate covered in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Freeze for longer term storage, though best when fresh.
Notes
*Adapted from my Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate.
Abi P says
Just an update on my last post…the mayan chocolate did indeed help with recovering from jet lag, and not only that but since then I’ve had it most nights and have introduced it to my husband, my dad and one of my best friends, because a hug in a mug like this needs to be shared! I almost always make it with unsweetened hazelnut milk, 20g of 90% dark chocolate, and a half tablespoon of cacao. I leave it to thicken up on a very low heat for about 5-10 mins and after I’ve poured it into a mug, wait for another 10 mins for it to cool and thicken some more. It is my favourite way to end a day, no matter what the weather is like! Thank you for my favourite ever recipe, minimalist baker!
Yay! We’re SO glad you’re enjoying it. Thank you for sharing, Abi!
Abi P says
Thank you so so much for this recipe Dana! We’ve just returned to the UK after a month spent with family in california, and the jet lag is real. I lay awake all night and wasn’t able to sleep for a single minute, and gave up at about 4:45am. I felt like I wanted a comforting hot chocolate with some nice warmth to it, so headed straight to Minimalist Baker. A bit of scrolling later, found this recipe and it was perfect. It’s now 5:24am here but I feel like I can face the day even with the lack of sleep! I used oat milk, and only had 20g of 90% chocolate so also used about half a tablespoon of cacao. And subbed a little drizzle of maple syrup as sweetener. It was just what I needed! Sending grateful thanks from Cheshire in the UK ❤️
(PS: The fact that I can even form coherent sentences right now is mostly down to your recipe!)
Aw, we’re so glad it provided some energy and comfort, Abi! Hoping you have a more restful night tonight! xoxo
Kim says
Yum! I never had drinking chocolate until I made this but it was so much better than regular hot chocolate! I made a double batch for friends and everyone enjoyed it I think I put in a little too much dark chocolate because it was super rich, but it was nice because you really only need a few sips.
Elizabeth Barclay Widas says
Fabulous drink. I serve it in shot glasses without whipped cream because it is so thick and rich. Huge hit, every guest wanted the recipe. I made it with oat milk.
Wonderful! Thanks, Elizabeth!!
Sylvana says
Hi! Can you make this with raw cacao power? How much?
CV says
Hi Sylvana. I used 2tbsp raw cacao powder and it was great. Hope this helps.
Chris
Kate says
I haven’t seen the video and really want to having read the comments :) where might i find it?
These look amazing btw. I will be trying these this weekend!
Trina says
You say this is for four but my husband and I finished it off at party of chips and hot chocolate for two. Absolutely, gobsmackingly delicious. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Trina. We are so glad you both enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Bridget says
I can’t seem to find the video -duh. Could you direct me to it please.
Thank you
Ah! I deleted it because of music copyright issues. Sorry there!
Laurel says
Could you make it iced? Would you change anything, or just chill it? I feel like ice cubes might water it down.
I would just chill it first, then serve it over an ice cube!
Sab says
Oh my gosh, this looks so tasty! Can’t wait to try it. Busy thinking of ways to try and cut down the calories… hmm.
Anyway, your video was AMAZING. May I ask what song is playing in the background please? I am a jazz musician and totally dig it.
Sab
Thanks Sabrina! It’s Fever by Peggy Lee!
Valentina @Hortus says
I haven’t craved anything dessert-y for quite a long time now. My usual dessert is a small square of extra dark chocolate. So it’s no wonder that seeing the video, and seeing how creamy this is, totally caused all of my hormones to go CRAZY. OMG I want this so much!! Next time I’ll feel like indulging it has to be this!!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Fun video, delicious drinking chocolate! Can’t wait to whip this one up! Thank you Dana!
Alanna says
OMG that video! Love love love. <3
Rocío says
This is the best idea! I can’t wait to try it out with my sister – she’d love it!
Gaby says
Love the video! This looks so delicious!
Mandie | Mandie's Kitchen says
Oh dear! I’m craving this now! This is a lovely recipe, and I’ve pinned for later when I have all the proper ingredients for it!
Lydia @ Suitcase Foodist says
I love the flavor profile. Nothing goes better with dark chocolate than a little spice. It sings to my Mexican blood. Thanks!
Lauren says
I love how thick this looks. Most hot cocoas are disappointingly thin, seems like this cold snap isn’t going anywhere so this drink is still needed! Thanks!
thin cocoas be GONE! Hope you love this one, Lauren!!
Jennifer Stevens | Adventurous Appetite says
Beautiful photos and video! I am definitely making this before the weather turns :)
Thanks Jennifer! Hope you love it :D
Kylie says
Oh my gosh Dana, you are so amazing. That video! That song! So perfect! You are my inspiration. I have no idea how to make videos but that makes me want to try making one some day!
ps. we should still get together soon! I still have your email sitting in my inbox :)
We should! We need to do a Portland bloggers meet up!
Mikd says
So we just made this. Holy hell it was amazing. We just tried our hand at homemade cashew milk yesterday, so we used that with the chocolate we had on hand (a combo of Ghirardelli bittersweet and semi-sweet chips). Just insanely good. And super easy. Thanks for the idea/recipe.
Nice work! Homemade milk always yields the creamiest, freshest result. Hugs!
Lovely Sharice says
This looks delicious! My son loves chocolate milk so I think this would be a winner for him!
celeste wilson says
This looks so incredible! Even though its sunny and 72 in Los Angeles I’m going to make this wonderfully decadent recipe! I absolutely love anything chocolate and anything spicy…ding ding, we have a winner! Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks Celeste!! I could drink hot chocolate in just about any climate as well. But if it gets too steamy, pour this into popsicle molds and freeze it up!
Kath says
this video is so seductive
great job !
Anna says
yummy!!! loved the video :)
Abby says
This drinking chocolate looks amazing, Dana! And that video is perfection.
Thanks Abby!! xoxo
Kathy Mader says
Yikes, you’re killing it, Girl! Gotta get my coconut cream chilled!
haha, yes! #getyourchillon xoxo
Emma says
This looks amazing! And I have just found a recipe for vegan marshmallow fluff… so excited!
Medha says
Wow – you made me so hungry! Spices and chocolate, the best combination ever. Hope you do more videos, its like another level of deliciousness. Love it.
Ah, thanks Medha! So kind!! I hope to do several more videos this year.
Alex says
I’ll definitely be trying this soon! Thanks for the recipe!
Elizabeth at Pineapples and Polka Dots says
Oh goodness, this looks amazing! It’s still snowy here, which means it’s still hot chocolate season! Thanks for sharing!
Snowy weather CALLS for drinking chocolate. Happy snow day!
Cassie says
I LOVE hot chocolate!!
Marti says
Love your videos! Please keep making them :D
Well, if I must ;D
S Lauren | Modern Granola says
Incredible video! This looks crazy tasty. Now I know how I’ll be getting my chocolate fix today!
Thanks for the sweet note! Hope you love it!
Hannah says
This looks amazing!! It makes me think of champurrado (minus the masa)
Jami says
Holy crap. Your video is freaking amazing…
De says
Right?! That video was EVERYTHING.
shucks, too kind!! xoxoxo
Dee @ PromptsbyDee says
You can never have enough hot chocolate, even when it’s warmer!! This looks AMAZING!! THANK YOU!
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
I’m hyperglycemic so I have to watch my blood sugar carefully but when desserts/drinks contain cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar) and dark chocolate, I can indulge! Yay. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome! Best of luck, Laura!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Sooo I wanted to make this at first glance anyway and then, THEN!, I saw the video. OMG, this looks so creamy, thick, and delicious!!
haha, yes! It truly is the thickest of all the drinking chocolates. Enjoy!