Though hot cocoa is a winter classic, making this super-charged hot cocoa could conceivably rival your morning coffee all year ’round. You might even experiment, adding coffee to this recipe and invent your own brain-awakening, satisfying Starbucks-esque caffè mocha cuppa!
To your healthy, I say!
Want to slow down aging and increase your overall strength, stamina and mental sharpness? I know I do, so I’ve been playing around with using coconut oil and turmeric together (there she goes again with the turmeric and the coconut oil!) daily for a way to boost brain power and overall immune system capacity.
Drinking this super-food hot cocoa every day could very well keep the doctor away.
My husband and I drink a cup of this twice a day and he has seen big results in his joint pain and general inflammation from old sports injuries. See below for the reasons I can make that statement. (Note: If you get too close to bedtime, the caffeine in the cocoa could keep you awake).
You needn’t use dairy or expensive chocolate to make the best hot cocoa, all you need is just a few super-food ingredients you may already have a home.
Superfood Mexican Hot Cocoa Recipe
This fabulous recipe serves 2 cups of creamy goodness!
Hot Cocoa Ingredients
- 2 c. hot (not boiling) water OR coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk or organic whole milk (see how I make mine with Coconut Manna (butter)
- 1 heaping TBSP unrefined coconut oil (this is what I use and you can get others at Amazon)
- 1 TBSP unsweetened raw cacao powder (rounded to heaping, depending on how chocolatey you like it)
- 1/2-3/4 (or more if you can handle it!) rounded tsp. turmeric powder
- a pinch black pepper (needed for proper absorption of turmeric)
- a pinch of cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp. maca powder OR chocolate protein powder OR 1 TBSP gelatin powder (ones I use, optional)
- 1-2 tsp of maple syrup or honey to taste OR stevia drops to taste
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt or sea salt (ones I use daily for minerals – see salt sole)
OR Make Up a Tub of Bulk Pre-mixed Mexican Hot Cocoa
I do NOT measure amounts when I do this, but approximate, so feel free to create your own special blend!
The dry ingredients here in descending order from most to least are:
- Turmeric
- Raw cacao
- Protein powder
- Cinnamon
- Gelatin
- Cayenne
- Black pepper
- Himalayan pink salt
In making up the tub, there should always be more turmeric than anything else. That is why you are making this…for the healing benefits of turmeric on inflammation and reducing pain!
Remember to add in a your coconut oil once the mix is dissolved!
#1 Blender Method:
- Combine ALL ingredients in blender and blend to make a smooth, hot mixture.
- Coconut and whole milk make this the most frothy!
- Serve immediately while still very warm and enjoy.
#2 My Teapot Method:
In a small teapot, add all ingredients and heat.- Just before it boils, remove from heat.
- Use a stick blender right in the teapot and blend until frothy. Pour to serve while still very warm. It’s easier for me than a blender, so I’ve dedicated this teapot for this use!
Note: Recipe can be doubled or multiplied as needed. More sweetener can be added for a sweeter hot chocolate if desired. Adding more coconut oil will make a thicker hot chocolate. Skip the cayenne and add a handful of frozen berries for a chilled berry version.
Note: My husband has started adding this mix (I bulk premix the dry ingredients now) to his morning coffee and calls it his Spiced Mexican Coffee.
I am almost tempted to start drinking coffee!
Superfood Benefits:
Coconut and coconut milk are made up of pretty impressive Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA’s). The digestion of MCFA’s by the liver creates ketones which are a readily accessible energy for the brain. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need of insulin to process glucose into energy.
Recent research has shown that the brain actually creates it’s own insulin to process glucose and power brain cells. As the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient has lost the ability to create it’s own insulin, the ketones from coconut oil creates an alternate source of energy to help repair brain function. (source 1, 2)
Turmeric is a profoundly important spice with wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties too numerous to discuss here (3). It’s also well-known for fighting cancer (4). See more.
Black pepper increases the effectiveness of turmeric by as much as 2000% (5). You can learn more about how to optimize turmeric absorption here.
Cinnamon slows blood sugar spike and reduces blood glucose concentration, which can help assist with weight loss and help manage diabetes. Cinnamaldehyde, an active compound found in cinnamon, is also believed to suppress colon cancer cells and may be effective against human liver cancer cells (6).
According to a major study published in Diabetics Care, authors concluded that consuming only 6 grams of cinnamon per day (that’s equivalent to 3 capsules) “reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.” and that “the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.” (source)
Cayenne pepper fights inflammation (7), boosts metabolism (8) and prevents complications from diabetes by enhancing circulation in critical areas (9).
Maca is commonly used to treat chronic fatigue and anemia. It boosts memory, stamina, athletic performance, energy, and fertility. Women can use maca for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, and to lessen symptoms of menopause (10).
Cocoa‘s antioxidant properties offer neuron protection and enhance cognition and positive mood. It also lessens allergic responses and fight bacterial overgrowth in the intestines (11).
Dosage Per Day For Medicinal Value
Drinking two cups of this super-charged hot cocoa every day could keep the doctor away. And what a relief that would be (unless, of course, you are married to the doctor)!
In Breast Cancer: How Does Turmeric Compare To Traditional Chemo? It compares very well, thank you!
Spices have always been held in the highest regard. We can learn from the ancients and do the same:
“The traders of Sheba and Raamah, they traded with you; they paid for your wares with the best of all kinds of spices, and with all kinds of precious stones and gold.” ~Ezekiel 27:22
JES
I am going to try this recipe out! I use most of these ingredients in my morning smoothie but the turmeric is something I have been wanting to try but not sure how to use! With chocolate, you can’t go wrong! 🙂
And thank you for stopping by and linking with us last week. It was a pleasure to hear from you! 🙂
Love,
JES
JES
Hello there!
I am going to try this recipe out! I use most of these ingredients in my morning smoothie but the turmeric is something I have been wanting to try but not sure how to use! With chocolate, you can’t go wrong! 🙂
And thank you for stopping by and linking with us last week. It was a pleasure to hear from you! 🙂
Love,
JES
Jacqueline
Ahhhh…I’ve missed you, JES! Enjoy 🙂
Sherri Anderson
I will try this recipe and share it! Thanks so much for the information! Sherri
Shari
What are your thoughts on xylitol, erythritol and things like Truvia, Pyure, and THM (Trim Healthy Mama) brand sweeteners that use these blends with stevia??
Jacqueline
Shari, I am not a fan, but that is just my opinion. The THM is maybe OK. Here you go: https://deeprootsathome.com/homemade-green-stevia-water-make-your-recipes-sweet/ I hope this helps, friend!
Shari
Thank you!!!!!
Jacqueline
Did you make it? It was my pleasure, Shari!
Nancy
Hi Jaqueline,
Do you mix the coconut concentrate with water?
Thank you for the recipe.
Nancy
Jacqueline
I am sorry, Nancy, I forgot to add the link so you could see how. Yes, I add it to warm water: https://deeprootsathome.com/diy-coconut-milk/
Thank you for calling that to my attention! Have fun and enjoy 🙂
Vina
Could you huse collagen peptides instead of gelatin? If so would it be 1 tbsp like the gelatin?
Jacqueline
Hi, Vina!! Yes, that sound really good and about a TBSP would be perfect! ~J
Marina
This recipe looks so good, I can’t wait to get to the store! I plan to put it in my coffee. Have you tried it in iced coffee? I’m wondering how the coconut oil will behave when it’s cooled down…
Jacqueline
Hi, Marina,
No, I haven’t tried it iced. I think you are right that the coconut oil will get hard, but it would be interesting to try once!
Blessings!
Marina
Well I tried this recipe, and have been using it in various forms for three years now. My family drank it so fast last Christmas that I had to make multiple pots of it. This is really the best drink. Thank you SO much!!
Angie
I have been making a home made treat with almost all of these ingredients in it – take away the coconut milk/water and the honey etc. and replace the maca powder with a tablespoon of almond butter, mix well until the coconut oil melts and you have a nice little chocolate-y treat that is super good for you!
Jacqueline
Hmmmmm… aounds like my kinda concoction, Angie! Thank you for the idea! 😀
Rhonda Devine
We do spiced coffee every morning too and we love it! I’ll have to try your recipe:)
Sherri
HI! Started making this yesterday and I am in love. I want to mix a large dry batch for the powders. When you boil the 2 cups of coconut/water, how much of the pre-mixed powder do you use?
Thank you!!
Jacqueline
That is what I do. I use close to a teaspoon, but I also take into account how much I’ve already had in that day. I try to get a lot of turmeric every day, so I might use 1/2 tsp or 3/4 tsp. if I’ve already had several doses. I hope that helps!
Janet Cordle
Made this today. Used half coconut milk and half almond milk, cocoa butter, blackstrap molasses and stevia. Everything else the same… used what I had on hand. Man, that is one yummy drink… Sound ok?
Jacqueline
Janet!! That sound amazing! And so great for you Ha! You should leave those aches and pains behind 😀
Erik
In your post you state the list of dry ingredients from most to least, however you list turmeric as the first one, however cacao shows the most in your recipe. I’m confused.
Jacqueline
Hi, Erik! The big bulk mix is heavy on turmeric bc it is our medicine! It IS the top medicine my husband uses so he takes up to 8,000 mg a day.
The hot cocoa is just a fun drink incorporating turmeric and a way to keep getting more of it daily or in your morning coffee.
I hope that helps! J
Max P
Hi! I was also confused about this… cacao is the #1 ingredient in the smaller 2-cup recipe (1 Tbsp cacao to 1/2-3/4 tsp turmeric), but the bulk recipe uses turmeric as the base. Is there a reason for the difference?
Either way, this looks awesome! I’ve lately started making an adaptogenic hot cocoa with many of these spices and adaptogenic herbs like reishi, and am inspired to add turmeric too. 🙂 Maybe it will help my joint pains…. Thank you!
Jacqueline
Yes, Max P. The big bulk mix is heavy on turmeric bc it is our medicine! It IS the top medicine my husband uses so he takes up to 8,000 mg a day.
The hot cocoa is just a fun drink incorporating turmeric and a way to keep getting more of it daily or in your morning coffee.
Make sense? Good question, though!!
Blessings, J
Max P
Aha! Yes, thank you!
Tina
Could you do using a coffee pot to heat the water or milk? Then mix dry ingredients into cup. Pour hot liquid over and stir?
Jacqueline
Hi, Tina! Yes, absolutely, but you won’t be able to whip into a froth on top! Enjoy. friend 😀
Blessings to you! ~J
Joanna MacIntyre
I’m confused by conflicting info regarding measures and comments. The recipe calls for a heaping Tablespoon of cacao and 1/2 to 3/4 Teaspoon of turmeric. All comments afterwards indicate that the recipe has more turmeric than anything else. It appears to me to have more cacao than turmeric. Please clarify!
Regards,
Jacqueline
Yes, Joanna,
I am sorry you were confused.
The big bulk mix is heavy on turmeric bc it is our medicine! It IS the top medicine my husband uses so he takes up to 8,000 mg a day.
The hot cocoa is just a fun drink incorporating turmeric and a way to keep getting more of it daily or in your morning coffee.
Make sense? Good question, though!!
Blessings, J
Melinda
If anyone comes up with measurements for the bulk mix, please share! ?
Jacqueline
Melinda, this is already in the Bulk Tub comments, but I will share it here again!
Melinda, this is off the top of my head: it is what YOU want to add at the end of the day. Blessings, J
3-4 c. turmeric
1 tsp blk pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne
4 tsp cinnamon
2-3 tsp Himalayan salt
4 TBSP gelatin powder,
opt. 1 cup raw cocao (not cocoa), unsweetened
opt. 1/2 protein powder
Melinda
Thank you! Sorry I missed it under the bulk comments!
Amy
This is great. Thank you! And then after you make the bulk mix, how much of it do you add to the blender ?
Jacqueline
Hi, Amy! With the bulk mix it is totally up to you because you can design (with various ingredients) it for what your health needs are and how strong you want to make it. 😀
Minnie Teckman
Does gelatine have to be in there. I’m vegitarian, could I use a vegan protein powder in its place. I’m not sure?
Jacqueline
Yes, Minnie! It is up to you what you add…the additional ingredients are all in accordance to your health preferences and needs. 😀
I hope that helps! Enjoy! ~J
Leslie Garza
Thanks for the bulk recipe of dry ingredients!! I didn’t want to figure it out either. Sounds good.
Jacqueline
Glad to help, Leslie! Blessings, ~J
Mariana
I would just like to know what makes this cup of hot chocolate a Mexican recipe.
Thanks 🙂
Jacqueline
Mariana, I had something very close to this in a friend’s home and it was called by this name…it was the cayenne that made it taste a bit Mexican!
Marina
I think it’s the cinnamon?
Laura
I do this already! It’s the best! 🙂 thanks for sharing x
Jacqueline
I am so happy to help, Laura! I love healthy recipes like that! ~J
Ruthie
I am going to a plant-based diet and gelatin is derived from cows. It there something that could replace the gelatin or should I just leave it out?
Jacqueline
I would just leave it out, Ruthie! I hope you really dig and research plant based only diet. Not all plant-based diets are healthy: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/not-all-plant-based-diets-are-healthy/
Robyn Perry
Hi I hope you’re having a great day. I’m trying to access the link to your coconut cream concentrate but the link is broken. Please share the recipe or new link. Thanks in advance and Njoy your day to the fullest.
Jacqueline
Hi, Robyn! Thank you for calling that broken link to my attention! It is fixed in the post now for you to access!
Blessings, J
Robyn
All you do much!! Njoy your day to the fullest!! #ExpectTheGreat #TheJourneyContinues #LoveTheJourney #NjoyDaJourney
Patty
Looking Forward To MORE Outstanding Topics
Jacqueline
Aw Thank you, Patty! That makes my day!
Blessings, friend! ~J
Beate Nilsen
1 TBSP unsweetened raw cacao powder (rounded to heaping, depending on how chocolatey you like it)
1/2-3/4 (or more if you can handle it!) rounded tsp. turmeric powder
One is Tbsp, one is Tsp, yet you say Turmeric shld be the larger amt. I don’t get it;-(
I usually mix tur. and cayenne together in a container & carry it around to restaurants to use instead of pepper, but I’d think the turmeric would overwhelm the cacao as far as taste goes. No? And yes, I have made Golden milk before
Jacqueline
Hello, Beate! I think the confusion is this: The big bulk mix is heavy on turmeric bc it is our medicine! It IS the top medicine my husband uses so he takes up to 8,000 mg a day.
However, the hot cocoa is just a fun drink incorporating turmeric and a way to keep getting more of it daily or in your morning coffee.
Hope that makes sense! ~J
Evie
Why does the first recipe say to use 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, but only 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, but your bulk version has turmeric as the ingredient of the highest amount? Was the tablespoon of cocao a mistake?
Jacqueline
Hi, Evie!
The big bulk mix is heavy on turmeric bc it is our medicine! It IS the top medicine my husband uses so he takes up to 8,000 mg a day.
The hot cocoa is just a fun drink incorporating turmeric and a way to keep getting more of it daily or in your morning coffee.
I hope that helps! J
Jeannette
Someone asked about making this as a cold drink. (Coconut oil solidifies in cool temperatures.) You could try MTC oil, or liquid coconut oil. It would likely separate unless you add a bit of lecithin (I use sunflower) and then blend. The lecithin keeps these types of mixtures blended, at least for a while. Since the heat index is over 100 today, I may try it this way! Throw some ice cubes in and blend for a frappe-type drink!
Jeannette
I made it as a slushy-frozen-frappe drink. It was yummy! I did cut the spices down a bit for my preference.
Jacqueline
Jeannette, I have also used sunflower lecithin to prevent separating. It’s a good idea with coconut oil, or just use MCT oil. I think I will try it as I have it in my cabinet!
I think you will love it iced on such a hot day, but wonder if icw will cause it to solidfy!
Stay cool! Enjoy! ~J