Dairy Free Mexican Hot Chocolate
This Dairy Free Mexican Hot Chocolate is creamy and has flavors of cinnamon. This recipe can be customized for both a dairy and dairy free version.
You’ll notice in the image that the two cups of hot cocoa are different colors. The one up front is the dairy free version that I made with oat milk and looks darker. The glass behind looks lighter and is made with whole milk.
I wanted to try both versions to make sure the recipe was versatile for dairy and non-dairy milk. The dairy version needed a little more cocoa powder to bump up the chocolate taste.
What is Mexican Hot Chocolate?
This hot chocolate is steeped with Mexican Cinnamon sticks which brings another level of warmth and spice to your traditional hot cocoa. I was able to find Mexican Cinnamon sticks at my local grocery store, but you can always substitute regular cinnamon sticks.
This Mexican hot chocolate is just as easy to make as the ‘pre-made’ version, but without all the preservatives and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
You can double the recipe as needed and add in different flavor combos like peppermint extract, or a splash of tequila or Jameson for a boozy version. It will surely warm you up!
What Kind of Dairy Free Milk Works Best?
I used an extra creamy oat milk for this recipe and it mimics the taste of regular milk pretty well. I’ve also found that if the dairy free milk has oil then it will help with getting a smooth consistency.
Also keep in mind that if your dairy free milk is sweetened then you’ll need less sweetener. Always best to taste first then add more sweetner if needed.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
Don’t skip the toppings! I did a dairy free whipped cream for mine and mini marshmallows for my kids. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, a dusting of cinnamon powder, or chocolate shavings.
Mexican hot chocolate is perfect around the holidays to share with friends and family. And a bonus, your house will smell amazing from the cinnamon and chocolate!
Want more chocolate goodness? Check out these recipes:
Abuelita Chocolate Pecan Pie, Chocoflan, Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Mexican Hot Cocoa Recipe
Ingredients
Dairy Free Version
- 1 cup Unsweetened Oat Milk or any plant based milk.
- 1 Mexican Cinnamon Stick
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder or Cacao Powder
- 1-2 tablespoon Agave or Maple Syrup If you prefer a sweeter hot cocoa then use 2 Tbsp.
- Dairy Free Whipped Cream or Marshmallows For topping
Milk Version
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 Mexican Cinnamon Stick
- 1½ tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder or Cacao Powder
- 1-2 tablespoon Agave or Maple Syrup If you prefer a sweeter hot cocoa then use 2 Tbsp.
- Whipped Cream or Marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Add milk to a small saucepan with a cinnamon stick, bring to a soft boil, and lower heat to steep for 2 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon stick, add cocoa powder and sweetener. Mix well with a whisk over low heat, and pour into a cup for serving.
- Top with whip cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
