Spicy Hot Cacao Drink

Rich raw cacao mixed with delicious organic spices - what more do you need in life! This warming chocolatey goodness in a cup has got me through many a winter’s day. If you feel like spicy chocolate goodness while the sun is shining, no problem, you can also serve it cold over ice.

Make time: 10 mins | Makes 1 large mug | Equipment needed: blender

2 tbsp cacao powder

1 tbsp coconut sugar

⅛ tsp nutmeg

2 pinches cayenne pepper

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ginger powder

⅛ tsp chilli flakes

2 pinches vanilla bean powder

2 pinches black peppercorn

1 pinch sea salt

1 cup almond or other plant based milk

¾ cup filtered water

optional — cinnamon to sprinkle and raw chocolate grated on top

What you do

There are two preparation methods, depending on whether you want to make a raw version or heat it on the stove.

Raw option

Place everything in a high-speed blender and blend on high for a few minutes until it reaches around 40 degrees (3 - 4 minutes).

Cooked option

Place the water, coconut sugar and spices in a pot and stir well. Slowly bring to a simmer, and once it is simmering allow the spices to infuse into the liquid for a few minutes.

Take off the heat, add the cacao powder and almond milk and whisk together. Place everything back on a low heat and bring up to around 60 degrees Celsius while whisking with vigour to get some froth in there.

Pour into a big mug and sprinkle this chocolate goodness with cinnamon and grated raw chocolate flakes for an extra chocolate blast.