Description
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa to soothe your body and soul. This spiced hot cocoa isn’t just any ordinary hot drink—it’s packed with ingredients that promote anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a cozy treat while supporting their wellness.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Spiced Hot Cocoa
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1–2 tbsp coconut oil (for added healthy fats and creaminess)
- Pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness
Tip: Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully, but mozzarella is a great substitute.
Instructions
- Warm the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Add the cocoa powder and spices: Once the milk is warm, whisk in the cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and the spices are well incorporated.
- Sweeten it: Add your choice of sweetener, either honey or maple syrup. Stir until fully combined.
- Add the coconut oil: Stir in the coconut oil, which will give your cocoa a creamy, rich texture.
- Finish with vanilla and cayenne (optional): Add the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little spice. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour your spiced hot cocoa into a mug and enjoy immediately! For an extra touch, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Health benefits: The anti-inflammatory ingredients like cinnamon and ginger are known for their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall wellness.
- Healthy swaps: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper for a warming kick, or skip it if you prefer a milder drink.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spiced Hot Cocoa, Anti-inflammatory hot cocoa, Healthy hot cocoa, Spiced drink, Cozy hot beverage