Mexican Almond Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with a mug of Mexican Almond Hot Chocolate, a rich and luxurious twist on traditional hot cocoa that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with creamy almond milk, melted dark chocolate, and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, this indulgent drink boasts layers of flavor from warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. A dash of vanilla and optional almond extract enhances its nutty profile, while toasted slivered almonds add a delightful crunch as a garnish. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe offers a dairy-free option for chocolate lovers and is a crowd-pleasing treat for dessert or evening relaxation. Don’t forget to top it off with whipped cream for the ultimate sweet finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups almond milk
• 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.125 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 0 as desired whipped cream or dairy-free alternative
• 0 as desired toasted slivered almonds (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, pour the almond milk and place it over medium heat. Warm the milk until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.

Step 2

Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for quicker melting. Add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan along with the cocoa powder and sugar.

Step 3

Whisk continuously until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth and velvety.

Step 4

Stir in the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if adding for heat). Adjust the spices to your preference.

Step 5

Lower the heat to simmer and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, whisking occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spice as needed.

Step 7

Once ready, pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Step 8

Garnish with toasted slivered almonds for an extra nutty crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican Almond Hot Chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1177.7 grams (1177.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1435

Total Fat 74.80g	96%
Saturated Fat 34.00g	170%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.50g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 576mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate 176.60g	64%
Dietary Fiber 20.50g	73%
Total Sugars 135.30g
Protein 20.00g	40%

Vitamin D 312IU	1562%
Calcium 1735mg	133%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 1434mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 48.4%