Vegan Mexican Hot Cocoa

This vegan Mexican hot cocoa will add hygge into any day.

Vegan Mexican Hot Cocoa has been my go to night cap lately. Mexican hot chocolate, or drinking chocolate as you may say, is a tradition that is abundant in Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs and the Maya of these regions were the first peoples to make and drink chocolate for thousands of years before it was discovered by the old world. While drinking chocolate had been a tradition for thousands of years, the tradition of eating chocolate in the form of bars and chocolate chips is only about a 200 year old tradition! Wow I have never been more convinced I was made for such a time as this!
The word chocolate originated from the Aztec language; xocolatl which means bitter water. The original recipe was very bitter. Usually consisting of a mixture of masa harina or cornmeal, water, cocoa, cinnamon and milk. Later with travelers coming into the country they brought sugar and sugar was added. While I was very inspired by the original recipe with the spices I have adapted my recipe to be vegan as well as healthier.

I love the simple recipe of sugar, cocoa and milk but sometimes I want something a little different and this recipe does the trick. It’s very warm and comforting. 

Traditionally Mexican hot cocoa will be cooked over the fire for at least an hour, I don’t know about you but when I have a craving for hot cocoa I just can’t wait that long! Luckily my recipe takes about 2 minutes from boiling your water to blending and pouring into your favorite mug.

A little about the ingredients:

Cinnamon– I use this not only because it was used in the original recipe but cinnamon has many health benefits
Vanilla– vanilla really should be added to anything with chocolate in my opinion.
Cayenne- this can be left out or you can add more if you like more of a spicy punch
Nutmeg– this adds a warmth and depth to the hot cocoa
Dates– adding dates not only add nutrients to this drink but this gives you the creaminess of hot cocoa without adding any milk.