Description
A comforting and health-boosting spiced hot cocoa drink featuring anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom blended with rich cocoa and almond milk. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey and optionally topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 2 cups of almond milk (or any milk of choice)
Cocoa & Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, warm the almond milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling, creating the perfect base for the spices and cocoa to meld.
- Add cocoa powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth chocolate flavor.
- Sweeten the drink: Stir in maple syrup or honey carefully, mixing until fully incorporated and balancing the bitterness of the cocoa.
- Incorporate spices: Add ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom into the saucepan, whisking continuously to blend them evenly into the milk mixture.
- Add black pepper: Sprinkle a pinch of ground black pepper to enhance the absorption of curcumin from turmeric, and whisk to combine.
- Simmer gently: Let the mixture heat through for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and deepen without boiling.
- Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the stove and pour the hot cocoa equally into mugs.
- Add toppings: Optionally, top each serving with whipped cream or marshmallows for added creaminess and sweetness.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the spiced hot cocoa while warm for a soothing, anti-inflammatory beverage experience.
Notes
- Use any milk of your choice such as dairy, oat, or soy for variation.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less maple syrup or honey.
- The pinch of black pepper is essential for increasing turmeric’s health benefits by improving curcumin absorption.
- This drink can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut cream or heavy cream if not dairy-free.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove to avoid scorching.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
