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

Ingredients

• 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

Method

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.