Name: Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients: 1 Can (13.5 ounces) of Coconut Milk (see notes); 2 ounces of Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 60% cacao (See notes); 1/3 cup of Dark Brown Sugar.; 1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon.; 1/2 teaspoon of pure Vanilla Extract.; 1/2 teaspoon of Cornstarch (diluted in 1 tablespoon of water) - Optional (see notes); A pinch of Cayenne Pepper - adjust your spicy kick preference (see notes).

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 12 reviews

Hello, cold weather! But what if we spice things up a bit?
Imagine a steaming rich hot chocolate mug with a little spicy kick to ignite your senses? That's right – we're talking about adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your next cup.

This perfect cozy drink, with its rich chocolate flavor and simple ingredients, is more than just a warm drink; it's a decadent experience from the first sip. Ideal for the Holiday season, Valentine's day, snow days, or any time you crave hot beverages with a twist. So, let's make a Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper.

spicy-Hot-Chocolate-with-Cayenne-Pepper-and-chocolate-shavings-whipped-cream

In this recipe, we're going to whip up something very special. If you love a hot chocolate drink but feel uninspired by the same old hot cocoa packets, this recipe is like no other!

I was in Paris last year and had to try one of those thick hot chocolates you see on social media. And so, I went to cafe Angelina. Oh my… I was immediately hooked! You can see my short video here. Right there, I decided this recipe would be inspired by a blend of my parisian experience and the traditional mexican hot chocolate recipe that is often spiced with dried chiles.

Yay! a Parisian-Mexican recipe was born! This recipe is a rich and decadent treat for the soul. The best hot chocolate using luscious dark chocolate as in the parisian version, but with a dash of cayenne for that spicy drink sensation. This drink will warm you from the inside out!

The most perfect cozy drink with a touch of warmth and a hint of spice. A reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most delicious, yet they come from the simplest means.

Jump to:

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Kitchen Tools for this Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients and Substitutions
Ingredient substitutions for a Creamy VEGAN Hot Chocolate recipe
How to make Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper (3 simple steps)
The Best Toppings and Recipe Variations
Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa: Curious about the difference?
Storage and reheating
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Other beverages with a Latin Flair
Latin treats you might enjoy

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Decadent Treat for a Cold Winter Day.
Less Sugar content, More Flavor: Embrace the sweeteness of good-quality chocolate and adjust the brown sugar to your preference.
A Non-Dairy Milk twist: A dream come true for dairy-free milk lovers! We use coconut milk for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

Looking for other decadent Latin drinks? Try this Dulce de Leche Martini. Delish!

Kitchen Tools for this Homemade Hot Chocolate

Small or Medium Saucepan
Whisk

Ingredients and Substitutions

Simple and high quality ingredients make all the difference in this lucious homemade Hot Chocolate recipe.

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

ingredients-for-spicy-Hot-Chocolate-with-Cayenne-Pepper

COCONUT MILK – The creamy base for our spicy hot chocolate (I used Goya). The creaminess of your hot chocolate will be determined by the nature of your coconut milk since there is so much variation from brand to brand and can to can. I highly recommend full-fat coconut milk for this recipe, but feel free to use Lite Coconut Milk for a lighter option.

WHOLE MILK can also be used as a substitute, although the taste won’t be as rich. If you choose SKIM MILK, double the cornstarch level.
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS 60% CACAO (I used Ghirardelli) - Real chocolate makes all the difference. You can use a bar of chocolate and chop it yourself or stick with the chips for convenience. Just remember, good quality chocolate is vital for that rich chocolate flavor.

chocolate-chips-for-Hot-Chocolate-recipe-on-blue-plate

DARK BROWN SUGAR – Adds flavor depth and the right level of sweetness, but feel free to adjust the quantity to your taste. You can even substitute with Pure Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar for a different twist.
GROUND CINNAMON - Warmth in a sprinkle.
Pure VANILLA EXTRACT for an extra layer of flavor
CORNSTARCH - This is optional, but I like my hot chocolate on the thicker side. A touch of Cornstarch gives a smooth and silky texture.
A Pinch of CAYENNE PEPPER - Adjust your spicy kick preference. Remember, a tiny bit goes a long way.

Note: I use Cayenne pepper for its earthy but clean taste. Chipotle Powder is a suitable substitute, but it has a smoky flavor. I do not recommend Chili Powder due to its savory taste (store-bought bottles labeled “chili powder” are usually made with a blend of ground chili pepper and savory spices like garlic, cumin, onion, and sometimes salt). Unless you have pure “chili powder” at home, I recommend sticking with Cayenne Powder.

Ingredient substitutions for a Creamy VEGAN Hot Chocolate recipe

Use Vegan Chocolate Chips
If Coconut Milk isn’t your thing, experiment with other plant-based milk like Unsweetened Almond Milk, Oat Milk, or Cashew Milk. Because plant-based beverages can vary in texture, you may need to increase the cornstarch level to reach the same rich and velvety texture in this hot chocolate recipe.
Top with Homemade Vegan Marshmallows. Like this recipe from the PlantYou blog.

How to make Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper (3 simple steps)

Step 1 - Simmer

In a medium saucepan or small pot, combine the coconut milk, chocolate chips, and dark brown sugar. Heat over medium-low heat and whisk gently until the chocolate melts and the mixture steams (but not boiling).

cooking-ingredients-in-saucepan-for-spicy-Hot-Chocolate

Step 2 - Thicken

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until dissolved. Add it to the chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth and thick.

Step 3 - Flavor and Serve

Add the Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, and a sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper. Give it a good mix, then take a taste test and adjust the spice as you like.
Remove from the heat and pour your homemade hot chocolate into two mugs.
Enjoy with your favorite person, or save the rest for later!

The Best Toppings and Recipe Variations

Top with homemade whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Mini Marshmallows for classic comfort.
Add a Candy Cane for an extra zing (although is not needed in this spicy recipe!).
Sprinkle some Chocolate Shavings.
Add an extra sprinkle of Cinnamon or even a pinch of Sea Salt.
Stir with a Cinnamon Stick or add a star Anise Pods for more warm spices.

Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa: Curious about the difference?

The main difference is that REGULAR HOT CHOCOLATE is made with Real Chocolate and has a thicker texture. In contrast, REGULAR HOT COCOA uses Unsweetened Cocoa Powder and has a thin and light consistency.

This recipe falls into the rich, decadent hot chocolate category, thanks to the real chocolate goodness and the use of coconut milk. Plus, the cayenne adds a unique twist to the classic homemade hot chocolate recipe. Alittle heat is perfect for a cold day!

Storage and reheating

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of hot chocolate. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm the mixture over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, or heat in the microwave for 30-90 seconds.

The Final Sip!

Next time the colder weather beckons, whip up this delicious hot chocolate with a hint of spice. Say goodbye to the store-bought hot cocoa mix (no swiss miss this time!) and embrace the indulgence of this homemade recipe. I hope you love this spicy hot chocolate with cayenne pepper as much as I do. More than just a drink, this is an experience for a bit of a kick. Enjoy your spicy, sweet escape!

Rate this Recipe!

Remember to leave a star rating if you've mde this recipe! Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others to embark on their culinary journey. Happy sipping! And Salud!

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Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 12 reviews

Author: Juyali (ju-ja-lee)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 small cups 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Latin

Print Recipe

Description

With its rich chocolate flavor and simple ingredients, this perfect cozy drink is a decadent experience from the first sip. It is ideal for the holiday season, snow days, Valentine's Day, or any time you crave hot beverages with a twist.

Kitchen Tools for this Homemade Hot Chocolate
A small or medium saucepan and a whisk are all you need to make this recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Can (13.5 ounces) of Coconut Milk (see notes)

2 ounces of Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 60% cacao (See notes)

1/3 cup of Dark Brown Sugar.

1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon.

1/2 teaspoon of pure Vanilla Extract.

1/2 teaspoon of Cornstarch (diluted in 1 tablespoon of water) - Optional (see notes)

A pinch of Cayenne Pepper - adjust your spicy kick preference (see notes).

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Notes

Coconut Milk substitutions
The creaminess of your hot chocolate will be determined by the nature of your coconut milk since there is so much variation in brands. I recommend full-fat coconut milk for this recipe. If you choose Lite Coconut Milk you may need to increase the starch level.
Whole milk can also be used as a substitute, although the taste won’t be as rich. If you choose Skim Milk, double the cornstarch level.

Chocolate:
Good quality real chocolate makes all the difference and is key for a rich chocolate flavor.

Cornstarch: Add more if using a lower fat milk.

Cayenne Pepper:
Cayenne pepper is best for its earthy but clean taste. Chipotle Powder is a suitable substitute, but it has a smoky flavor.
About Chili Power: Store-bought bottles labeled “chili powder” are not recommended, as they are usually made with a blend of savory spices. I recommend sticking with cayenne powder for this recipe unless you have pure “chili powder” at home.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 681
Sugar: 42.5 g
Sodium: 28.8 mg
Fat: 53 g
Carbohydrates: 53.7 g
Fiber: 2.4 g
Protein: 5.7 g

Spicy Hot Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Kitchen Tools for this Homemade Hot Chocolate

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredient substitutions for a Creamy VEGAN Hot Chocolate recipe