Mexican Hot Chocolate with Tequila
Looking for a warm and spicy drink that packs a punch? Look no further than this delicious Mexican hot chocolate recipe, infused with a shot of tequila for a boozy twist! Made with rich cocoa powder, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of chili powder for heat, this indulgent drink is perfect for sipping on a chilly night. And for vegans, simply swap out the milk and cream for non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk. So whether you're curling up by the fire or hosting a party with friends, this tequila-spiked Mexican hot chocolate is sure to impress. Try it out today and treat your taste buds to a tantalizing treat!
Mexican hot chocolate (with tequila) is known as Chocolate Caliente con Tequila ! Traditional Mexican hot chocolate is also known as ‘champurrado’ which means ‘hot maize chocolate drink’ it also translates to ‘a mixture of things’ This traditional hot chocolate drink is usually made with ‘masarica’ or corn flour, also used in making tortillas and tamales. My spicy style hot chocolate is a little different and uses just a few simple ingredients but still gives a wonderful sweet and spicy flavour.
What is Abuelita used For?
The type of chocolate used to make traditional Mexican hot chocolate is Abuelita which is a spiced chocolate tablet made by Nestle, this is sometimes referred to as chocolate para mesa. Abuelita or abuela are affectionate words that mean Grandma. This wonderful spiced chocolate bar makes hot chocolate just like Granny does! However, in this recipe, I’m using dairy free dark chocolate chips. However, feel free to use any that takes your fancy.
What can you use Instead of a Molinillo?
Mexican hot chocolate is traditionally made in a ceramic pot and is stirred using a Molinillo I haven’t used these things in my recipe, instead I have just a saucepan and a whisk but it turns out fabulously! You can also use a wooden spoon, just keep stirring so that the chocolate and other ingredients do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
What is Mexican ‘Style’ Hot Chocolate?
There are lots of variations of Mexican hot chocolate and this is referred to as Mexican ‘style’ hot chocolate. I decided to make my own spin on this delish traditional drink by using a dash of agave for sweetness and a shot of tequila blaco for a tipsy hot toddy.
Can I use Chocolate Tequila?
Yes! You can absolutely use chocolate tequila for this recipe. Using chocolate tequila will make this hot chocolate even more chocolatey. However, if you are vegan or dairy free, you are best to check the ingredients list first. You can also use any of your favourite tipple for this hot chocolate. I would also recommend vanilla vodka or orange vodka for a spicy-chocolatey-orange hot toddy.
Is Tequila in this Recipe Vegan Friendly?
Tequila, made from the agave plant, is in fact vegan friendly. However, it’s best to opt for a brand without the traditional worm, I like Don Julio Blanco Tequila. So yes, you can still enjoy a shot of Tequila in this even if you follow a strict vegan diet.
Which Non Dairy Milk is Best for This Hot Toddy?
Feel free to use any non dairy (or dairy) milk you fancy for this recipe. I like using coconut milk and coconut cream as I think that it’s the best combination but that’s personal preference. Oat milk and cashew creamer also has a wonderful thickness to it too.
Read more: What is the best milk alternative for tea?
Is Dark Chocolate Vegan?
There are lots of vegan chocolate options. Many extra dark chocolates will be made without milk, some may contain traces of milk. It is always best to read each label for the ingredients. I like to use allergy friendly chocolate chips. Feel free to use your favourite type of chocolate.
What’s the Difference Between Mexican Hot Chocolate and Regular Hot Chocolate?
The difference between Mexican and regular hot chocolate is usually down to the complex flavours of the spices involved. Mexican hot chocolate is usually made with corn flour and traditional abuelita to give the drink a more grainy and filing texture. Mexican hot chocolate generally contains spices such as vanilla, cinnamon and chili whereas regular hot chocolate does not.
Here’s my take on a Mexican hot chocolate, a Mexican style hot chocolate made with vegan ingredients and also a dash of Mexican tequila at the end for a tipsy treat.
What Type of Alcohol is Tequila?
Tequila is a trendy Mexican distilled liquor (which is alcohol) made from the weber blue agave plant. I like using tequila blanco (white tequila) for this tipsy Mexican hot chocolate. Alternatively, you can use whatever tipple you like in this recipe or leave the booze out all together.
Why is Mexican Hot Chocolate Spicy?
Spicy peppery Mexican style hot chocolate first came from the ancient Aztecs. They added hot peppers to make bitter hot chocolate instead of sugar to make sweet hot chocolate. Over time, the two have been combined to create a totally fabulous sweet and spicy combination that is Mexican hot chocolate.
You may Also Like These Related Recipes
If you like tequila, you may also like this Tea-quila Slammer recipe, made with equal parts of sparkling iced tea and tequila.
If you like hot chocolate recipes, you may love this Hot Choc Chai made with aromatic masala chai tea!
How to Make my Mexican Hot Chocolate With Tequila from Scratch
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)
Milk of choice (almond, oat, coconut…)
1/2 cup of coconut cream
1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup of cacao powder
2-4 tablespoons of agave - to taste
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla pod
1/2 teaspoon of chili
Pinch of salt
4 shots of tequila - to make it tipsy
Whipped cream - optional
Grated Chocolate - Optional
METHOD
Firstly, heat through the milk in a saucepan and add the coconut cream, agave, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Whisk all the ingredients together until everything has melted and is combined.
Add the cinnamon stick, break it in half for extra flavour. Add the vanilla pod, cut lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add everything to the chocolate mix. Also add the chili and pinch of salt.
Place the saucepan lid on and allow the spicy hot chocolate to infuse for 5-10 minutes.
To make it tipsy, add a shot of tequila to each cup or mug and top up with the hot chocolate. Tip, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the spices out.
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