Mexican Hot Chocolate: Frothy Cinnamon Cocoa with Vanilla and a Whisper of Chili

Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) whole milk (or half milk, half water for a lighter drink)
• 6 oz (170g) Mexican chocolate tablets (such as Ibarra or Abuelita), chopped, or dark chocolate plus 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground ancho or cayenne chili, to taste
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cinnamon sticks, for stirring
• Whipped cream or marshmallows, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chili and salt. Whisk constantly until the chocolate has melted completely and no streaks remain, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Keep the heat low and simmer gently for 2 minutes so the cinnamon blooms and the chocolate thickens slightly. Do not let it boil or the milk may scorch.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Taste and add more chili or a spoonful of sugar if you like it spicier or sweeter.
5. For the signature froth, whisk vigorously with a molinillo, immersion blender or regular whisk for 30 seconds until a thick layer of foam forms, or blend briefly in a blender with the lid vented.
6. Pour into warmed mugs, dust with cinnamon and drop in a cinnamon stick for stirring.
7. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you like, and serve immediately while the foam is at its peak.
8. Chocolate was a drink long before it was a candy: the Aztecs whipped bitter cacao with chili and spices, and Spanish colonists added sugar, milk and cinnamon to create the chocolate caliente still frothed every morning across Mexico. The wooden molinillo, twirled between the palms, has been producing that cloud of foam since the 1700s and remains the surest sign of a proper cup.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 140mg