Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

This recipe serves 2 and is by far the best way to have a hot chocolate. By using actual dark chocolate instead of the powdered varieties you are able to conjure a richer chocolatey flavor that the others do not live up to. With the ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper adding that spice element to it, it helps create a warming beverage that is simply perfect for those winter months. 

To make this recipe, we use the molinillo whisk stirrer. The reason why is that it is like no other in terms of how frothy it can make the milk. This is not only because of the circular rings below the head but due to the slits all around the base. The simple whisking motion allows the ingredients to mix to perfection, ensuring the best type of hot chocolate. This recipe can be adjusted to your taste, traditionally it is made using cows milk however, we personally enjoy it with soya milk. If you are serving it for children you could, of course, use less cayenne pepper or could even leave it out altogether.  

Ingredients:

• 2 - 3 tbs unsweetened dark chocolate (25g-40g)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups whole cows milk or soya milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional 
• Cocoa powder for dusting

 Method: 

• Pour two cups of milk into a saucepan 
• Add half a tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper & your sugar 
• Keep whisking until it starts bubbling around the edges and then add your diced chocolate
• Add vanilla extract
• Once boiled pour it into a cup and finish with a cinnamon stick, and top with some cocoa powder and enjoy.

When making a traditional Mexican hot chocolate, you should consider the  Mexican molinillo whisk.

Molinillo Whisk: Frequently asked questions

How to use a molinillo whisk?

To use the Mexican molinillo whisk you need to put the palm of your hands on the handle alternating each hand in a back and forth motion ensuring the whisk head is down in the milk so that it froths up.

How does a molinillo whisk work?

The head of the wooden whisk has ridges which create aeration as the it moves quickly in the milk and the wooden rings below it work in a similar way.

Where did the molinillo whisk originate?

The whisk was first made by Spanish colonists in Mexico during the 1700s for the purpose of frothing up chocolate milk.

Molinillo whisk vs regular whisk

A molinillo whisk is a specialised Mexican whisk that makes the milk more frothy than a regular whisk, giving the hot chocolate a lot more foam and aeration. If you want to make real Mexican hot chocolate the molinillo whisk is a must, whilst it's possible that you could get the same results with a regular whisk if you were willing to work the milk for longer. 

The tool itself was originally invented by Spanish colonists in Mexico in the 1700’s. It was used for the preparation of a ‘hot chocolate’ drink that was inspired by the Aztecs, who made the chocolate from roasted beans.

Due to the design of the tool, it would cause the chocolate to become significantly thicker (the more chocolate the better right)? Today, due to the emulsifiers in chocolate, there is no risk of it separating. Instead, you can enjoy the benefits of a rich, creamy hot chocolate in the comfort of your own home. 

While the tool itself has undergone several European adaptations, the original can still be purchased and used to create a frothy hot chocolate. On the other hand, a regular whisk is mainly good for mixing and combining ingredients together whereas the molinillo is specifically for creating froth. 

A downfall to the molinillo whisk is that due to being made from wood it can be more difficult to clean in comparison to a stainless steel whisk. It makes use of a somewhat complex design, which can cause little bits of chocolate to build up in certain areas. However, with a soak in hot water, you should be able to remove all of the chocolate from the tool.

When comparing the molinillo whisk to a regular one, it could be argued that your hot chocolate preferences will determine which is your favourite. if you prefer a hot chocolate without froth, then a regular whisk may be your best option. However, If you prefer a rich, frothy hot chocolate then the molinillo whisk is for you.

Up next: Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe