Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate
Warm New Mexican-inspired hot chocolate with subtle anise and cinnamon notes, perfect for cozy evenings. This latin american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together whole milk, (about 6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup (about 6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp, crushed anise seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- for serving (optional) whipped cream
- for garnish (optional) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups whole milk, 1 tsp crushed anise seeds, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Warm over medium heat until just simmering, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the flavors.
- Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain out the anise seeds to avoid bitterness.
- Step 3: Return the infused milk to low heat and whisk in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until smooth and fully melted.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and continue heating for 2 more minutes until the hot chocolate is warm and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover anise and cinnamon infused hot chocolate in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Anise and Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate?
Latin American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
