Cocoa-Chili Mexican Hot Chocolate

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-01 · Updated 2026-06-01

A rich, spicy hot chocolate with a deep cocoa flavor and a warming chili kick, perfect for cozy evenings. This recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips 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 320 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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

• 8 oz whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 oz dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• to top whipped cream
• 1 piece cinnamon stick

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 8 oz whole milk, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 oz dark chocolate chips, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar.
2. Step 2: Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot but not boiling.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into a pre-warmed mug.
5. Step 5: Top generously with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick rested on the side of the mug.