Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
A rich and warming hot chocolate infused with toasted sesame seeds and aromatic cinnamon, a comforting beverage inspired by Guatemalan flavors. This latin american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together whole milk, chopped dark chocolate, toasted sesame seeds 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 270 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
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz, chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (optional, for topping) heavy cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 2 tbsp sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, heat 3 cups whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 4 oz chopped dark chocolate, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the milk. Whisk continuously until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and the toasted sesame seeds. Continue to heat for 1 more minute to infuse flavors.
- Step 5: Optional: In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon 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 Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover guatemalan toasted sesame and cinnamon 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 Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon 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 Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon 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 Guatemalan Toasted Sesame and Cinnamon 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.
