From your love life to hot chocolate, a little spiciness makes everything better. The Aztecs knew this; they were the inventors of a spicy chocolate drink called xocoatl. Rather than sweeten their chocolate with sugar, they added fiery chilies for a spicy and bitter drink.
They were onto something.
Warm, thick and super chocolaty, this hot chocolate is a lot like dessert. The dark chocolate mellows the chilies spiciness while the cinnamon adds warmth without the heat. I prefer mine on the bitter side; adjust the sugar to your taste.
I can imagine serving this in tiny ornate glasses after a dinner party. It would be equally welcomed sipped from a thermos while snowshoeing. What I'm wishing for now is a fireplace to curl up in front of with a mug of this spicy hot chocolate and a good book. My imagination will have to fill in for the fireplace.
- 1 cup of almond, soy or dairy milk
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate pieces
- 1-4 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste
- 1 chili pepper, split in half and seeds removed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- dash of salt
- Optional: 1 shot brandy or Grand Marnier
- In a small saucepan melt chocolate with a little of the milk. Whisk in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil
- Remove from heat and let flavours infuse for 10 minutes. Strain
- Add brandy or Grand Mariner to a mug, top with spicy hot chocolate
- Enjoy!
Kristen Stevens
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Kristen is the person working behind the scenes at The Endless Meal. She takes all the pics, creates all the recipes and eats all the leftovers. 
I used Redstone’s Aztec bar…already has chili’s and spice.
Saved some steps. Easy and great, thanks!
hello!;)
My english is not great but i must tell you something.
Your photo form this post is in polish website http://www.papilot.pl/porady-kulinarne/20294/Przepis-na-zimowe-kakao-Cynamon-miod-imbir-tworza-jego-wyjatkowy-charakter.html
And i think that is stolen photo… So If you want write to them to get them removed.
Hi Karolina,
Thank you so much for letting me know. I really appreciate it! I’ve contacted them so hopefully they will be decent and take it down. Or link back to this site. Fingers crossed!
Not at all, I do not like this behavior. I also run a blog and it bothers me steal this.
Greetings.
P.S. Your chocolate must taste delicious.
This is an awesome recipe! I love the historical background of “Hot” Chocolate, and the picture is awesome. I’ll definitely want to try this one!
Thanks, Jeff!!
I’ve tried this Aztec Hot Chocolate at a friend’s place before and it is super tasty and I strongly recommend it for all chocolate lovers!!!
This looks gorgeous – love the addition of spice and that you’ve used real chocolate. Yum 🙂
This sounds fantastic! I’ve tried adding some spice to my hot chocolate before, but I’m going to try your recipe next. I love the different kinds of spice from the pepper and cinnamon – sounds delicious!
Hi Heidi,
Thank you so much! Let me know how you like it 🙂
Thanks for this! When looking for hot chocolate recipes, lots of people want to use cocoa. :p Hot cocoa is nice, but hot chocolate doesn’t use the cocoa, it uses the actual chocolate.
Hey Calissa,
I agree, hot chocolate with real chocolate is so much better. It is more rich and creamier than cocoa could ever be. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Great photos!
I found out about your blog through the food writing course online.
Another food blog I’d like to share with you: http://www.kloppskitchen.com/
Enjoy!
-a fellow foodie
Hey M,
Thanks for passing on the link to Klopp’s Kitchen. Is he a friend of yours? Checked out the website and it’s really great.
Thanks!
You are welcome! Mr. Klopp is actually a friend of my boyfriend. I’ve been feeling inspired lately, so I hope to start my own food blog soon. 🙂 I look forward to your next recipe!
Hey M, Let me know if you start your blog. I’d definitely like to read it 🙂
Thanks for the ping back!