Chai Spiced Cacao
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of chai-spiced cacao on a chilly evening. This rich and velvety drink is a cozy twist on traditional hot chocolate, blending deep cacao flavor with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. It’s naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and rich in flavor, making it a perfect way to treat yourself on a cold evening.
Servings 2 servings
Calories 137kcal
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine mesh sieve
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups plant milk unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper coarse grind
- 3 anise stars
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm milk & spices: In a small saucepan, heat the plant milk with the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and anise stars until steaming. Do not let it simmer.
- Steep the flavors: Remove from heat and let the spices steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the spices: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the spices from the milk.
- Prepare for blending: Rinse the saucepan and return the strained spiced milk to it.
- Add cacao & sweetener: Whisk in the cacao powder, honey, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Whisk vigorously to prevent clumps.
- Reheat gently: Place the saucepan back on the stove and heat until lightly steaming. Do not bring to a simmer.
- Serve warm: Pour into mugs and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a frothier texture: Use a milk frother or an immersion blender before serving.
- Sweetener options: Maple syrup or coconut sugar can be used instead of honey.
- Spice adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amounts.
- Milk choice: Any plant-based milk works, but cashew milk or coconut milk provide a creamier result. This recipe example uses almond milk.
- Extra indulgence: Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 341mg | Iron: 2mg
