This Mexican Mocha Recipe is rich with a generous amount of real Mexican chocolate and sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for sipping throughout the holiday season and all winter long!
Like Mexican hot chocolate but add coffee beans! This Mexican coffee drink has gained quite the cult following at our house this holiday season and just might be one of my favorite new recipes.
This hot coffee treat is soul-warming and chocolatey and I guarantee you’ll love it even more than your peppermint mocha beverage.
This Mexican Mocha Recipe Tastes Just Like A Coffee Shop Drink
I’m totally boring when it comes to coffee drinks. I almost never go out for coffee but if I do, I order the most boring thing on the menu.
I get drip coffee, black. I’m not really sure what that says about me but it’s the truth…Except during the holidays when I indulge in one peppermint mocha every year.
But this slightly spicy coffee drink is so, so good it might just be my new favorite. It has just a touch of chili powder, a little bit of cinnamon, and a few shots of espresso for real kick. So much better than anything from the cafe.
But the one ingredient that makes this mocha stand out from the rest is real Mexican chocolate. No cocoa powder here!
What Is Mexican Chocolate?
This is the chocolate sold in round discs and is made from cacao nibs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It is typically used to make drinks like champurrado and hot chocolate. It has sugar already added so there’s no need to add extra sweetener to this recipe.
Here’s Why We Are Obsessed With This Entire Recipe
- Has a little spice to add just a little bit of heat
- It’s a little different with unique, unexpected flavors
- Perfect amount of sweetness
- Makes 4 cups—perfect for sharing with friends!
Ingredients
- Canned coconut milk. Or your favorite milk. Whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, skim milk will all work but remember the fattier the milk the richer and creamier the drink will be.
- Mexican chocolate like Abuelita or Ibarra brand like we use for hot chocolate sandwiches—seriously, you’ve got to try that one!
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee. Use instant coffee if you’d like.
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper or a milder chili powder if you want just a bit of spice
- Kosher salt
- Whipped cream
- Other garnishes could include: chocolate syrup, cinnamon stick
How To Make This Recipe
step one
Melt chocolate. Combine the coconut milk, chocolate, espresso, vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne (or 1/4 teaspoon chili powder), and salt in a large saucepan. Melt the chocolate over medium-low heat, whisking continuously, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is thick and frothy.
step two
Serve! Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg, and chocolate shavings. Serve with our favorite strawberry tamales or Mexican wedding cookies for dunking.
How To Make An Iced Mexican Mocha
To make an iced coffee like one of your favorite cold brews is pretty simple.
step one
Melt chocolate. This part is the same as the hot version. Combine all the ingredients, bring to a boil and stir until chocolate melts. Pour mixture into a small bowl and let cool to room temperature.
step two
Blend. Pour into a blender, add a couple handfuls of ice cubes, cover with the lid and blend until frothy. Top with whipped cream if you’d like. You could always just pour over ice too if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the espresso? You will need 8-10 espresso shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine you can make really strong coffee using a French press. Place the coffee grounds in the bottom of the glass canister and pour hot water over them. Stir and let sit for a few minutes. Press and it’s done.
What kind of milk should I use? I like using canned coconut milk because it’s so rich and creamy but you can substitute any plant-based milk or dairy milk you’d like.
Can I add sweetener? Sure, I think the Mexican chocolate makes it plenty sweet but if you’d like more you can add honey or maple syrup.
Top 5 Most Popular Holiday Drinks
- Vegan Atole
- The Best Paloma Recipe
- Mezcal Holiday Punch
- Ponche Navideño
- Super Creamy Authentic Horchata
Cozy Up With One Of My Favorite Coffee Recipes
Perfect for rainy days, the holidays, or any days! If you try it, I’d love to hear how you like it! Tag me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating)! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!
Mexican Mocha Recipe
This Mexican Mocha Recipe is rich with a generous amount of real Mexican chocolate and sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for sipping throughout the holiday season and all winter long!
Ingredients
- 3 (13.5 ounce cans) full-fat coconut milk, or 5 1/4 cups whole milk
- 2 (3.1 ounce) tablets Mexican chocolate, chopped (about 1 heaping cup)
- 3/4 cup (8-10 shots) espresso (or 3/4 cup strong black coffee)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- chocolate shavings, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Melt chocolate. Combine coconut milk, chocolate, espresso, vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Serve. Once the mocha is steaming, ladle into mugs, dollop with whipped cream, and top with a sprinkling of cinnamon and chocolate shavings, if desired. Drink and enjoy!
Notes
- Milk: I like using canned coconut milk because it is rich and creamy and adds a touch of tropical feel to this mocha recipe. If you want to switch it up you can use whole milk or any plant-based milk you prefer. Just remember the lower in fat the thinner in texture it will be.
- Vegan: This recipe just so happens to be vegan! If you are following a vegan diet make sure to use plant-based milk and plant-based whipped cream.
- Espresso: If you don't have an espresso machine you can use instant espresso or a French press to make strong coffee.
- Make ahead/Storage: Make this mocha recipe ahead and keep it warm in a crock pot set on the "Warm" setting if serving at a party. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before rewarming as the chocolate tends to sink to the bottom.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 227mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 12g
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