Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe
This Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink is a comforting and health-boosting beverage that combines rich cocoa with warm spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey and optionally topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, it’s perfect for cozying up while enjoying the benefits of anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Milk Base
- 2 cups of almond milk (or any milk of choice)
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream or marshmallows
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling, preparing the base for the hot cocoa.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps, creating a smooth chocolate flavor.
- Sweeten the Drink: Stir in the maple syrup or honey until it is fully dissolved, adding natural sweetness to the beverage.
- Incorporate Spices: Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to the saucepan, whisking continuously to evenly blend all the warming spices.
- Add Black Pepper: Include a pinch of ground black pepper, which enhances the absorption of curcumin from the turmeric, increasing the anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Heat Through: Allow the mixture to warm for 2-3 minutes while stirring to meld all the flavors harmoniously without boiling.
- Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the spiced hot cocoa into mugs.
- Optional Toppings: Add whipped cream or marshmallows on top if desired for added richness and sweetness.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and flavorful anti-inflammatory drink.
Notes
- This recipe is easily adaptable to dairy or plant-based milk alternatives.
- Adjust sweetness according to preference, or omit sweeteners for a sugar-free version.
- The pinch of black pepper is essential to boost turmeric’s absorption.
- For a stronger spice flavor, slightly increase the ground cinnamon or ginger but avoid overpowering the cocoa.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.
Keywords: spiced hot cocoa, anti-inflammatory drink, turmeric hot chocolate, warm spiced beverage, vegan hot cocoa, healthy cocoa recipe, turmeric drink, cozy drink
