The ancient Mayans believed that cacao was a gift from the gods, and with all of the amazing health benefits of this delicious superfood, we just might have to agree. In the early 1700s, Carl Linnaeus gave the cacao tree its Latin name, Theobroma, which means “food of the gods” and alludes to the Mesoamerican mythologies around the origins of cacao. The Mayans, in particular, believed that cacao was given to humans by a deity that appeared as a feathered serpent. Cacao beans were so highly valued among these ancient peoples that they used it as currency and as a ritual beverage during celebrations throughout the year. This was the inspiration for our Spiked Mayan Hot Chocolate, which is perfect for holiday celebrations and cold winter nights.
The recipe for the ritual drink of the Mayans typically included raw cacao beans, dried peppers, and cinnamon, all of which are known to have numerous health benefits. Raw cacao, the unprocessed predecessor of chocolate, is rich in detoxifying antioxidants. The flavonoids in raw cacao powder have also been shown to help prevent arterial plaque formation and improve circulation, while lowering the risk of heart disease. For centuries, cayenne pepper has been used in traditional medicines for pain relief, detoxification, and improvement of circulation, metabolism, and immune response. Like cacao, cinnamon also has antioxidant effects in the body and research has shown that cinnamon can help prevent bacterial infection and reduce inflammation in the body.
Our rich, spicy, and lightly bitter hot chocolate gets its smooth texture from highly nutritious coconut milk and its subtle sweetness from immunity-boosting Manuka honey and antioxidant-rich vanilla. Philosophie’s Cacao Magic Superfood Blend adds an extra pop of protein plus a variety of potent superfoods, including a dose of finely milled reishi mushroom powder, known to have an ever-growing list of healing properties. A splash of dark rum adds a deeper sweet flavor and ensures that this drink will leave you feeling merry.
On top of being an incredibly nourishing way to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is incredibly easy and a delicious, dairy-free alternative to milk-based hot chocolates. Feel free to adjust the spices to your tastes—we like ours with a little extra cayenne for more of a spicy kick, but you can omit the cayenne if you’re serving to children or people who are sensitive to spiciness!
Gather This:
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 Tbsps Cacao Magic or raw Cacao Powder
- ½ tsp of Cacaobee Superfood Manuka Honey
- ½ tsp of Vanilla extract
- 1oz of rum, preferably dark
- ¼ tsp of cinnamon
- ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
Do this:
Pour coconut milk into small saucepan and heat on low heat until steaming. Turn off heat and whisk in cacao powder, honey, vanilla extract, spices, and rum. Pour into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cayenne and enjoy!
Stay tuned to The Philosophie Recipe Blog for more wholesome holiday dishes, nutrient-rich treats, and healthier cocktails and be sure to follow The Philosophie on Twitter for tips and tricks on how to nourish your mind, body, and soul!
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