Aztec Chocolate for the cold of winter, with chocolate and chili

The ideal drink for an icy day.

Chocolate appeared in Central America, almost 2000 years before Christ. Although today it is probably the most common sweet in the world, its original name comes from a word in the ancient Aztec language, which means (roughly) "bitter water". The peoples of pre-Columbian America, such as the Maya and the Aztecs, regularly enjoyed hot chocolate - only because of the natural bitterness of fresh cocoa, they used many spices, including hot chili peppers, which thus became its most classic "companion". 

Today, the chocolate we have available is of course sweet and easy to drink, but a chili pepper remains an ideal (though unusual) tasty marriage. Especially on very cold days, there is no more warming and comfort drink than a cup of hot chocolate flavored with spices and hot peppers… Aztec chocolate!

What do you need for Aztec Chocolate?

• Instant chocolate drink
• Milk
• Cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1 red pepper
• (without seeds) Brown
• sugar or honey
• 1 shot of brandy or brandy (optional)

How do is Aztec Chocolate prepared?

• In a saucepan, place the milk and red pepper
• Simmer over low heat, without burning the milk
• Remove the pepper and discard it
• Dissolve the sugar or honey in the hot milk
• Prepare the chocolate according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Add the cinnamon and salt
• Serve, adding the brandy shot, if desired

Tips for a delicious Aztec Chocolate

• The amount of spices and sugar can be changed at will, depending on how sweet or spicy we want our drink.
• Choose a chocolate with a thick texture, such as Monbana Tresor or Boston, which will give thick, delicious cups.
• Pay attention to the peppers that we will use! Not all peppers are the same hot, nor do they taste the same. Mediterranean / Oriental hot peppers (such as horn peppers or Indian green peppers) do not taste good with chocolate. If youcan, we use Latin American peppers, such as serrano or chipotle.
• If youe do not want to use fresh pepper, we can for convenience (but without discounts in taste) use a few drops of Red Pepper Extract Spice Drops by Holy Lama!
• Be careful when cleaning the pepper: the use of gloves is recommended
• Choose a chocolate without additional flavors, to let the spices and hot pepper give the character youwant
• For an extra thick texture, add a little couverture to the hot milk and stir, as long as you do not overdo it
• Serve your drink hot, in a hearty clay / ceramic mug, ideally with a cookie or a croissant as an accompaniment.
  

We are not afraid of the cold! With Aztec chocolate, we stay warm, with the most delicious drink ever.