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Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink is a cozy, health-boosting beverage featuring unsweetened almond milk enriched with cocoa and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and a hint of black pepper. Naturally sweetened with raw honey or maple syrup, this drink offers comforting flavors with potential anti-inflammatory benefits, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a soothing cup.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • A pinch of ground ginger
  • A pinch of ground black pepper
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for an added kick)

Garnish

  • 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk: In a medium saucepan, pour the almond milk and warm it over medium heat. Be careful not to let the milk boil to preserve its texture and flavor.
  2. Dissolve Cocoa Powder: Gradually whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until it is fully dissolved and evenly mixed into the milk.
  3. Add Sweetener and Spices: Add the raw honey or maple syrup along with ground cinnamon, turmeric, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir continuously to blend all the spices evenly into the mixture.
  4. Simmer to Meld Flavors: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the spices and cocoa to infuse the milk with their flavors.
  5. Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract to add a smooth, aromatic note to the drink.
  6. Adjust Taste: Taste the cocoa and adjust sweetness or spice levels by adding more honey or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire extra heat.
  7. Serve: Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and optionally garnish with a small cinnamon stick or an additional pinch of cayenne pepper for an enhanced flavor profile.
  8. Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting and warming properties of this spiced anti-inflammatory drink.

Notes

  • Use almond milk or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Adjust sweetener to your preference or omit for a less sweet drink.
  • The black pepper helps increase the bioavailability of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cayenne pepper is optional and adds a spicy kick; use cautiously if sensitive to heat.
  • Do not boil the milk to prevent curdling and preserve delicate flavors.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: General/Healthy

Keywords: spiced hot cocoa, anti-inflammatory drink, turmeric cocoa, cinnamon hot chocolate, healthy beverage, warm drink, dairy-free hot cocoa, almond milk cocoa

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Find it online: https://kitchenofsimon.com/spiced-hot-cocoa-anti-inflammatory-drink-recipe/