Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink is a cozy and comforting twist on classic hot chocolate. Infused with warming spices like turmeric and cinnamon, it offers both delicious flavor and health benefits. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soothing treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 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
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
2. Step 2: Whisk in the cocoa powder, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Step 3: Stir in the maple syrup or honey, mixing thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to the saucepan, whisking continuously to blend all spices evenly.
5. Step 5: Add a pinch of ground black pepper, which aids the absorption of curcumin in turmeric.
6. Step 6: Allow the mixture to heat through for 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir to meld the flavors.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and pour the spiced hot cocoa into mugs.
8. Step 8: Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy the delicious and warming flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture and subtle sweetness.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
• For a caffeine kick, mix in a shot of espresso or coffee.
• Try garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.

Storage

Store any leftover hot cocoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving to recombine the spices and cocoa.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, including dairy milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.

What is the purpose of the black pepper in this recipe?

The pinch of black pepper helps increase the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, enhancing its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe

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A comforting and warming spiced hot cocoa beverage infused with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and a hint of black pepper. Made with almond milk and sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, this drink is perfect for cozying up while enjoying the health benefits of these flavorful ingredients.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Base

• 2 cups of almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey

Spices

• 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
• Marshmallows

Instructions

1. Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until steaming, but avoid boiling to maintain smooth texture and flavor.
2. Add cocoa powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth chocolate base.
3. Sweeten the cocoa: Stir in the maple syrup or honey, mixing well to evenly distribute the natural sweetness throughout the drink.
4. Add spices: Incorporate ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom into the saucepan, whisking continuously to blend all the spices evenly and release their flavors.
5. Add black pepper: Add a pinch of ground black pepper to enhance the absorption of curcumin from turmeric, contributing to the drink’s anti-inflammatory benefits.
6. Simmer the mixture: Allow the spiced hot cocoa to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring gently to meld all the flavors together.
7. Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the stove and carefully pour the spiced hot cocoa into mugs.
8. Add toppings: Optionally, top with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence and texture.
9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the drink hot, savoring the comforting and healthful flavors of this spiced cocoa beverage.

Notes

• You can substitute any milk of choice such as cow’s milk, oat milk, or soy milk based on your dietary preferences.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less maple syrup or honey.
• The pinch of black pepper is essential for increasing turmeric’s bioavailability, so do not skip it.
• For a vegan version, ensure to use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based whipped cream if topping.
• To intensify the flavors, you can lightly toast the spices before adding them to the milk.
• This drink is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh warmth and aroma.

Keywords: spiced hot cocoa, anti-inflammatory drink, turmeric drink, warm cocoa, healthy hot chocolate, almond milk cocoa, wellness drink