When the temperature drops and the daylight hours shorten, I like to curl up with a good book and make a mug of hot cocoa. I don’t mean the sugary mix that so many of us grew up drinking. I mean real hot cocoa made with organic cocoa powder.

You can find it in most stores or a quick Google search will give you multiple options. I usually buy mine in bulk from Azure Standard or a bulk herb supplier like Starwest Botanicals. I count it as one of my herbal drinks, adding it to my daily rotation. *

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) comes from seed of the Cacao Tree. It is slightly different from Cacao as it is processed by roasting the seeds instead of cold pressed like Cacao. The beans do lose some benefits during the roasting process, however a mug of spiced up hot cocoa still has a lot to offer.

The first is undeniably the chocolate flavor. Sometimes you just have to have chocolate. Cocoa powder is real chocolate.

Second, cocoa has health benefits. Cocoa contains flavanols which may help reduce blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood. It is rich in polyphenols which have antioxidant properties, helping reduce cell damage. Polyphenols also help reduce inflammation, contribute to improved heart health, increased brain function, and regulating glucose levels. (Healthline)

When you add common kitchen spices to the mix you boost the benefits and intensify the flavor. It is much more satisfying than a mug of chocolate flavored sugar powder scooped from a carton. You might even find that your body begins to crave the goodness.

Here are some spices to try:

Cinnamon – This is a pretty common spice to add to hot cocoa. It is more than a great flavor combination though. Cinnamon has many health benefits. The most well known is regulation of blood glucose. You don’t need much. A little pinch will do.
Ginger – I confess I am not a huge fan of this spice when it is the main ingredient. I do however add it to as many drinks and dishes as possible. It is known for easing digestive distress and nausea. It is also very warming and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cayenne Pepper – This might seem like a very strange spice to put in cocoa, but do a search and you will find that it is very common in Mexican culture to spice up their hot cocoa. Cayenne is very well known for it’s heart healthy benefits. It gets the circulation moving, reduces inflammation, and can help make the heart muscle stronger.

The first time I made the spiced up Hot Cocoa mix I followed a recipe from Heidi Villegas at Healing Harvest Homestead. She is one of my herbal teachers. Before that I was using another recipe that was good but added no herbal goodness. I have experimented and revised the mix that I drink now. When I make it up, it almost fills up a quart mason jar. That will keep me supplied for a month or more. This is my recipe.

2 Cups Organic Cocoa or Cacao Powder
1 Cup Organic Unrefined Sugar
1 Cup Non-fat Powdered Dry Milk
1/2 TBLS Mineralized Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
1 tsp Organic Ginger Powder
1/4 to 1/2 tsp Organic Cayenne Powder

The beauty of this and most herbal recipes is the ability to change them to be right for you. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. I add non-fat powdered milk because I found it adds some body. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan and choose to omit the dairy, it is still very tasty.

You can also choose to not add or adjust the sugar and add a sweetener like Stevia to each mug when you serve. I have cut down the sugar to less than one cup per batch lately because I have switched from cow’s milk to unsweetened oat milk as my liquid. It is sweeter than dairy, and yes I still add the powdered milk to the dry mix. I have found that a whole cup of milk, even from local dairy, was messing with my digestive tract in some not so pleasant ways.

If you are not a spicy hot lover or have young children who will be drinking this, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne. A dash of herbs taken in regularly is much better than no herbs at all. Feel free to use cow, goat, sheep, or any of the plant based milks. You can also use hot water and add a splash of milk. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, or some shaved dark chocolate on top. Take this herbal cocoa and make it your own.

*Word of caution, cocoa does contain caffeine. Do not drink if caffeine affects your heart rate. Do not drink too late in the day as it might keep you from sleeping well.