This delicious Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate recipe combines hot cocoa with chai spices into a super delicious beverage. It’s the perfect cozy treat for snuggling in blankets by the fireplace in the colder months.
Cool weather is (finally)here….
Now that the weather has cooled off for the year (and here in the south, “cool” means less than 70 degrees), I’ve got a craving for all things cozy. Flannel shirts, blankets, fireplaces, pumpkin muffins, and….hot chocolate. Nothing beats sipping some hot chocolate on the back porch, wrapped in a blanket, and admiring my pretty cover crops and fall/winter vegetables.
Now that my garden is filled with lots of goodies, I get to just sit back and enjoy the view. Fall season brings lots of rain down here in South Carolina, so my watering is pretty minimum. Pests aren’t as bad, nor are the weeds.
I’m still harvesting watermelon, kale, beans, and peppers from my spring/summer garden as well. Life is good. Hot chocolate is good. But you know what makes homemade hot chocolate even better? Spices. Now that gardening is slowing down, I can focus on getting more spices in my diet again.
This hot chocolate recipe is one of my ways to get more whole spices in my food/drinks. It includes both cinnamon and cardamom. Both cinnamon and cardamom should have a place in your kitchen, as they are both super tasty and full of medicinal benefits (read more about cinnamon’s benefits and cardamom’s benefits). Of course, as with most spices, both cardamom and cinnamon are best in the whole-form, not the ground old junk from the store.
The combination of cardamom and cinnamon in this hot chocolate gives it a tasty chai-like taste. So it satisfies cravings for both hot chocolate AND chai in one drink. Score!
Seriously, once you start adding spices to your hot chocolate, it’s hard to stop! I’ve got tons of spice-filled hot chocolate recipes floating around in my head, but this Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate recipe is still one of my favorites.
It is completely customizable, which I really love. So, if you are avoiding dairy, use coconut milk! Want to make ithealthy? Use cacao instead of cocoa. Don’t want to add sugar? Use maple syrup or honey! So grab yourself a blanket and flannel shirt, go snuggle up on your porch, and enjoy this super tasty chai-like hot chocolate. Make it super special with some homemade whipped cream on it too. Enjoy! 🙂
Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (or for a thicker treat, use cream or half and half OR for dairy free, use full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder OR cacao powder
- 2 tbsp. sweetener of choice (I prefer maple syrup, but sugar, honey, or coconut sugar work as well)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. bruised cardamom pods (to bruise a pod, simply use a rolling pin over the pod or use the flat end of a butcher’s knife and gently push.)
- 1-2 sticks of cinnamon
- Optional: a few pinches of other spices like: nutmeg, ginger, and/or cloves
Directions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Heat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scalding (don’t use a higher heat to make this quickly: a low heat will simmer and blend the spices into the milk perfectly. While waiting, start the process of relaxing. Life should be slower, like making this drink. There’s probably a life lesson in here somewhere….)
- Allow your hot chocolate to simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes. I like to let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Feel free to use your waiting time to make some homemade whipped cream.
- When ready, strain it into 2 coffee mugs (these ones are cute!). Or just one mug, drink it, and then come back for seconds. Enjoy. 🙂
Notes:
**If this beverage is too thick for you, simply add more milk. I often taste-test towards the end to decide it it’s too bitter (then add more sweetener) or if it needs more chocolate. I know it’s ready to drink when the scent of spices wafts my way. Mmmmm…..
What is YOUR favorite Hot Chocolate recipe?
If you’re usually in a hurry, try my Hot Cocoa Mix recipe. It’s perfect for just scooping into a mug and adding water or milk. That way, you can have this Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate on cozy, snuggly days and my hot cocoa mix on busy days. All days are now ready for some yummy hot chocolate. Mmm….
FAQs
Dark chocolate, with its rich, intense flavor and bitter notes, provides the perfect background for this aromatic spice of cardamom. There is something special about this combination that stirs the emotions, contributing to a sense of luxury and indulgence in each bite.
How to spice up your hot chocolate? ›
Sprinkle in warm spices
Pumpkin Pie Spice is another great blend to fold into the drink, infusing the chocolate with notes of cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Cardamom and chocolate also go together, even just a pinch of the spice instantly adds a special touch to your average mug.
How do you upgrade your hot chocolate? ›
An easy way to add extra flavor to any cup of cocoa—be it out of the box or homemade—is to add a touch of your favorite spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or even cayenne can all be welcome warming additions.
How does Philz make hot chocolate? ›
Philz Coffee
The decadent chocolate beverage uses their Tesora medium-blend roasted coffee as its base and adds dark chocolate, caramel and cocoa to the brew.
Who should not use cardamom? ›
Potential Risks of Cardamom
People with gallstones should not take cardamom except to flavor food. We also need more research to determine the effects of large amounts of cardamom on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you're considering taking cardamom as a supplement.
Why do Swedes love cardamom? ›
Culinary archaeologist Daniel Serra, who co-wrote the book An Early Meal – a Viking Age Cookbook and Culinary Odyssey, believes that cardamom first became of interest in Scandinavia in the 13th Century for both its medicinal and culinary use, as documented in the old cookbook Libellus de Arte Coquinaria.
What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›
Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero
Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.
How to doctor up hot chocolate mix? ›
Ideas to Customize:
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1-2 drops pure peppermint extract.
- 1 shot whiskey, dark rum, or peppermint schnapps.
- Pinch kosher salt highly recommended for all flavor combinations.
- Pinch espresso powder will enhance the chocolate flavor.
From the Package
SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED WHEY, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, NATURAL FLAVOR.
Why add marshmallows to hot chocolate? ›
The lightness and creaminess created by melting marshmallows or whipped cream into hot cocoa to balance the thickness and richness of the chocolate perfectly. Not to mention, everyone loves using hot chocolate as an excuse to eat marshmallows straight out of the bag or whipped cream right from the can.
Adding a splash of alcohol like rum, brandy, or whisky can transform your hot chocolate into a truly indulgent and sophisticated drink. So go on, delve into the delicious world of spiked hot chocolate, experiment with your favourite flavours, and enjoy every sip of your carefully crafted, indulgent beverage.
What is the difference between Italian hot chocolate and French hot chocolate? ›
Italy is another European country that loves its thick hot chocolate. Their version of hot chocolate uses heavy cream and milk like the French. But unlike the French, they go an extra step by adding cornstarch to thicken the mixture even more. The result is a pudding-like consistency that is still pourable.
What is Italian hot chocolate made of? ›
THE KEY TO ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE
It is made with a few key ingredients: cocoa, sugar, and milk. In some cases, a little dark chocolate and a thickening agent, such as cornstarch, are added as well. It can be served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
What is Mexican hot chocolate made of? ›
Ingredients in Mexican Hot Chocolate
This Mexican hot chocolate is made with real milk, 100% unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, chili powder, and a little bittersweet chocolate to make the whole thing a bit creamier and smoother.
What pairs well with cardamom? ›
Cardamom harmonizes beautifully with warming spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, to infuse dishes with captivating essence. Bringing forth a medley of flavor, this remarkable spice can elevate a variety of dishes, like stews, soups and curries, baked goods, desserts, and beverages such as coffee or tea.
Which spice goes well with chocolate? ›
Herbs and spices that go well with dark chocolate include… cardamom, fennel, lavender, cinnamon, spearmint, basil, chipotle, and ginger.
What flavor pairs well with chocolate? ›
what goes well with chocolates
- Fruits: Chocolate and fruits complement each other nicely. ...
- Nuts: Nuts add crunch and flavor to chocolate. ...
- Caramel: The combination of chocolate and caramel is a classic favorite. ...
- Coffee: Chocolate and coffee both have deep, complex flavors that complement each other.
Oils that blend well with Cardamom oil
Whether you are creating your own essential oil diffuser blend, or looking for the best companion for Cardamom, consider using Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Fennel, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, or citrus essential oils.
