Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

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.

Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (1)

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 Recipe (2)

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:

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together all of the ingredients.
  2. 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….)
  3. 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.
  4. 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….

Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (3)

Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (4)

Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does cardamom pair with chocolate? ›

Cardamom shines when paired with chocolate, such as chocolate chip cookies or a cake with a dash of cocoa powder. Cardamom features a complex flavor that is difficult to describe with hints of menthol, floral, and honey.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

The secret ingredient commonly used in gourmet hot chocolate is often high-quality, finely ground chocolate. This can be in the form of cocoa powder or finely chopped chocolate, adding a rich and intense flavor to the drink.

What is the history of spiced hot chocolate? ›

It Started in Mexico

As early as 500 BC, the Mayans were drinking chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers (as well as other ingredients)—a much different version from the hot chocolate we know today.

How do you make hot chocolate more flavorful? ›

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  1. Add an extract. A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. ...
  2. Sprinkle in warm spices. ...
  3. Mix in Nutella. ...
  4. Swirl in caramel. ...
  5. Spike it. ...
  6. Infuse it with orange. ...
  7. Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  8. Add a shot (of coffee)
Dec 4, 2023

Who should not use 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.

What does cardamom chocolate taste like? ›

Creamy 70% cacao, with a citrusy, fruity, sweet, flavor from a hint of cardamom.

How do you amplify hot chocolate? ›

But rather than sip the same-old sweet drink, boost the flavor—and even the health benefits—with these genius mix-ins.
  1. Add: Cayenne. ...
  2. Add: Cinnamon.
  3. Add: Cardamom and Cloves. ...
  4. Add: Coffee. ...
  5. MORE: The Healthiest Way To Drink Your Coffee.
  6. Add: Mint.
  7. Add: Coconut Oil. ...
  8. Add: Dark Chocolate.
Dec 10, 2014

What adds extra heat to hot chocolate? ›

Add a small amount of jalapeno (habanero or cayenne if you're brave) to your next cup of hot cocoa for a little heat and bite. Just make sure to go easy on the pepper: the heat of the hot cocoa will warm the spice, making it a little hotter than you might expect.

Why is spicy chocolate so good? ›

The combination of chocolate's intoxicating richness with the exhilarating heat of chilli creates a flavour explosion that captivates the palate. The enticing taste, combined with the health benefits of the ingredients, contributes to a sense of well-being after indulging in this delightful treat.

What is the most popular hot chocolate in the world? ›

Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

We'd be remiss not to include Swiss Miss in our taste test because when it comes to hot chocolate mix, it's by far the most well-loved.

What was the first country to drink hot chocolate? ›

The first chocolate drink is believed to have been created at least 5,300 years starting with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in what is present-day Ecuador and later consumed by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago. A cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, by which they referred to as xocōlātl.

What country is known for hot chocolate? ›

It makes sense to start with the country of origin for hot chocolate: Mexico. Mayans were the first culture to make a drink out of chocolate. However, it was much different than the beverage you're familiar with today. It was served cold and brewed like a beer for celebrations.

How do you spice up hot cocoa? ›

Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a little extra zip! Other great ideas to try: whipped cream, shaved gourmet chocolate, good old fashioned marshmallows, or our personal favorite, all of the above! The next time you're feeling the winter blues, try one of these recipes and feel your spirits soar.

How do you doctor up hot chocolate mix? ›

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.

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.

What spices complement chocolate? ›

Try combining dark chocolate with coffee, ginger, cloves, sea salt or even smoky spices such as chipotle peppers. On the other hand, milk chocolate has a creamy texture and can harmonize well with spices that have a softer profile such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.

What blends well with cardamom? ›

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.

What flavor pairs well with chocolate? ›

Milk chocolate pairs well with caramel, honey, coconut, lavender, curry powder and asiago. Other foods that pair well with white chocolate include sea salt caramel, agave nectar, maple syrup, lemongrass and wasabi.

References

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