Ceremonial cacao is different from ordinary hot chocolate - it's raw, unprocessed cacao paste, prepared with care and intention. Here we walk through how to make your own cup at home.
How much cacao should I use?
A regular cup often contains around 20-25 g of cacao, while a more traditional ceremonial dose is around 30-40 g. Always start on the lower end if it's your first time - cacao contains theobromine, and too much (over about 42 g) can cause nausea, cold sweats, or headaches. A digital scale with 0.1 g precision makes it easy to measure out exactly the right amount every time.
Step by step
Break or grate the cacao into smaller pieces. Melt it gently over low heat together with a little warm water - the cacao must never boil, as it will lose both flavor and potency. Stir by hand, preferably with a wooden whisk, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Feel free to blend briefly in a blender or whisk vigorously until a light foam forms on the surface. Taste and season to your liking.
Flavoring
Classic additions include raw honey for sweetness, a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth, and cinnamon or vanilla for round notes. Experiment until you find your own version.
From the Amazon to your cup
Växtbutiken's ceremonial cacao mix is a ready-made blend of raw Peruvian cacao paste and traditional warming spices, so you can get started right away without needing to season it yourself.