Guatemalan hot chocolate is a hot drink made by dissolving artisanal chocolate tablets, like the ones from Mixco, in hot water or milk, whisked until frothy.
It’s a drink with deep pre-Hispanic roots, traditionally whisked with a wooden molinillo to achieve its characteristic layer of foam.
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Guatemalan Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 4 of Guatemalan chocolate tablets
- 4 cups of water or milk
- to taste of sugar (if the chocolate isn’t sweet) (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the liquid, heat the water or milk in a pot until very hot, without letting it boil.
- Dissolve the chocolate, add the chopped chocolate tablets and stir until fully dissolved.
- Whisk, with a wooden molinillo or a whisk, beat vigorously, spinning the handle between your palms, until foam forms on the surface.
- Adjust sweetness, add sugar to taste if the chocolate used isn’t sweet enough.
- Serve, serve hot, in a mug, with the foam on top.
Tips for getting it right
- Using Guatemalan chocolate tablet, with spices already incorporated, gives this drink its most authentic flavor.
- The traditional wooden molinillo is the classic way to whisk the chocolate until frothy.
- Not letting the liquid boil before adding the chocolate keeps it from curdling or scorching.
- Whisking energetically is key to achieving a good layer of foam on the surface.
Traditional variations
- It can be made with water, more traditionally, or with milk for a creamier version.
- Guatemalan chocolate tablets usually include spices like cinnamon, giving it its characteristic flavor.
How to serve
Guatemalan hot chocolate is served hot, in a mug, with foam on top.
It’s a highly valued traditional drink, especially on cold mornings and during celebrations.
Recommended sides
- Sweet bread
- Tamales
Did you know?
Whisking with a wooden molinillo is a pre-Hispanic technique preserved to this day in preparing Guatemalan hot chocolate.
Chocolate de Mixco is one of the most recognized varieties for making this drink, with its artisanal process declared Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a hot drink made by dissolving artisanal chocolate tablets in water or milk, whisked until frothy.
It's achieved by whisking vigorously with a traditional wooden molinillo, spinning the handle between your palms.
It can be made with water, more traditionally, or with milk for a creamier version.
Guatemalan chocolate tablet is recommended, such as the one from Mixco, which includes traditional spices.
