Warm, soothing, healing winter comfort
This Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink is the cozy, feel-good winter mug your body will thank you for. Made with antioxidant-rich cocoa, warming spices, and gut-friendly ingredients, it delivers all the chocolatey comfort you crave—without the heaviness. Perfect for busy mornings, evening wind-downs, or anytime you need a soothing wellness boost, this drink blends turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger for natural anti-inflammatory power. It’s creamy, comforting, and just indulgent enough while staying completely nourishing. 🍫✨ Whether you’re fighting off winter fatigue or simply craving a warm treat, this spiced cocoa is your new wellness ritual.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 2
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat/regular milk)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder (optional, boosts antioxidants)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper (helps activate turmeric)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: foamed milk, cinnamon sprinkle, cacao nibs
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Small or medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Heat-safe mugs
- Small ladle (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Warm the milk: Add almond milk to a saucepan and heat over medium until warm but not boiling.
- Whisk in powders: Add cocoa, cacao, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and salt. Whisk until smooth and no dry spots remain.
- Sweeten gently: Stir in honey or maple syrup and cook 1–2 minutes until fully dissolved.
- Activate turmeric: Add a tiny pinch of black pepper. Heat for another minute—mixture should be fragrant and slightly frothy. ✨
- Finish with vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve + enjoy: Pour into mugs, top with frothed milk or a cinnamon dusting, and sip slowly. ☕💛
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra anti-inflammatory boost: Add 1 tsp coconut oil for better turmeric absorption.
- Protein option: Blend in 1 scoop collagen or chocolate protein powder.
- Make-ahead: Mix all dry spices + cocoa in a jar; scoop 1 tbsp per serving for instant wellness cocoa.
- Sweeter or darker: Adjust cocoa or maple syrup to match your preferred richness.