Spiced Hot Chocolate Cardamom (Printer-friendly)

A creamy blend of dark chocolate and cardamom with warming spices for a comforting drink.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy & Alternatives

01 - 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
02 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

→ Chocolate

03 - 3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Sweetener

05 - 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste

→ Spices & Flavorings

06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (or 5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnishes

12 - Whipped cream (optional)
13 - Chocolate shavings (optional)
14 - Ground cardamom or cinnamon (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, warm the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
02 - Incorporate ground cardamom or cardamom pods, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt; stir to combine.
03 - Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
04 - Stir in the chopped dark chocolate and whisk continuously until melted and the mixture is smooth.
05 - Lower heat to low and gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to develop flavors.
06 - Remove from heat and strain into cups if whole cardamom pods were used to remove them.
07 - Stir in pure vanilla extract.
08 - Pour into mugs and top with optional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cardamom or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less time than ordering coffee but tastes like it came from a specialty café tucked into a snowy alley.
  • The cardamom adds an unexpected floral warmth that makes regular hot chocolate taste flat by comparison.
  • You can adjust the spice level to match your mood, whether you want cozy or adventurous.
02 -
  • Don't let the milk boil or it will develop a weird skin and lose its creamy body.
  • Whisk the cocoa powder in thoroughly before adding the chocolate, or you'll end up with stubborn clumps that refuse to dissolve.
  • If using whole cardamom pods, crush them lightly with the flat side of a knife to release more flavor before adding them to the milk.
03 -
  • Use freshly ground cardamom if you have it, the pre-ground stuff loses its magic faster than you'd think.
  • Taste as you go and adjust the sugar and spice levels to your preference, every brand of chocolate behaves a little differently.
  • If you want it even richer, replace half the milk with half-and-half, but be warned, it becomes dangerously drinkable.

Return