The word chocolate is said to be derived from an Aztec word for “xocoaltl” which means bitter water. The chocolate drink that we know found its origins in an Aztec beverage that was a combination of cocoa beans, chillies, cornmeal, and water. It was very different to what we know today and somewhat of an acquired taste While our version of Aztec hot chocolate has evolved somewhat from its beginnings and is a lot more acceptable to the modern day palettes - one thing that hasn’t changed from Aztec days - is a love of the Chilli!
Ingredients
Milk – 2 cups
Cocoa powder- ¼ cup
Sugar- 2 teaspoons
Cinnamon sticks – two 2 inch sticks
Chillies – 3 birds-eyes (dried)
Mezcal (or tequila) – 75ml ( +/- 3 ounces)
Whipping cream- for garnishing
Cayenne powder - pinch
Instructions
Pour the milk into a saucepan and set for medium heat.
Add a little boiling water to the cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and add to the milk
Add the cinnamon sticks and chillies
Stir continuously until milk mixture comes to a steady boil.
Remove from heat and allow to cool (approximately 10 minutes)
Remove cinnamon and chilli. Discard
Bring infused milk back to the boil and add mezcal/tequila
Once heated through pour into cups and garnish with whipped cream and pinch of cayenne powder