Here’s a delightful and distinct Caribbean Hot Chocolate Tea recipe that is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave a wonderful lingering chocolaty aftertaste. A glorious merger of spices and cocoa, it’s a delightful beverage that will transport your senses to tropical islands with its vibrant taste. You can adjust the sweetness level according to your preference. Let’s dive into the process.
Chocolate Tea
Produce
1 Bay leaf
1/8 tsp Chili pepper
1/4 tsp Ginger
Baking & spices
1 tsp Arrowroot powder
1/8 tsp Black pepper
1/4 tsp Cardamom
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
2 Cloves, whole
4 Cocoa balls
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
1 Star anise, whole or half
1/4 tsp Turmeric
Dairy
1 Sugar to taste or condensed milk
2 cups Whole milk or plant-based milk
Liquids
1 liter Water
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation of Cocoa Balls.
The cocoa balls are made by harvesting and sun-drying the Caribbean cocoa beans. Once thoroughly dried, the beans are grounded to form a paste. The paste is then shaped into round balls for ease. If you don’t have cocoa balls, use natural unsweetened cocoa powder.
Step 2: Spices and Herbs Preparation.
Gather all your spices and herbs mentioned in the ingredients. Grate the fresh ginger. Keep the rest of the spices whole, as they will release their flavors during boiling.
Step 3: Putting everything together.
Put the cocoa balls or unsweetened cocoa powder in a large pot. If you’re using cocoa balls, crush them before placing in the pot. Add the bay leaf, chili pepper, freshly grated ginger, whole black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, turmeric, and 1-liter water. Simmer for about 30 minutes, ensuring the cocoa is completely dissolved. Keep stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Straining the Mixture.
After the mixture has simmered, strain it using a fine-mesh sieve into another pot. This will ensure all the whole spices and the residue of cocoa balls are removed, and you get a smooth consistent blend.
Step 5: Adding Milk and Sweeteners.
Put the strained mixture back on the heat. Add two cups of whole milk or a plant-based milk of your choice. Mix the arrowroot powder in a little cold milk or water before adding to avoid lumps. Now, sweeten your Caribbean Hot Chocolate Tea with either sugar or condensed milk. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 6: Ready to Serve.
Pour the hot aromatic Caribbean Hot Chocolate Tea into mugs, garnish with a dusting of fresh cinnamon, and serve hot. Enjoy this unique drink with your favorite cookie or snack.
This tropical treat, unlike any hot chocolate you’ve had before, is perfect for a cozy evening or to start a lively day! It’s not just a drink; it’s a taste of the Caribbean in a cup. Give our Caribbean Hot Chocolate Tea recipe a try and enjoy this luscious, full-bodied beverage that’s brimming with flavors!
Please remember to share this post with your friends and hashtag it #CaribbeanHotChocolateTea so that others can enjoy this scrumptious treat too!