Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe
Introduction
Warm up with a comforting and healthful spiced hot cocoa that combines rich cacao with powerful anti-inflammatory spices. This cozy drink is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a soothing boost.

Ingredients
- 2/3 cup powdered cacao
- 3 tablespoons turmeric
- 6 teaspoons ground ginger
- 6 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons ground black cumin
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon drink powder (from the mix above)
- Mug of warm, fatty milk (such as whole milk, almond, or oat milk)
- Sweetener: honey, raw sugar, or other (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (powdered cacao, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, black cumin, and cayenne if using) and mix well. Store this spiced powder in a sealed container for future use.
- Step 2: To prepare the hot cocoa, warm your chosen milk to your preferred drinking temperature. Add 1 tablespoon of the powdered mix to the warm milk along with sweetener, if desired.
- Step 3: Whisk the mixture thoroughly in a small pot, barista-style carafe, or a larger mug to avoid spills. You can also use an automatic whisk or a frother for a creamier texture and light foam.
- Step 4: Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat milk or rich plant-based alternatives for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of vanilla or a cinnamon stick while warming the milk for extra aroma.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar as a flavorful alternative to honey or raw sugar.
Storage
Keep the dry powder mix stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months. Prepare the drink fresh each time for the best taste. Leftover prepared hot cocoa can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and reheated gently on the stove or microwave, stirring well before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of milk?
Using water will give you a thinner drink and less creamy texture. Milk or a fatty plant-based milk alternative is recommended for the richest flavor and smooth mouthfeel.
Is this drink suitable for people sensitive to spices?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of cayenne and black pepper initially. You can always adjust the spice levels to suit your taste and tolerance.
PrintSpiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipe
This Spiced Hot Cocoa Anti-Inflammatory Drink is a warm and comforting beverage combining the rich flavor of cacao with the powerful healing properties of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and black cumin. Perfect for soothing inflammation and enjoying a cozy moment, this drink is naturally enhanced with a touch of cayenne for extra warmth and can be sweetened to your preference. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting, health-boosting drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Powder Mix
- 2/3 cup powdered cacao
- 3 tablespoons turmeric powder
- 6 teaspoons ground ginger
- 6 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons ground black cumin
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
Hot Cocoa
- 1 tablespoon spiced drink powder
- 1 mug of warm, fatty milk (such as whole milk or a plant-based fatty milk alternative)
- Sweetener: honey, raw sugar, or preferred sweetener (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl or airtight container, combine the powdered cacao, turmeric, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, ground black cumin, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to create the spiced hot cocoa powder mix. Store in a sealed container for future use.
- Warm the Milk: Heat your milk in a small pot or microwave until it reaches your desired warm temperature. Use whole milk or a fatty plant-based milk to aid absorption of the turmeric’s beneficial compounds.
- Prepare the Drink: Pour the warm milk into a larger mug or a barista carafe that allows room for whisking. Add one tablespoon of the spiced powder mix and your chosen sweetener, if using.
- Whisk the Cocoa: Whisk vigorously by hand with a small whisk or use an automatic frother to blend the powder evenly, creating a smooth texture with light foam on top. This step improves the drink’s consistency and enhances flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully mixed and frothy, serve immediately to enjoy the warming, anti-inflammatory benefits of this delicious spiced hot cocoa.
Notes
- Use a fatty milk such as whole dairy milk or oat milk to maximize the absorption of turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
- Sweetener is optional; natural sweeteners like honey or raw sugar work well to balance the bitterness of cacao and spices.
- Store the powder mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep the spices fresh for up to 3 months.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and skip any animal-derived sweeteners if desired.
Keywords: spiced hot cocoa, anti-inflammatory drink, turmeric cocoa, warm beverage, healthy drink, healing spices, cozy drink

