Abuela, or Grandma as it’s affectionately called, has been around since before most of us were born.
She gave us our first hugs and kisses.
She taught us how to ride a bike and tie our shoes.
And she made sure we had a good meal every day.
Nowadays, many of us still call her “Aunty” or just plain ol’ grandma.
But no matter what you call her, there’s one thing you should know about your abuelita – she loves hot chocolate!
What Is An Abuelita?
The word ‘abuelita’ comes from the Spanish language which means “grandmother”.
So, when someone says they are going out with their abuelita, they mean they are going somewhere on Saturday night.
They could be going to the movies, shopping at the mall, or even hanging out in front of the television watching reruns of your favorite sitcom.
But whatever you do while you’re out with your abuelita, make sure you bring back some hot chocolate because this delicious treat will warm up your heart and soul instantly!
What Is An Abuelita Hot Chocolate Recipe?
An abuelita hot chocolate recipe is basically the same as any other hot cocoa recipe.
However, in this case, the cocoa powder is replaced with melted dark chocolate (or milk).
The ratio of liquid to cocoa powder varies depending on who makes it, but generally speaking it is 1 part liquid to 3 parts cocoa powder.
The result is a thick, chocolatey beverage that is delicious served piping hot.
Abuelitas are often enjoyed after dinner while watching TV, reading books, playing board games, or even during naptime!
How Do You Make Abuelita Hot Chocolate?
There are lots of different kinds of hot chocolates out there.
Some are sweet with whipped cream and marshmallows floating on top.
Others are savory and have shredded cheese mixed into them.
Still others are spiked with rum or whiskey, or even infused with coffee grounds.
But the classic abuelita hot chocolate is thick and smooth, without any additions whatsoever.
That means this homemade version would be right at home next to the fancy stuff at the posh restaurants where people go for a special occasion.
Here’s how to make it:
- Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble up slightly.
- Remove from heat and add four cups (1 L) of milk, stirring well.
- When all the milk is added, stir again.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy immediately.
What Is In Abuelita Hot Chocolate?
There are plenty of variations on the classic Mexican beverage known as hot chocolate.
Some people like theirs with cinnamon while others prefer nutmeg.
You can even find flavored versions of this sweet treat that use ingredients such as marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, and more.
The list goes on (and on) but the bottom line is this – if you want an authentic version of abuelita hot chocolate, then you need to start by making some yourself.
The key ingredient in any good hot chocolate is milk.
There are several different types of milk used throughout Mexico.
Each type of milk brings out its own unique flavor profile, which means that each variety of hot chocolate will taste slightly different from all the other varieties.
That said, cow’s milk is the traditional choice for those who enjoy a sweeter taste.
However, you don’t have to be limited to only using cow’s milk when creating your own abuelita hot chocolate.
In fact, goat’s milk is also very common here in Mexico!
When it comes to cocoa powder, you can choose between dark or white depending on whether you want to add a bit of color to your hot chocolate.
Darker cocoa powders give off a richer, deeper flavor, whereas lighter ones bring out a brighter, milder flavor.
If you’re not a fan of adding sugar to your drinks, you can opt for unsweetened cocoa instead.
Finally, let’s talk about vanilla extract.
Vanilla beans are native to Mexico and their inclusion adds another layer of complexity to your final product.
Although vanilla extracts vary in price based on their quality, they are well worth splurging on because they pack a serious punch when added to your hot chocolate.
Why Is Abuelita Hot Chocolate So Popular?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans have an average consumption rate of 20 cups per year.
That means that if everyone drank only half as much coffee and tea as they do hot cocoa, we would save over 1 million gallons of water each year.
Of course, this doesn’t even take into account all the other things people consume on top of their hot drinks like creamers and sweeteners.
So why does hot chocolate beat out both coffee and tea when it comes to popularity?
The answer lies with history.
Hot chocolate became extremely popular during the 19th century due to its medicinal properties.
Back then, doctors used it to treat everything from stomach aches to colds and fevers.
In fact, some historians believe that this was the reason why it started being referred to as ‘hot chocolate’ rather than ‘chocolate milk’.
As time went by, more and more people got hooked on the delicious beverage.
By the 1920s, hot chocolate was considered part of the American culture.
Today, people love hot chocolate because it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
You don’t need to worry about the weather outside or what season it is.
All you need is a mug full of hot, frothy goodness and you will feel warm inside and out.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Abuelita Hot Chocolate?
If you don’t have an abuelita in your life, then you may be wondering why anyone would want to eat this delicious beverage on cold winter nights.
Well, here are some reasons for you to try out this traditional Mexican treat:
- It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- It strengthens your immune system.
- You get plenty of vitamins C and A from eating this warm drink.
- It provides fiber and magnesium.
- It tastes great and it will help keep you hydrated throughout the night.
So if you like getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter evening, read on to find out more about what makes this simple-to-make liquid so appealing!
How Can I Make My Abuelita Hot Chocolate Even Better?
The best way to improve on an old classic like abuelita hot cocoa is with a little experimentation.
You might try adding different spices, sweeteners, or other ingredients to see which ones work best.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Add ground cinnamon and cloves to give it a warm flavor. Cinnamon also helps reduce cholesterol, so you may want to add this if you have high blood pressure.
- Try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The darker variety gives you more of a chocolaty taste without making your drink too thick. If you prefer sweeter drinks, use less sugar.
- If you don’t care much for coffee but love the idea of giving your abuelita something extra special, consider experimenting with espresso powder instead of regular instant coffee. Just be careful not to overdo it. Espresso makes everything taste bitter, including chocolate. Try starting off by adding 1/4 teaspoon at a time until you find the right amount.
- You could always switch out the whole milk for almond milk. Almond milk will keep your drink smooth while adding a light, nutty flavor to your beverage. If you aren’t allergic to almonds, you could probably tolerate them in smaller amounts without any adverse effects.
- Don’t feel like you need to stick strictly to the traditional recipe. Add whatever ingredient works for you and your family. Maybe your kids would prefer marshmallows or maybe they’d rather leave their favorite candy out of the equation altogether.
- For a heartier, thicker drink, stir in crushed ice. Adding a bit of ice will thicken up the consistency and help prevent spills from happening when serving.
What Are Some Creative Ways To Enjoy Abuelita Hot Chocolate?
So, if you want to impress your abuelita with something special, here are some great ideas on how to serve up the best cup of hot cocoa in town…
- Make a batch of fresh whipped cream using heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Then use this delicious topping to top off your favorite mug of abuelita hot chocolate (or any other flavor). You could also add a few drops of vanilla extract to give it an extra kick!
- Top your abuelita hot chocolate with sliced strawberries or raspberries. The sweetness of these berries will really bring out all of the flavors of your chocolatey beverage. Plus, they look super cute floating in your mug!
- If you don’t have time to whip up a batch of fresh whipped cream, try stirring in a teaspoon of instant coffee powder into your abuelita hot chocolate. Just be careful not to overdo it because too much caffeine can cause headaches or jitters. If you’re feeling brave, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of your beverage to give it additional flavor.
- For those who like their hot chocolates extra spicy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your abuelita hot chocolate. Cumin would also work well, but keep in mind that both spices can increase your heart rate so be cautious if you choose to include them in your abuelita hot chocolate. Adding a pinch of salt might help mellow out the spiciness.
- When serving your abuelita hot chocolate at home, always remember to let everyone know that you used homemade ingredients. There’s nothing more disappointing than getting sick after drinking a bad batch of hot chocolate that was made from store-bought ingredients. Letting others know exactly where your food comes from helps build community and fosters goodwill between family members.
- If you prefer to go old school with your abuelita hot chocolate, you can always pour it into a glass jar and cover it with plastic wrap. Put it away until later and then heat it up by placing it near the stove or heating it in the microwave. Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the lid and stir to combine everything together. Enjoy!
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Making Abuelita Hot Chocolate?
It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of creating an authentic version of this beloved beverage from Mexico.
After all, it’s not everyday that you can whip up something delicious in your kitchen without having to go out and buy ingredients at the grocery store.
But while it may be tempting to try and recreate the exact taste of this Mexican classic right here in your home, don’t do it!
You might end up with a disappointing result.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to create the perfect abuelita hot chocolate experience.
- Don’t use instant coffee granules. While they may help boost the flavor of your homemade brew, the high amount of acidity will counteract the sweetness of cocoa butter. Plus, you won’t have any control over the intensity of the caffeine levels in your drink once it’s mixed together.
- Make sure your milk isn’t too warm. The temperature of your milk shouldn’t exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius). If it does, the fat content will start to separate, causing your final product to become grainy rather than smooth and creamy.
- Do not add sugar until after you beat the eggs and cream into the mixture. Adding sugar during mixing could cause the eggs to curdle.
- Avoid adding salt until later on. Salted egg yolks are essential for helping the eggs set properly and making sure your finished product tastes like real Mexican hot chocolate.
- Use quality chocolate powder. There are different types of chocolates available, but only certain ones contain the right combination of cocoa butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to give you the desired effect.
- Add the flavoring agent last. Don’t put the cinnamon sticks or other spices in the mix ahead of time because they will lose their potency by the next step.
Here’s a video tutorial showing you how to make authentic abuelita hot chocolate using these tips:
What Is The Best Way To Store Abuel
If you don’t have an abuelita in your life, then this article isn’t going to help you much.
However, if you happen to be blessed with such a special lady (or man), then I hope this post gives you a few tips on how to treat them well so they will continue to live long lives and serve you well for years to come.
First things first, we need to get the basics out of the way.
Abuelita means grandmother in Spanish.
So whenever anyone calls you by that name, feel free to treat them like their own grandma.
You can also call them Aunty, Auntie or even Nana.
They may not understand everything you say but they definitely love hearing from you.
In fact, they might be more excited than you are when you tell them something new.
That’s because they probably haven’t heard anything new in ages.
So let me share a little secret with you:
- Don’t ever go overboard with the compliments. They won’t appreciate it. Instead, keep it simple and talk to them about their cooking skills. Even better, ask them directly what dishes they want to try next.
- Remember that they aren’t always able to communicate clearly. If they seem confused, don’t worry. Just explain patiently what you mean.
- Always remember to show respect. Don’t interrupt them while they are talking, especially when they are explaining something important. Be courteous and listen carefully. Don’t forget to thank them after they finish telling you all about the history behind their favorite dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablet NESTLÉ ABUELITA
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine all the ingredients with the exception of the vanilla and whipped cream.
- Simmer the liquid for about five minutes, or until the sugar and chocolate have completely dissolved.
- Add the vanilla after taking the pot off the heat.
- For one hour, cover and steep.Warm over low heat after removing the cinnamon stick from the pot for serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chili powder while still hot. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.