One clear 90’s day- in a local Denny’s, one particular waitress gave my sister and I bottomless hot cocoa, which mean of course- bottomless whipped cream. No charge. I couldn’t tell you who our family was with or what we ordered or anything else about that day except the bottomless cocoa and that she freshened the whipped cream every time. It was unusual for our family to be out at a restaurant.
I imagine the cost of eating out combined with my mom’s desire to cook, left restaurant visits for fancy people or birthday celebrations. All this to say, I associate hot chocolate with childhood and I love the nostalgia with it. This high protein Mexican hot chocolate is for grown ups tho! No alcohol, just some good spice, and a balanced drink full of 28 grams of protein that won’t spike your blood sugar and leave your energy crashing. Bottoms up!
Jump to RecipeNutrient benefits of this protein Mexican hot chocolate:
- Grass-Fed Collagen
Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that supports relaxation, healthy sleep, and cognitive function. It also helps stabilize blood sugar, which is crucial for energy and mood. - Whole Milk
Full-fat dairy provides saturated fat and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K2—essential nutrients for hormone balance and nervous system support. - Cinnamon
A natural blood sugar regulator that can prevent energy crashes and mood swings. Cinnamon also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. - Cayenne Pepper
Adds a subtle kick and boosts circulation. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which may increase endorphin levels and elevate mood. - Dark Chocolate
Naturally rich in magnesium and flavonoids, which help reduce anxiety, improve blood flow to the brain, and support neurotransmitter function.
Related: Poor gut health and anxiety: The surprising connection
Some FAQ about Mexican Hot Chocolate:
What is in traditional Mexican hot chocolate?
Traditional Mexican hot chocolate typically includes:
- Mexican chocolate tablets (like Abuelita or Ibarra), which contain cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon
- Milk or water as the base
- Spices, most commonly cinnamon and sometimes cayenne or chili powder
- Vanilla for added aroma
It’s often frothed vigorously using a wooden whisk called a molinillo and served warm, sometimes with a sweet bread like pan dulce.
❓ What makes Mexican hot chocolate different from regular hot chocolate?
Mexican hot chocolate stands out in a few key ways:
- Spices: It’s flavored with warming spices like cinnamon and chili, giving it a slightly spicy, complex flavor profile.
- Texture: Traditional versions are made with unrefined chocolate that contains cocoa solids and sugar, creating a slightly gritty, rustic texture compared to the silky smoothness of American hot cocoa.
- Cultural traditions: It’s often a part of celebrations and gatherings, prepared with intention and ritual (like using a molinillo).
- Less sweetness: Mexican hot chocolate tends to be less sweet and more bitter, with a focus on the depth of cocoa flavor.
What is Mexican hot chocolate called in Spanish?
In Spanish, Mexican hot chocolate is simply called “chocolate caliente”.
If you’re referring to the more traditional, spiced version made with Mexican chocolate tablets, you might hear it called:
- Chocolate de mesa– (table chocolate, referring to the traditional disks used)
- Chocolate mexicano– Context usually clarifies that it’s the spiced, traditional version rather than plain hot chocolate.
Why use protein in hot chocolate?
Adding protein—like grass-fed collagen—to hot chocolate turns it from a simple comfort drink into a functional, balanced option that supports both mental clarity and steady energy.
Here’s why it matters:
- Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Traditional hot chocolate is usually just carbs and sugar. This can lead to a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash—hello, irritability and brain fog. Adding protein helps slow the absorption of sugar, keeping energy and mood more stable.
- Supports Brain Function: Amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are used to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a major role in mood, focus, and motivation.
- Reduces Cravings: Protein helps you feel full and satisfied, which can help prevent reaching for snacks that leave you feeling worse.
- Easy to Absorb: Collagen protein is especially gentle on the gut, and its glycine content supports nervous system calm and deeper sleep—key for those recovering from burnout or chronic stress.
Related: The Quiet Mind Kitchen: Cooking for better mental health
How to make Protein Mexican Hot Chocolate:
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 serving chocolate-flavored grass-fed collagen
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- Whipped cream to taste
- Chocolate shavings (garnish)
- Ground cinnamon (garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine milk with ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
- Heat on medium until hot, but not bubbling (about 5–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat, add collagen powder, and blend using a milk frother or immersion blender.
- Pour into your favorite mug.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
Traditional Mexican hot chocolate often simmers with a cinnamon stick to infuse the flavor slowly. Since this version comes together quickly, using ground cinnamon helps bring that warmth instantly.
Go the extra mile. Make the whipped cream, get out that chocolate bar and your veggie peeler and add some shavings to this. Take every opportunity you can to make life (and food) beautiful. It’s my favorite form of love (and self care).
Related: How to romanticize cooking dinner
This is terribly complimentary to a small breakfast when you need just a bit more protein.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m setting at the computer, you’re most likely finding a hot beverage on my desk. This Mexican hot chocolate is a cozy way to get through the work day.
Check out this Chocolate collagen powder to use.
High Protein Mexican Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 1 Milk frother or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 serving chocolate flavored grass fed collagen
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- whipped cream to taste
- chocolate shavings garnish
- ground cinnamon garnish
Instructions
- In a small sauce pot, mix 1 cup of mix with pinch of cayenne and cinnamon
- Heat on medium until hot, but not bubbling (about 5-10 minutes)
- Add in collagen powder and whisk with milk brother or immersion blender
- Pour into mug go choice
- Garnish with fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and ground cinnamon
Notes
*This post may contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do not recommend any products that I have not personally vetted.*
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