Aztec Elixir

• Total: 25 min
• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 15 min

• 2 cups chocolate shavings, Scharffen Berger or Callebaut
• 1 cup cocoa powder, Scharffen Berger or Cacao Barry
• 2/3 cup sugar with 1 vanilla bean chopped and mixed into the sugar
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 cup 2 percent or whole milk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Whipped cream, as an accompaniment
• Corn husks and ancho chile powder, as a garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the Cocoa Powder Blend ingredients thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for fresh batches anytime.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium-high until warm and steaming.
3. Reduce heat to low, stir in 3/4 cup cocoa powder blend, and whisk. Add cinnamon sticks; steep 10 minutes for deep flavor infusion.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, strain out solids, then blend briefly to create a frothy top. Serve hot in bowls with whipped cream, dusted ancho chile, and corn husk garnish.

Transport yourself to ancient Aztec rituals with this Aztec Elixira luxurious, spicy hot chocolate that ignites the senses and stirs the soul. Katrina Markoff's masterful recipe fuses premium Scharffen Berger chocolate shavings and cocoa with ancho chile heat, vanilla-infused sugar, and cinnamon warmth, yielding two indulgent servings in just 25 minutes. Easy enough for beginners, it's packed with antioxidants and historical magic that once fueled emperors.[1][3][5]

Begin with the versatile Cocoa Powder Blend: Blend 2 cups shavings, 1 cup cocoa, 2/3 cup vanilla sugar, 1 tbsp each ancho powder and cornmeal for authentic thickness. Warm milk and cream, infuse with 3/4 cup blend and cinnamon, boil gently, strain, and froth in a blender for that sacred foam Aztecs prized. Crown with whipped cream and garnish to evoke Mesoamerican feastspure bliss awaits![1]

Markoff, visionary behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, channels her El Bulli roots and global journeys into cacao's "divine essence." This elixir unlocks endorphins, calm, and intuition, mirroring Mayan-Aztec brews for vitality and heart-opening ceremonies. High in flavor (and calories), it's your invitation to ritual: cozy up, sip slowly, and let chocolate's ancient power spark joy tonight.[3][4][6]

Pro tip: Source Grenada or Ecuador cacao for nuanced twists. Perfect for gatheringsits gentle chile kick and velvety froth will have guests enchanted. Whip it up and claim your throne as modern cacao royalty![1][5]