Hot chocolate doesn't need to be a sugar bomb. This version uses raw cacao and warming chai spices to create something that feels indulgent but won't leave you crashing an hour later. It's the kind of drink that makes winter evenings feel intentional - cosy without being cloying, rich without being heavy. The spices aren't just there for flavour; they're doing real work for your body. This is what comforting should taste like.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp raw cacao powder
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400ml coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess, or use a coconut-oat blend)
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1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
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4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed (or ¼ tsp ground cardamom)
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½ tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
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Pinch of ground nutmeg
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Pinch of black pepper (sounds odd, enhances the spice notes)
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Pinch of sea salt
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Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Method
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Warm the spices: In a small saucepan, add coconut milk, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, grated ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the milk is steaming but not boiling. Let it infuse for 3-5 minutes - this is where the magic happens. The longer you let it steep, the more pronounced the chai flavour.
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Add the cacao: Remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods (or leave them in if you don't mind straining later). Whisk in the raw cacao powder until fully dissolved and smooth. No lumps allowed.
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Sweeten to taste: Stir in honey or maple syrup, starting with 1 tsp and adding more if needed. Add a pinch of sea salt - it balances the bitterness of the cacao and makes the chocolate flavour pop.
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Finish and serve: Add vanilla extract if using. Pour into your favourite mug and drink immediately while it's still warm and fragrant. If you left whole spices in, strain before serving.
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Optional froth: For extra indulgence, blend the hot chocolate for 10-15 seconds or use a milk frother to create a silky, foamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
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Top with a cinnamon stick for stirring and visual appeal
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Dust with extra cacao powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon
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Add a dollop of coconut cream for extra richness
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Spike it with a shot of espresso for a spiced mocha
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Make it iced: blend with ice for a chai chocolate smoothie
The Recipe's Health Benefits
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Raw Cacao: Unlike processed cocoa, raw cacao retains its full antioxidant profile, particularly flavonoids that support cardiovascular health and brain function. It's one of the richest sources of magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation, mood regulation, and sleep quality. Raw cacao also contains theobromine, a gentle stimulant that provides sustained energy without the jitters of caffeine.
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Cinnamon: A powerful anti-inflammatory spice that helps support steady energy and healthy carbohydrate metabolism. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which has antimicrobial properties and may support metabolic health. It's also rich in polyphenol antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.
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Cardamom: Often called the "queen of spices," cardamom aids digestion, reduces bloating, and has been traditionally used to support respiratory health. It contains compounds like cineole that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Cardamom can also help reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.
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Ginger: Contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger supports digestive health, reduces nausea, and may help ease muscle soreness. It's also thermogenic, meaning it can gently boost metabolism and circulation - perfect for cold evenings.
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Coconut Milk: Provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that's easily absorbed and can be used as quick energy by the brain. Full-fat coconut milk creates a creamy texture without dairy, making this suitable for various dietary preferences. The healthy fats also help with the absorption of fat-soluble compounds in cacao and spices.
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Black Pepper: Contains piperine, which significantly enhances the bioavailability of other nutrients and compounds. It helps your body absorb the beneficial compounds in turmeric, cacao, and other spices more effectively.
Product Spotlight
This chai-spiced hot chocolate is already a beautiful way to slow down - warm, grounding, and naturally rich in magnesium from raw cacao. But if you want to turn an ordinary evening into a genuine wind-down ritual, pairing it with Genius Sleep takes everything one step further.
Genius Sleep combines a thoughtful blend of ingredients traditionally used to support deep relaxation and night-time unwinding, including Reishi mushroom extract, L-theanine, magnesium bisglycinate, tart cherry extract, passionflower, and more. Together, they help create the internal conditions for calmer evenings and more restorative rest.
It’s the kind of supplement that fits seamlessly into moments like this - a cosy drink, a soft blanket, a slow exhale. No intensity, no overstimulation. Just gentle support for the part of your evening that matters most: the transition into rest.
If winter has you craving warmth, stillness, and better-quality sleep, Genius Sleep is the perfect companion to your favourite night-time mug.
