Discover the magic of ceremonial coconut cacao, a delicious drink that combines the richness of pure cacao with creamy coconut milk and warming spices. This recipe invites you to slow down, connect with intention, and create a nourishing drink that opens your heart and elevates your spirit. Perfect for cacao ceremonies, meditation, or simply enjoying a moment of mindful presence.
Ingredients for Ceremonial Coconut Cacao
- 40g ceremonial cacao
- Coconut milk (fresh is best: blend coconut flesh with water and strain, or use barista-style coconut milk)
- Water
- Fresh ginger (or ginger powder)
- Cinnamon (stick or powder)
- Cardamom (whole seeds or powder, try our Cardamom from Guatemala)
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (add carefully to taste)
- Vanilla
- Sweetener of choice (honey, agave, panela, or coconut blossom sugar)
- Cacao nibs for garnish
How to Prepare Ceremonial Coconut Cacao
- Create your chai base: Heat water with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to make a fragrant chai. If using whole spices like cinnamon sticks or cardamom seeds, strain the liquid to remove pieces. Using powdered spices makes this step easier and quicker.
- Add coconut milk: Pour coconut milk into the hot chai in a 1:1 ratio (adjust to your preference). Keep the heat gentle and do not let the coconut milk boil, as this preserves its creamy texture and nutritional benefits.
- Dissolve the cacao: Add approximately 40g of ceremonial cacao and stir gently until fully dissolved. This is where the magic begins.
- Season with intention: Add black pepper, cayenne (start small and adjust), and vanilla. Taste and add your preferred sweetener if desired. Remember, spice intensity varies, especially cayenne, so add gradually.
- Blend into frothy perfection: Use a whisk, hand blender, or frother to create a foamy, bubbly texture. This aerates the drink and enhances the taste.
- Sing and set intentions: Throughout the preparation process, sing to your cacao or speak your intentions aloud. This ancient practice fills your drink with positive energy and personal meaning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle cacao nibs and a pinch of your favorite spices on top for a beautiful finishing touch. 💫
The Best Coconut Milk for Ceremonial Cacao
For the most authentic and nourishing experience, make fresh coconut milk by blending coconut flesh with water and straining it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. This method gives you the freshest, creamiest result without additives.
If you're short on time, choose a high-quality barista-style coconut milk. Look for options with minimal ingredients and no added sugars or thickeners.
Tips for the Perfect Ceremonial Coconut Cacao
- Take your time: The preparation process is part of the ceremony. Move slowly and with intention.
- Adjust spices to taste: Every batch of spices has different intensity. Start with small amounts and add more as needed.
- Choose quality cacao: Use 100% pure ceremonial cacao from trusted sources. Our directly sourced cacao from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru ensures the highest quality and energetic integrity.
- Infuse with intention: Singing, speaking, or simply holding loving thoughts while preparing your cacao amplifies its effects.
- Experiment with ratios: Find your perfect balance of coconut milk to chai, and adjust cacao amounts based on your desired strength.
With a big thanks to our friends at El Pital for this serving suggestion, look at the beautiful photo!