The perfect cacao drink is frothy, warming and full of flavor. Traditionally 100% pure cacao is mixed with hot water and spices, then whisked until a beautiful foam layer forms. At Pure Kakaw, we prefer to prepare cacao with hot water or plant-based milk. This way, you taste the rich, earthy flavor of the cacao bean in its purest form.

The right dose determines the intensity of your experience. Pure cacao naturally contains theobromine, a mild, natural stimulant that gives energy without the jitters of caffeine.

When dosing, it's important to listen to your body. Use a scale for precision or add 1 tbs for ±10gr.

⬖ 10-25gr casual dose | Perfect for daily use, focus, or as an alternative to coffee.
⬖ 25-35gr medium dose | Ideal for meditation, yoga, or creative moments. Provides deep relaxation and clarity.
⬖ 35-45gr ceremonial dose | For ritual or ceremonial settings. Enhances deeper emotional connection and introspection.

Always use 100% pure, ceremonial cacao, not to be confused with regular cocoa powder. Pure cacao should be minimally processed and contain all the healthy and beneficial compounds, minerals and antioxidants. In contrast to cocoa powder, where these valuable substances are largely lost.

Heat water or plant-based milk to 70–80°C. This is enough to dissolve the cacao paste well, keep a smooth flavour and is not too hot to drink. You can froth the cacao with:

• our cacao frother
• whisk
• milk frother (add the cacao at the end so that it does not clog the whisk)
• or a blender

Tips:

• Pour frothed barista oat milk over dissolved cacao in hot water. Like a cacaoccino.
• Pour your cacao with intention. The way you stir or blend determines not only the texture, but also your experience. Make it a small ritual.

A good cacao moment is never rushed. Take some time for yourself.

Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and take the first sip with awareness. Cacao opens the heart, relaxes the nervous system, and helps you connect with your body.

It's a natural source of magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. It is known for its subtly euphoric effect and positive mood. Whether you drink cacao for focus, creativity, meditation, or relaxation, let it be a moment of consciousness.

⬖ Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, anise, nutmeg, coconut oil and all your tasty imagination.

⬖ Cayenne pepper gives a nice kick and increases the effect of cacao.

⬖ Maca powder gives a smooth, nutty flavor and an energy boost. It is a hormone balancer and can increase your libido ;-).

⬖ Coconut oil makes the taste softer and smoother.

⬖ Combine a cacao drink with herbs, supplements, nootropics or medicinal mushrooms that you are using. Cacao helps your body to uptake these as a natural carrier and increases your blood circulation.

If pure cacao is a bit too intense for you, add some honey, maple, agave or cane sugar to sweeten it up. Oat milk is delicious to make it more creamy and is naturally sweeter. Many options to design your drink!

Cacao has a subtle effect, some notice it directly, others after drinking cacao for a week. You’ll get the most benefits from cacao by using it regularly and important to feel in what’s right for you. For many it's a nice alternative for coffee.

⤖ Also, drink enough water as cacao is slightly dehydrating to avoid a potential headache. In general, always drink enough water :-).

Molinillos in Oaxaca (Wiki Commons), the perfect serve is a frothy cacao drink, it has the best mouth feel, releases the aroma and shows rainbow coloured bubbles. The Maya and Aztecs already knew this and used to pour cacao drinks from vase to vase until a layer of foam appeared or used a molinillo (whisk).

We enjoy preparing a cacao drink as a little ritual. It helps us to be present in the moment and prepares our mind for what we want to do next. Setting an intention for a practice, work project or your day in general is a nice way to integrate with cacao. You anchor your vision with every sip. Pure cacao is ideal to dive deeper with in a cacao ceremony.