Hot Cacao Drink (As Good As, Better Than? Coffee)

As a coffee substitute or simply because you want a healthier chocolate drink where you control the ingredients, try a “cacao bean brew” — brewed up just like you would brew coffee. Cacao is a chocolate bean — it is the unprocessed form of the bean that is used to make cocoa. You can use the bean like you would a coffee bean, leverage its flavor and nutrients to give you some variety in your hot beverages. (We use this product from our affiliate partner.)

My experience drinking this drink was much like eating a high-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao — the first bite is a bit on the bitter side and, yet, somehow I want another bite and then a few more until I hit a point of rich satisfaction. It was the same with the drink — more satisfying as I made my way through the cup and then pleasantly satisfied after. The caffeine content in the drink was noticeable to me so one cup was a good place to stop.

I use a French press coffee carafe to make mine but you could make up this drink like a loose tea (pouring water over the cacao grounds, allowing it to steep, and straining them off before drinking). I have heard that the flavor is not very good when using a regular coffee maker, but your mileage may vary.

Hot Cacao Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons ground cacao

Scale the ingredients according to your needs.

Hot Cacao Steps

1. Bring your water to boil while you grind your cacao.
2. Put the ground cacao into the French press and pour boiling water over. Gently stir the cacao into the water.
3. Allow your drink to brew for about ten minutes before serving.

Add sweetener and milk or cream, as desired, for an extravagant coffee replacement.