Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink Recipe

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This Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink isn’t just any hot chocolate. It’s a warm, inviting journey back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where love and stories were shared over cups of frothy, spice-infused chocolate. Drawing from traditional Mexican culinary practices, this drink encapsulates the essence of familial warmth, merging the robust flavors of chocolate with the enchanting aroma of cinnamon.

How to make Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink

Nestlé Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink is a popular brand of Mexican hot chocolate. It is known for its rich, authentic flavor and is often used to prepare traditional Mexican hot chocolate beverages.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablet of Nestle Abuelita Chocolate (or an appropriate amount of the granulated mix, according to your taste preferences)
• 4 cups of milk (you can use whole, skim, or a milk alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option)
• Optional: Cinnamon stick for an extra layer of spice
• Optional: Whipped cream for serving
• Optional: A pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick

Instructions:

1. Break the Tablet: First, break the Nestle Abuelita chocolate tablet into smaller pieces. This will help it dissolve more easily in the milk. If you’re using the granulated mix, measure out the amount needed according to the package instructions or your taste.
2. Heat the Milk: In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil. If you’re adding a cinnamon stick for extra flavor, this is the time to do it. Let the milk heat up until it’s just about to simmer.
3. Add the Chocolate: Once the milk is hot, add the broken pieces of Abuelita chocolate or the granulated mix to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a whisk or a traditional “molinillo” if you have one. This helps the chocolate dissolve and introduces air into the mix, giving you that frothy texture that makes Mexican hot chocolate so special.
4. Simmer and Stir: Keep stirring the mixture as it simmers gently. You want all the chocolate to melt and the drink to thicken slightly, which should take about 5 minutes. If you opted to add a cinnamon stick, remove it once you’ve achieved the desired flavor.
5. Serve with Love: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle a pinch of chili powder on top for an authentic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and richness of every sip.

Tips for the Perfect Cup:

• Whisk Vigorously: To get that signature frothy top, whisk as vigorously as you can. A traditional molinillo works best for this, but a regular whisk also works well.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to match your taste. Add more chocolate for a richer flavor, or play with the spices, adding a bit of nutmeg or vanilla to create your signature drink.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Almond milk or coconut milk can be great alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan. They add their unique flavors to the drink, making it even more special.
• Sweeten to Taste: If you find your hot chocolate needs a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a bit of sugar or your favorite sweetener towards the end of the cooking process. Taste and adjust accordingly.

What to serve with

Pairing the right treats with Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink can transform a simple beverage experience into a truly indulgent and culturally rich feast. The drink’s deep chocolate flavor, enriched with cinnamon and an optional kick of chili, opens up a world of possibilities for both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Sweet Accompaniments

• Churros: Perhaps the most iconic pairing, freshly fried churros dipped in sugar and cinnamon make for a heavenly match with the rich textures of Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the churros complement the creamy, frothy texture of the drink.
• Pan Dulce (Mexican Sweet Bread): These traditional Mexican pastries come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. From the shell-shaped “conchas” to the buttery “bolillos,” pan dulce offers a subtly sweet counterpoint to the bold flavors of the chocolate drink.
• Tres Leches Cake: A moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk, tres leches cake, with its light and airy texture, makes a rich and indulgent pairing that balances the intensity of the hot chocolate.
• Flan: This creamy caramel custard has a silky texture that pairs wonderfully with Nestle Abuelita’s warm spices and deep chocolate notes.

Savory Accompaniments

• Tamales: A steamed bundle of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, or vegetables, tamales can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of Abuelita hot chocolate. Opt for cheese or bean-filled tamales to complement the drink’s flavors.
• Molletes: A simple yet delicious Mexican dish consisting of bolillo bread rolls cut in half, buttered, and toasted, then topped with beans and cheese and broiled until the cheese melts. This warm, savory snack pairs beautifully with the rich, comforting flavors of the hot chocolate.
• Empanadas: These pastry-filled pockets can be made sweet or savory. For a delicious pairing with Nestle Abuelita, choose fillings like spicy chicken, beef, or cheese and poblano pepper. The robust flavors of the filling contrast nicely with the sweet and spicy notes of the drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your version of Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink allows you to customize the flavors to your liking and cater to dietary restrictions or preferences. This traditional Mexican hot chocolate is known for its rich chocolate flavor enhanced with cinnamon and sometimes even chili powder.

Chocolate

• Cacao Powder: Unsweetened cacao powder is an excellent substitute if you can’t find Mexican chocolate tablets. It can be sweetened with sugar or your choice of sweetener. You may need to adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
• Dark Chocolate Bars: For a rich and less sweet alternative, choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar with a cocoa content of at least 70%. This can be sweetened as needed and will melt beautifully into your hot milk or water base.

Sweeteners

• Sugar Substitutes: Instead of the traditional cane sugar that might come in a Mexican chocolate tablet, you can use honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or even artificial sweeteners for a lower-calorie option. The amount can vary based on the sweetness of your chosen substitute and personal preference.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar can be an excellent substitute for white sugar, as it has a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

Milk

• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk can replace cow’s milk with a vegan version of the drink. Each adds its unique flavor profile to the chocolate drink, with coconut milk providing a particularly rich and creamy texture.

Spices and Flavoring

• Cinnamon: If stick cinnamon is not available, ground cinnamon can be used as a direct substitute. The quantity might need adjustment based on its potency.
• Vanilla Extract: If the chocolate used lacks nuanced flavors, a dash of vanilla extract can add depth to the drink.
• Chili Powder: For those who enjoy a bit of heat in their Mexican hot chocolate, chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can simulate the warmth that some traditional recipes include. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.

Thickening Agents

• Cornstarch or Masa Harina: Traditional Mexican hot chocolate is sometimes thickened with masa harina (the dough used to make corn tortillas) or cornstarch. If you’re looking for a thicker texture, you can whisk in a small amount of either, diluted in a bit of cold water, until the desired consistency is reached.

Final Thoughts

Serving Nestle Abuelita Authentic Mexican Chocolate Drink is an excellent way to explore Mexico’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.

More Nestle Recipes:

• Homemade Nestle Espresso Chips Recipe