Beverages

Spicy and refreshing with a touch of smoke…

A refreshing glass of chilled Mexican chocolate milk is a terrific way to take the edge off the day. While you can use authentic Mexican chocolate (like Ibarra) to make a version of this delicious drink, this recipe leans instead into what you likely already have in your refrigerator and spice rack. Chocolate syrup and cinnamon imitate the flavor of what you’d find with authentic Mexican chocolate, and then we add some smoky spiciness through fiery chipotle powder.

If you prefer something hot instead, take a look at our Aztec hot chocolate recipe (also featuring chipotle powder) or our spicy hot chocolate recipe using cayenne powder.

Read moreMexican Chocolate Milk

Extra warmth ahead…

If you want the warmth of hot chocolate with a little spicy buzz, you can opt for our traditional spicy cocoa (see the recipe here – it’s simple and plenty delicious) or lean into awesome with this Aztec hot chocolate with smoky chipotle powder.

There are so many good things here. Chocolate is of course the star, but espresso powder provides an earthy pick-me-up and the chipotle pepper adds layers of both smoke and spice. We love topping this Aztec cocoa with an added sprinkle of chipotle powder (it adds a little extra heat right with the first sip).

The recipe here makes a ton due to the use the muffin pan (12 chocolate disk are created). But that doesn’t mean you need to make 12 servings now. You can freeze the extra chocolate disks and use only a portion of the milk to make enough servings for your need now.

Read moreAztec Hot Chocolate (With Smoky Chipotle)

It’ll warm you right up…

Creating a spiced chai mix with a little extra kick is easier than you think. A mix of common aromatic spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cloves and fiery cayenne pepper powder stoke the flames. This is one chai mix that’ll no doubt warm you through and through. Best of all, this recipe creates a powder that’ll keep. You can make a batch and enjoy it for weeks – or even months – to come, just a few spoonfuls and hot water each time. But our guess is the mix doesn’t last quite that long in your house. 

Read moreFiery Spiced Chai

A flavorful energy booster…

Smoothies are an excellent way to gain the benefits of lots of fruits and vegetables in one serving, and we love them, too, with a little kick. Sure you could add cayenne pepper to just any smoothie and it may (or may not) work taste-wise, but here’s our favorite recipe for a hearty and healthy beverage with a kick. We love the pairing of that earthy Kale flavor with the tanginess of orange, the sweetness of honey, and the spiciness of cayenne. The fact that it’s so very good for you, too, is just icing on the cake. Kale and cayenne is a potent energy boosting combo. 

Read moreHealthy Cayenne Pepper Smoothie

Forget spiced…go spicy!

Sure you know the traditional spiced apple cider; it’s one of the most popular fall and winter drinks around. So are you ready to take it to another level of fiery flavor?

Spicy apple cider brings all of the complex tastes of the traditional cider and layers in a level of chili pepper heat (via cayenne pepper) that’ll surprise and delight! It’s a terrific treat for spicy food fans, and it’s also a great way to tone down an overly-sweet pot of apple cider too.

Read moreSpicy Apple Cider