Drinking Cacao Recipe: How to make Drinking Cacao (or Drinking Chocolate)
What is cacao?
Ahh, cacao! Otherwise known as pure, raw chocolate! Its scientific name is theobroma cacao, meaning "food of the Gods."
Originating in the Amazon rainforest, this wonderful plant has been held sacred by the Mayans and other indigenous peoples of Mexico, Central, and South America for centuries! It's not hard to see why - is anyone else a self-proclaimed chocoholic?
Is cacao the same as chocolate? What’s the difference?
Most commercially-available chocolate is mass-produced using cacao beans of varying quality from multiple sources, and contains low-quality ingredients such as refined sugar, milk fat, lecithin, and other additives. Not only does this additional processing result in a less healthy end product, but it also destroys much of the feel-good chemicals which are naturally present in cacao.
Pure, minimally processed cacao is rich in two potent chemicals:
Anandamide - also known as the "bliss molecule." Fun fact: "ananda" means "bliss" in Sanskrit! Ever notice feeling happier, comforted, and even turned on after eating chocolate? Anandamide is responsible for that!
Theobromine - the alkaloid which gives cacao its bitter taste. This molecule is very similar in structure to caffeine and is quite stimulating! In moderation, cacao can improve mental clarity and focus, as well as increase mental and physical energy and motivation.
What is drinking cacao?
Exactly what is sounds like! Think of it as a very strong and special hot chocolate. Since the naturally occurring chemicals mentioned above are much more intact in pure, raw cacao, the heart-opening and uplifting effects of chocolate are intensified!
My favorite organic raw cacao paste, from Ruk'u'x Ulew!
Half pounds of organic, ceremonial-grade cacao paste. Pure, raw cacao with no sweeteners or any other ingredients added.
When I visited Guatemala at the beginning of 2020, I had the honor of touring the facility where this cacao is lovingly processed by a collective of Mayan women entrepreneurs. The cacao beans are sourced from a single family farm in Northern Guatemala, then transported to the facility where the women roast the beans in small batches over a fire, then shell them by hand! Every Indigenous person involved in the production process is paid a fair wage, with their families reaping additional support like free meals.
Get an inside look at Ruk'u'x Ulew's processing facility on majestic Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, here.
Learn more about Ruk’u’x Ulew on their website, here. The name means “Heart of the Earth” in the Mayan language Kaqchikel.
One half-pound block makes approximately 20 servings of drinking chocolate, depending on how strong you make it.
Please choose the “cacao” option for shipping at checkout!
Drinking Cacao Recipe
Step 1 - Gather Ingredients
Step 2 - Grate Cacao
Step 3 - Blend with hot water
Sometimes I add a splash of rose water or vanilla extract at this stage.
Step 4 - Add Milk (optional)
Step 5 - Enjoy!
As always, I would love to hear about your experience. How do you make your cacao? Please share in the comments below!
ॐ
With all my love,
Paisley
