Discover the rich, creamy delight of a healthy vegan cold cocoa, blending chocolatey goodness with the warmth of exotic spices.
A healthy vegan cold cocoa is a lovely treat I can totally recommend, perfect for cooling down on hot days. It’s the perfect alternative to a Cold Brew coffee in case you like variety in the mornings or abstain from caffeine. Combining the creamy goodness of soy milk with the rich taste of raw cocoa powder, this drink is truly special. I like to add a pinch of turmeric, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, giving it an exotic twist that’s both unique and comforting. Not only does it satisfy my chocolate cravings but it also offers a wonderful boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties due to the medicinal properties of the spices I used.
Origins of cold cocoa
Cocoa has been enjoyed for thousands of years and funnily enough, the earliest versions weren’t hot at all, they were cold. The Mayans and Aztecs prepared cocoa drinks by mixing ground cacao with water, spices and sometimes a bit of sweetness, serving it chilled and frothy. So when we sip a glass of cold vegan cocoa today, we’re actually echoing a tradition that goes way back in history. Of course, our version is creamier and a little sweeter but I love knowing that this cozy drink has roots as a refreshing treat long before hot chocolate became the norm.
Main ingredients you will need for this cocoa :
- Raw Cocoa
- Soy Milk (or any other plant-milk you enjoy)
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Clove
- Maple/Date syrup
Can I use different plant-based milks?
Absolutely, you can use different plant-based milks for vegan cold cocoa! Each type of plant-based milk brings its own unique flavour and texture to the drink. For instance, almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavour, while oat milk provides a creamy and slightly sweet taste, no added syrup needed that way. Additionally, coconut milk offers a rich and tropical twist and soy milk, being versatile and creamy, blends perfectly with the cocoa and spices. Furthermore, feel free to experiment with cashew milk, hemp milk or any other plant-based options you enjoy.
Is vegan cold cocoa healthy?
Yes, vegan cold cocoa can be a healthy choice! Made with plant-based milks like almond, oat or soy, it is typically lower in calories and saturated fats compared to traditional dairy milk. Additionally, using raw cocoa powder provides a rich source of antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health. Many recipes also incorporate natural sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup, reducing the need for refined sugars. Furthermore, adding spices such as cinnamon, turmeric or cloves can enhance both the flavour and the nutritional value, offering anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
The incredible strengths of spices
Spices don’t just make food taste amazing, they’ve got pretty cool benefits too. Cardamom, for example is often used to help with digestion and can be really soothing for the stomach. Turmeric is famous for its active compound curcumin, which is linked to reducing inflammation and supporting overall wellness. Cloves bring a warm, slightly sweet kick to recipes. They also contain eugenol, which is known for helping with oral health and easing discomfort. And cinnamon? Not only does it make everything taste cozy but it’s also packed with antioxidants and may even help keep blood sugar levels balanced. Adding these spices to your cooking means you’re not only boosting flavour but also giving your body a little extra love.
How can I sweeten my Vegan Cold Cocoa naturally?
Sweetening vegan cold cocoa naturally is both simple and delicious. You can drizzle in date syrup, maple syrup, rice syrup or agave syrup. They each bring their own flavour. Date syrup adds rich sweetness while also giving you fiber and essential minerals. Maple syrup delivers a pleasant caramel flavour and brings antioxidants to the mix. Rice syrup offers mild, subtle sweetness, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a low-fructose option. Agave syrup dissolves easily, has a low glycemic index and adds gentle sweetness. By choosing these natural sweeteners, you boost the flavour of your vegan cold cocoa and skip the refined sugar.
Epic Vegan Cold Cocoa – spicy, healthy and easy to make
Ingredients
- 300 ml/ 1 1/4 cups soy milk
- 1 tsp syrup e.g.: maple, agave, rice or date
- 2 tsp raw cocoa
- 1/8 tsp clove
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cardamom
- 1/8 tsp turmeric
Instructions
- Get all the ingredients listed above ready.
- Now mix all the spices plus the sugar alternative in a few tablespoons of hot water so they can dissolve well and you won't have any strange bits or chunks in your drink.
- Lastly, stir in the milk of your choice until everything is well combined!
- Enjoy your chilly drink and top it with some whipped cream or coffee spice blend/cocoa blend.
Can I serve this cocoa hot as well?
Absolutely, you can serve vegan cold cocoa hot as well! This versatile drink is just as delicious when warmed up. To make a hot version, simply heat your plant-based milk of choice in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in raw cocoa powder, your preferred natural sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup, and a pinch of the mentioned spices I listed. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. This hot vegan cocoa is perfect for cozying up on chilly days!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you, I’m super curious! You can leave a comment below and tag @lordsoftheplants on Instagram and hashtag it #lordsoftheplants for me to see 🙂
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