When the cold months settle in, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of thick, velvety hot chocolate. Not the instant kind; we mean the real thing: rich, aromatic, deeply chocolatey, and naturally sweetened. This recipe takes inspiration from the traditional Spanish chocolate a la taza, known for its thicker texture and bold flavour.

What makes this version so special?
We use NaturaleBio Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Coconut Sugar, and Ceylon Cinnamon; three ingredients that turn a simple winter drink into a nourishing, feel-good ritual.

Why these ingredients matter

Organic Cacao Powder

Pure, unprocessed cacao is naturally rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds like theobromine. It delivers an intense chocolate flavour without additives; perfect for a warm, comforting drink on cold evenings.

Organic Coconut Sugar

A natural sweetener with a caramel-like flavour. It has a lower glycaemic index than refined sugar and keeps the profile of your hot chocolate wholesome and naturally delicious.

Ceylon Cinnamon 

Known as “true cinnamon”, Ceylon cinnamon brings warmth, aroma, and subtle sweetness. It also adds digestive benefits and balances the richness of cacao beautifully.

Together, these ingredients create a hot chocolate that’s indulgent yet clean; a true winter staple.

The basic recipe: spanish-style thick hot chocolate

prep time: 20-30 minutes

servings: 6–8 mugs of thick hot chocolate

Ingredients

• 70 g organic cacao powder

• 1/2 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon

• 80 g cornstarch/maizena

• Pinch of salt

• 250 g organic coconut sugar

• 1 L cold milk (any: dairy, oat, almond, soy)

• 1 L boiling water

Instructions

1. In a large pot, whisk together the cacao powder, Ceylon cinnamon, cornstarch, pinch of salt, and coconut sugar.

2. Pour in the cold milk, stirring continuously as the mixture warms up. Make sure everything dissolves well; no lumps.

3. Once smooth and warm, slowly add the boiling water.

4. Keep stirring over medium heat until the chocolate thickens into a silky, spoon-coating consistency.

5. Serve immediately with some whipped cream or simply plane, and enjoy the coziest drink of the season.

This recipe makes enough for a family gathering or a batch you can keep in the fridge for quick reheating.

Three festive versions you need to try

⭐ 1. Orange and cardamom christmas mug

A bright, aromatic twist full of holiday notes.

Add to the pot while heating:

• Zest of 1 orange

• 2 lightly crushed cardamom pods

Strain before serving.
Garnish with some cream and a twist of orange peel.

⭐ 2. Peppermint winter cacao cup

Perfect for December nights and mint lovers.

Add:

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• A handful of chopped dark chocolate (stirred in at the end to melt completely)

Serve with a small candy cane hooked on the mug for a festive touch, or simply crush it and spread it on top of some whipped cream to make it more Christmas-y.

⭐ 3. Chai-spiced winter hug

Warm, cozy, and wonderfully spiced.

Add:

• ½ tsp organic ginger powder

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp allspice

• 1 small star anise (remove before serving)

Top with a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon.

Ready to warm up your winter?

This hot chocolate recipe is the perfect way to celebrate chilly days with flavour, comfort, and the goodness of NaturaleBio organic ingredients. Try the original version first; thick, rich, and irresistibly creamy, then play around with the festive variations to find your favourite.

Let this be your new winter ritual.
And if you share it on social media, please tag us on @naturalebio_! We love seeing your creations.