In short: Ceremonial cacao is a wonderfully rich drink to enjoy during the colder months. Whether you prefer it with hot water, creamy oat milk or warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger, there are plenty of ways to make cacao part of your winter routine. In this guide, we explore preparation tips, flavour combinations, cosy rituals and how to discover new cacao recipes.
As the days become shorter and the temperatures begin to fall across the UK, many of us naturally reach for warming drinks and comforting routines.
There's something particularly enjoyable about wrapping your hands around a warm mug after a winter walk, settling down with a good book or taking a quiet moment before the day begins.
At Pachakuti, we believe ceremonial cacao is a lovely addition to these everyday moments.
Made from pure Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao, our cacao paste has a naturally rich flavour and contains the cocoa butter found in the original bean. It can be prepared simply with water or adapted with plant milk, spices and other ingredients.
Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy ceremonial cacao throughout winter, without making your daily routine unnecessarily complicated.
Why Enjoy Ceremonial Cacao During Winter?
Winter is a season when many people enjoy spending more time indoors, preparing warming drinks and embracing a slightly slower pace.
Ceremonial cacao fits naturally into these moments because it is versatile, easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Unlike many conventional instant hot chocolate mixes, pure ceremonial cacao paste contains no added sugar or milk. Its flavour comes from the cacao itself, allowing you to decide whether to enjoy it unsweetened or add your favourite ingredients.
The natural cocoa butter also contributes to its rich texture, particularly when the cacao is thoroughly whisked into warm liquid.
For some people, preparing cacao is simply about enjoying a delicious drink. For others, the process becomes a small personal ritual involving reflection, mindfulness or time spent with loved ones.
There is no single correct way to enjoy it.
How Should You Prepare Ceremonial Cacao in Cold Weather?
Preparing ceremonial cacao in winter is much the same as at any other time of year. The most important things are choosing a serving size that suits you, using sufficiently warm liquid and whisking thoroughly.
At Pachakuti, our general serving suggestions are:
- 15g: A smaller introductory serving for those new to cacao.
- 20–25g: A common serving for regular cacao drinkers.
- 40–42g: A larger ceremonial serving, which isn't necessary for everyday enjoyment and may not suit everyone.
These are preparation suggestions rather than medically established doses.
For a typical cup, approximately 200–250ml of water or plant milk works well.
Warm your chosen liquid until hot but not boiling, add the cacao paste and whisk until smooth.
If you prefer a thicker winter drink, use slightly less liquid. For something lighter, add a little more water.
A handheld milk frother can be particularly useful for creating a smooth texture, although an ordinary kitchen whisk works well too.
Our winter tip: Warm your mug with a little hot water before preparing your cacao. Empty the mug before adding your drink. This helps it stay warm for longer on particularly cold mornings.
Is Ceremonial Cacao Better with Water or Oat Milk?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether ceremonial cacao should be prepared with water or milk.
The answer depends largely on your personal taste.
Preparing cacao with water
Water allows the natural flavour of cacao to come through more clearly.
It's a good option if you enjoy the distinctive taste of pure cacao and prefer a lighter drink.
For those interested in exploring the flavour of Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao, starting with water is a simple way to appreciate its character.
Preparing cacao with oat milk
Oat milk creates a softer, creamier drink with a familiar hot chocolate-style texture.
This can be especially appealing during winter, when you might prefer something a little richer.
Unsweetened oat milk is a useful choice because it allows you to control any additional sweetness.
Combining water and plant milk
You don't have to choose between the two.
A combination of water and oat milk can create a pleasant balance between the natural flavour of cacao and a creamier consistency.
Experiment with different proportions to discover what you enjoy most.
At Pachakuti, we generally recommend preparing our cacao with water or plant milk, but your preferred method is ultimately a matter of taste.
Which Warming Spices Pair Best with Ceremonial Cacao?
One of the simplest ways to adapt ceremonial cacao for winter is to experiment with aromatic spices.
Cacao has a naturally rich flavour that pairs beautifully with a variety of familiar ingredients.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a gentle sweetness and warm aroma without needing to add sugar.
It's one of the easiest ingredients to try if you're new to flavoured cacao drinks.
Ginger
Ginger brings a distinctive, slightly spicy character that works particularly well in colder weather.
A small amount of ground ginger can add depth without overwhelming the cacao.
Cardamom
Cardamom offers a fragrant, aromatic flavour that pairs beautifully with rich cacao.
It works especially well alongside cinnamon and a little plant milk.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a familiar winter aroma. A very small pinch is usually enough, as its flavour can become quite strong.
Orange zest
Although not a spice, fresh orange zest is one of our favourite seasonal additions.
Its bright citrus aroma complements dark cacao and makes a particularly enjoyable combination around Christmas.
Chilli
For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of chilli can create a bold, warming flavour.
Start with a very small amount and adjust gradually.
Our advice: Rather than adding several ingredients at once, begin with one or two flavours. This allows you to enjoy the natural character of the cacao while discovering combinations you like.
How Can You Make Cacao Part of a Winter Ritual?
When we talk about a cacao ritual, it doesn't have to mean anything elaborate or formal.
Sometimes, a ritual is simply an enjoyable activity that you choose to repeat with a little more attention and intention.
During winter, this might mean preparing a cup of cacao before starting work, enjoying a quiet moment after a walk or sharing a warm drink with someone close to you.
Here are a few simple ideas.
A quiet winter morning
Instead of rushing straight into the day's activities, you might choose to spend a few minutes preparing cacao and enjoying it without distractions.
Take time to appreciate its aroma, warmth and flavour before beginning your morning routine.
After a winter walk
There's something particularly comforting about returning home from a cold walk and preparing a warm drink.
A cup of cacao can be an enjoyable way to settle back indoors, especially when paired with your favourite winter spices.
Journalling or reading
Some people enjoy cacao while writing in a journal, reading a book or listening to music.
These small routines can offer a welcome change of pace during busy winter days.
Sharing cacao with friends
Preparing cacao together can also be a lovely social experience.
You could offer a selection of spices and plant milks, allowing everyone to create their own preferred drink.
Contemporary cacao rituals vary widely, and they should not be presented as identical to the distinct historical ceremonial practices of Indigenous communities in the Americas.
At Pachakuti, we believe enjoying cacao mindfully should go hand in hand with respect for its origins and the people who grow it.
Can You Drink Ceremonial Cacao in the Evening?
Yes, although it's worth remembering that cacao naturally contains caffeine and theobromine.
Both are naturally occurring compounds found in cacao, and individual responses can vary.
Some people are comfortable drinking cacao later in the day, while others find that stimulant-containing drinks interfere with their sleep.
If you're sensitive to caffeine or theobromine, consider enjoying cacao earlier in the day or choosing a smaller serving.
Although a warm cacao drink may feel comforting during a winter evening, it shouldn't be described as a proven sleep aid.
There is no need to consume a large ceremonial serving to enjoy the experience.
How Should You Store Ceremonial Cacao During Winter?
Pure cacao paste contains natural cocoa butter, which means its texture can change depending on the temperature.
During colder weather, cacao may become firmer and require a little more time to melt into warm liquid.
This is normal and doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your cacao.
For everyday storage:
- Keep cacao in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Store it in its original packaging or a suitable airtight container.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as cacao can absorb surrounding aromas.
- Avoid unnecessary changes between very warm and very cold storage conditions.
- Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on your packaging.
You may occasionally notice pale or whitish marks on the surface of cacao paste. These can be caused by cocoa butter bloom, where the natural fat changes its crystal structure and becomes visible on the surface.
Fat bloom is generally a cosmetic change rather than a sign of spoilage, although any cacao showing mould, unusual odours or other signs of deterioration should not be consumed.
If your cacao is particularly firm during winter, simply break it into smaller pieces before adding it to your warm liquid.
Where Can You Find Winter Ceremonial Cacao Recipes?
If you'd like to experiment with different winter flavours, our dedicated Pachakuti recipe collection is a wonderful place to start.
We love sharing ideas from our community and ambassadors, who bring their own creativity and personal preferences to preparing cacao.
Anna's Cacao Masala
For those who enjoy warming spices, Anna's Cacao Masala is a lovely place to begin.
This ambassador recipe explores the combination of ceremonial cacao and aromatic spices, making it particularly appealing during the colder months.
Visit the full recipe for the ingredients, quantities and preparation method.
Explore more cacao recipes
Our recipe collection includes different ways to enjoy ceremonial cacao, from creamy drinks to more adventurous flavour combinations.
Rather than repeating every recipe here, we encourage you to explore the individual recipes and discover something that suits your tastes.
Browse the Pachakuti cacao recipes collection.
Where Can You Buy Ceremonial Cacao in the UK?
If you're looking for pure cacao to enjoy during the winter months, Pachakuti offers Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional ceremonial cacao in several convenient formats.
Our cacao paste retains its natural cocoa butter and contains no added sugar or milk.
Choose from:
- 125g Artisan Drops: Convenient for trying cacao or preparing smaller quantities.
- 250g Artisan Drops: A practical choice for regular home preparation.
- 500g Artisan Bar: Ideal for those who enjoy cacao frequently.
- 1kg Original Untempered Cut Cacao: A larger format for regular use or sharing.
Each format contains pure Arriba Nacional cacao paste and can be used to create your preferred winter drink.
Explore the Pachakuti cacao collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceremonial Cacao in Winter
Is ceremonial cacao a good alternative to hot chocolate?
Pure ceremonial cacao can be used to prepare a rich hot chocolate-style drink. Unlike many sweetened instant hot chocolate mixes, pure cacao paste contains no added sugar or milk, allowing you to adjust the flavour and sweetness yourself.
Can you add winter spices to ceremonial cacao?
Yes. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and chilli can all complement cacao. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your preferences.
Does ceremonial cacao need to be made with milk?
No. Ceremonial cacao can be prepared with hot water, plant milk or a combination of the two. Water highlights its natural flavour, while plant milk generally creates a creamier drink.
How much cacao should I use for a winter drink?
Approximately 15g is a smaller introductory serving, while 20–25g is a common amount for regular cacao drinkers. Individual preferences and tolerance vary.
Can ceremonial cacao help keep you warm?
A hot cacao drink can provide the same immediate sensation of warmth as other hot beverages. However, there is no established evidence that ceremonial cacao uniquely improves the body's temperature regulation.
Does ceremonial cacao contain caffeine?
Yes. Cacao naturally contains caffeine and theobromine. The amounts vary with the cacao and serving size, so consider your tolerance, especially if you enjoy cacao in the evening.
Why is my cacao harder during winter?
Cacao paste naturally becomes firmer at lower temperatures because it contains cocoa butter. Breaking it into smaller pieces and whisking it into warm liquid will help it melt and combine.
Enjoy the Simple Comfort of Cacao This Winter
Winter can be a wonderful time to explore different ways of enjoying ceremonial cacao.
Whether you prefer a simple cup made with water, a creamy oat milk drink or a warming combination of cinnamon and ginger, there are plenty of ways to make cacao your own.
At Pachakuti, our appreciation for cacao begins with its origins in Ecuador, the people who cultivate it and the care involved in transforming cacao beans into pure cacao paste.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore new flavours, discover our community recipes and enjoy a few more comforting cacao moments throughout the colder months.
Discover your next favourite cacao drink in our Pachakuti recipe collection.
