How to Prepare Cacao
Cacao has been used for centuries by indigenous communities across Mesoamerica as a sacred plant medicine and communal drink. Today, many people from around the world are reconnecting with this ancient superfood for its health benefits, heart-opening effects, and grounding energy. Whether you're new to cacao or deepening your practice, preparing it with intention can turn an ordinary moment into something nourishing and profound.
What is Cacao?
Before diving into the how-to, it’s helpful to distinguish between cacao and cocoa. Most of us grew up with cocoa powder, which is highly processed and stripped of cacao’s natural fats and medicinal properties. True ceremonial-grade cacao, on the other hand, is made from whole, fermented, and sometimes stone-ground cacao beans. It retains all of the bean’s natural oils and active compounds, including theobromine (a gentle stimulant), magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds like anandamide and phenylethylamine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a traditional cacao drink, you only need a few ingredients:
Ceremonial-grade cacao paste (20–30g per serving, adjust to your preference)
Hot water (about 6–8 oz per serving)
Optional Add ons:
A pinch of salt (enhances the flavor)
Sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar (to taste)
Spices like cinnamon, cayenne, vanilla, or cardamom
Plant milk for a creamier texture
Equipment
A knife to chop the cacao
A small pot or kettle to heat water
A blender or whisk (for froth)
Your favorite mug or cup
How to Prepare Cacao
Chop the Cacao
Start by chopping your cacao block or disk into small pieces so it melts easily. Measure your desired dose (start with 20g if you’re new, 30g for a fuller experience).Heat the Water
Warm your water to just below boiling (around 175°F or 80°C). You want it hot enough to melt the cacao but not boiling, which can degrade some of its beneficial compounds.Combine and Stir
Add the chopped cacao to the hot water. Stir well with a whisk or blend until smooth and frothy. This step is where the magic starts—take a moment to stir with presence, maybe even set an intention.Add Spices, Sweetener, or Milk (Optional)
Customize your cacao to your taste. Cinnamon and cayenne give it a traditional Mayan kick, while plant milk and vanilla make it creamy and comforting.Serve and Sip Slowly
Pour into your mug and drink slowly. Let it warm your body and open your heart. Cacao is most powerful when you take time to feel it.
Tips for Ritual and Presence
Cacao preparation can be more than just a recipe—it can be a ritual.
Set the mood: Light a candle, play soft music, or sit in silence.
Give thanks: Acknowledge the farmers, the land, and the spirit of cacao.
Tune in: Use this time to journal, meditate, pray, or simply feel.
Why Cacao?
Cacao supports mood, focus, and circulation, but its deeper gift is the way it helps people slow down and connect—with themselves, with others, and with the Earth. Whether you drink it in solitude or with community, it invites a shift from the head to the heart.
Ready to Try It?
We offer fresh, ethically-sourced cacao from Q’eqchi growers, grown in biodiverse agroforestry systems. Explore our products and start your cacao ritual today.