Cacao Tea Recipe Guide

What is Cacao Tea?

Cacao tea is a delightful, warm beverage made from roasted cacao bean shells. It offers a subtle chocolate aroma and taste without the heaviness of traditional hot chocolate. The natural sweetness and delicate flavor notes of toffee and caramel make it a guilt-free treat, as it lacks the sugar and fat commonly found in richer chocolate drinks.

Brewing cacao tea is a breeze. Start with about two tablespoons of roasted brewing cacao per cup of hot water, and let it steep for four to five minutes. The resulting drink is caffeine-free, making it perfect for those looking to cut back on caffeine or enjoy a late-night treat without the worry of staying up all night. However, it does contain theobromine — a gentle stimulant found in cacao — that can uplift your mood and energy levels without the highs and lows of caffeine.

For a thicker, richer tea, add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor, pairing beautifully with the natural chocolatey notes. Using filtered water and warming your pot or French press before brewing can ensure a smooth and even steep.

Health Benefits of Cacao Tea

When it comes to enjoying chocolate, cacao tea might just be the healthiest option. It's caffeine-free, perfect for those who want to cut back or sleep easier at night. Instead, it contains theobromine, a stimulant found in cacao that releases energy slowly and more gently than caffeine.

Cacao tea is also packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, known for their potential cardiovascular benefits. These flavonoids can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance heart function.

Additionally, cacao tea is rich in essential minerals like magnesium, which plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, as well as calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium.¹ So, as you sip your cup of cacao tea, remember that you're not just indulging in a delicious drink; you're also doing your body a big favor.

Flavor Profile and Variations

Cacao tea boasts a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other beverages. Naturally sweet with delicate toffee and caramel notes, it offers the subtle richness of cacao without the heaviness associated with traditional hot chocolate.

Customizing the flavor to suit your preferences is simple. Adding a dash of milk or almond milk can enhance the tea's richness, while a little sugar or honey can elevate the chocolate notes. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to your cup.

Cacao Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons cacao nibs (depending on how strong you like your tea)
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Splash of unsweetened almond milk (optional)
• A few drops stevia (optional)

Steps:

1. Boil the water. Add cacao nibs and boil for 5-10 minutes (I boiled mine the full 10 minutes and used 2 tablespoons cacao nibs). Strain the nibs.
2. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, almond milk, and stevia, if desired.

Nutritional information (per serving, based on 2 servings):

• Calories: 10
• Total Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0.5g

Enjoy your customized cup of cacao tea, perfectly suited to your taste!

Step-by-Step Brewing Process

Gather your ingredients and tools:

• Roasted brewing cacao (about 2 tablespoons per cup of water)
• Filtered water
• Optional: milk (dairy or plant-based like almond milk), sweeteners (sugar, honey, or stevia), and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)

Method 1: Using a Teapot

1. Boil the Water: Use filtered water for the best taste.
2. Warm the Teapot: Fill your teapot with hot water, let it sit for a minute, then discard the water to prevent temperature shock and ensure even steeping.
3. Add the Cacao: Place about 2 tablespoons of roasted brewing cacao into the teapot. Adjust the amount to your preference.
4. Pour Hot Water: Pour the boiled water over the cacao.
5. Steep: Allow the tea to steep for 4-5 minutes. Steeping longer can make the tea too strong and astringent.
6. Strain and Serve: Strain the cacao tea into your cup, discarding the cacao grounds.

Method 2: Using a Tea Strainer

1. Boil the Water: Start with boiling filtered water.
2. Warm the Cup: If using a tea strainer or infuser directly in your mug, warm your mug with hot water, then pour it out.
3. Add the Cacao: Place about 2 tablespoons of roasted brewing cacao into the tea strainer or infuser.
4. Pour Hot Water: Pour the hot water over the cacao-filled strainer in your mug.
5. Steep: Let the cacao tea steep for around 4-5 minutes. Adjust the time to your taste.
6. Remove Strainer and Serve: Once steeping is complete, remove the tea strainer and enjoy.

Method 3: Using a French Press

1. Boil the Water: Begin by boiling filtered water.
2. Warm the French Press: Pour hot water into your French press, let it sit for a minute, then discard the water.
3. Add the Cacao: Add about 2 tablespoons of roasted brewing cacao to the French press.
4. Pour Hot Water: Pour the boiled water over the cacao, ensuring all the cacao is submerged.
5. Steep: Allow the mixture to steep for 4-5 minutes, adjusting to your taste.
6. Plunge and Serve: After steeping, slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed tea. Pour and enjoy.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Filtered Water: Always use filtered water for the purest flavor.
• Warming the Pot or Vessel: Warming your brewing vessel beforehand helps maintain an even temperature, ensuring a consistent extraction of flavor.

With these easy steps, you'll be brewing a delightful cup of cacao tea in no time. Customize it to your preferences and enjoy that cozy, chocolatey goodness whenever you need a comforting sip.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Cacao tea is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various ways. For a more indulgent experience, add a splash of almond milk or another plant-based milk to enhance the tea's creaminess and complement its natural cacao flavor. If you like a touch of sweetness, a few drops of stevia, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of sugar can elevate the flavor profile without overpowering it.

Pairing your cacao tea with a light snack can make it even more enjoyable. Try it with a slice of banana bread, some biscotti, or a handful of nuts for a satisfying treat that complements the tea's subtle chocolate notes. These snack pairings are perfect whether you're sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone.

Experimenting with flavors by garnishing your cacao tea can be a fun way to add an extra layer of complexity. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can accentuate the natural sweetness and warmth of the cacao, creating a more aromatic beverage. For the adventurous, try a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg — it adds a gentle spice that pairs beautifully with the tea's inherent toffee and caramel undertones.

Cacao tea is an experience. Enjoy it plain for its pure, light chocolate essence, or customize it to suit your taste and mood. This flexibility makes it a guilt-free option for any time of day, whether you're looking for a soothing evening ritual or a midday pick-me-up. Next time you brew a cup, consider these tips and make each sip delightful and uniquely yours.

Cacao Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons cacao nibs (depending on how strong you like your tea)
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Splash of unsweetened almond milk (optional)
• A few drops stevia (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the water.
2. Add cacao nibs and boil for 5-10 minutes (I boiled mine the full 10 minutes and used 2 tablespoons cacao nibs).
3. Strain the nibs.
4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, almond milk, and stevia, if desired.

Note:
Don't throw out the strained cacao nibs—they can be added to smoothies for an extra boost.

Nutritional information per serving (1 cup):
kcal: 20
carbohydrates: 1g
protein: 1g
fat: 1g
fiber: 1g