Cacao is usually made into a drink or bliss balls. Bliss balls provide a much smaller dose of cacao, and are perfect to make a batch and freeze for when you’re on-the-go. If you are seeking a full strength experience, choose the cacao drink. Ideally make it in a blender, or with a stick blender. To be enjoyed on an empty stomach (for strongest effects) or with a meal (for a longer lasting and gentler effect).
To get you started, here’s the basic recipe that Yoshi uses:
1
Chop the cacao
Chop the cacao into small pieces. Sometimes it's ‘bloomed’ (which means it’s speckled white and crumbles easily), so doesn’t require any further breaking down. At other times it will be a solid block that needs to be chopped.2
Portion it out
For a 'normal' daily drink, use 20-30g per person (2-3 level tbsp), if you're using it ceremonially or for deeper meditation etc, use 40-50g per person (4-5 level tbsp).3
Add the liquid
Measure out ¾ mug boiling water and top it up with ¼ mug cold water (or you can use plant-based milk - don't use boiling water alone, or any kind of animal milk as they inhibit some of the active ingredients). Place it in the blender with the cacao.4
Add milk (optional)
You can also use entirely plant based milk, for a creamier drink. Be aware that this adds extra calories and makes it similar calories/energy to a small meal. You could try the cacao & water mixture (with just a splash of plant milk) in place of brekkie, rather than as an extra.5
Sprinkle with spices
Add whatever spices you like. Experiment with different combinations to find something that tickles your tastebuds (cardamom and vanilla with a little chilli - highly recommended).6
Whizz it up!
Stick the ingredients in a blender and whack it up to full for a couple of mins to create a smooth mixture.7
Set an intention
Before you drink, hold the cacao drink in your hands and take a moment to settle into a place of gratitude (gratitude for the wonderful cacao medicine is always a beautiful place to start!) and set an intention for the day. For example, this could be something you hope to achieve, learn, let go of, or think about more deeply. Imagine how you'll feel when you achieve the intention.8
Drink and enjoy!
Ooooh, lovely!
No blender? No problem! Finely grate the cacao into a pan, add a little warm water and mix to a smooth paste, then add the remaining ingredients and stir with a whisk or a wooden spoon… The drink is definitely more smooth and frothy when blended or whisked.
