How to Make & Drink Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Deliciously

How to Make & Drink Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Deliciously

When it comes to cocoa powder, most people know it can be used not only to make tasty and nutritious drinks but also in various baked goods. However, with unsweetened cocoa powder, not everyone knows how to prepare it so that it tastes just as good as the sweetened version.

How to Properly Prepare Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

You can easily find good-quality cocoa powder on the market. But simply having the ingredients doesn’t guarantee a delicious cup. You need to know how to combine and prepare it correctly, following these tips.

What liquid should you use to mix cocoa?

This is a common question for many people. To dissolve unsweetened cocoa powder, you should mix it with hot water at about 70–80°C (158–176°F). This allows the cocoa to dissolve more easily and gives it a richer taste compared to mixing with warm or cold water.

Use the right amount of cocoa powder

Adding more cocoa powder doesn’t always mean a stronger or better taste. Using too much unsweetened cocoa can make it hard to dissolve, leading to waste and a less enjoyable drink.

The ideal ratio is about 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder per 200ml of hot water. If you use more water, simply increase the cocoa proportionally.

Mixing unsweetened cocoa with condensed milk

Many people usually mix cocoa with sugar, but a better option is to replace sugar with condensed milk. This not only creates a smoother sweetness but also helps the cocoa dissolve more easily without leaving sugar residue.

The common ratio is 1:1 (cocoa : condensed milk) for those who enjoy a more bitter taste. If you prefer it sweeter and creamier, use a 1:2 ratio.

Alternatively, you can use fresh milk or honey. Both give the cocoa a rich, fragrant flavor.

Stirring cocoa the right way

After adding all ingredients, stirring is key to achieving a smooth and tasty drink. You can use a whisk to beat until frothy, which ensures everything is well dissolved.

If you don’t have one, stir gently but thoroughly until the powder is completely dissolved and forms a smooth mixture.

How to Drink Unsweetened Cocoa for Health Benefits

Unsweetened cocoa provides many health benefits, but drinking it correctly is important. Here are some tips:

Drink in moderation

Though delicious and aromatic, you shouldn’t overconsume cocoa. The recommended amount is about 2 cups per day (around 500ml in total). This provides enough nutrients without overloading your system.

Since cocoa has warming properties, it’s best to drink it only 2–3 times per week, not every day, to avoid potential side effects from excessive intake.

Avoid drinking too much at night

Like coffee, unsweetened cocoa also contains a small amount of caffeine. Though lower than coffee, if consumed within 7 hours before bedtime, it may cause insomnia or difficulty sleeping.

Those who often have trouble sleeping should avoid cocoa at night. Instead, drink it in the morning to boost alertness, improve digestion, and give you energy throughout the day.