The holidays often bring people together in ways that feel both nourishing and sometimes a little chaotic. Homes fill quickly. Schedules stretch. Even the most meaningful gatherings can move at a faster pace.
Cacao can offer a quiet point of cohesion in the midst of it all. Not by asking anyone to slow down or change what they are doing, but by creating a shared coherent field.
Whether you are hosting a small celebration, welcoming friends in from the cold, or gathering people around a table for an evening of connection, preparing cacao in a larger batch to share helps you deepen connection.
Keep reading for a peppermint cacao recipe designed for holiday gatherings and shared ritual.
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Why Peppermint and Cacao Work Well Together
Cacao has a naturally rich, grounding quality. Its depth comes from its mineral content, healthy fats, and the way it works with circulation and the heart. When cacao is shared in a group setting, especially during the holidays, what it is paired with matters. The right addition can support balance, clarity, and ease without overpowering cacao’s natural intelligence.
Peppermint brings a bright, aromatic lift that complements cacao’s earthiness rather than competing with it. It adds freshness to the flavor while keeping the cup smooth and approachable, which is especially supportive when serving people who may not be familiar with ceremonial cacao.
On a physiological level, peppermint supports digestion and circulation, which works in harmony with cacao’s effects on blood flow and warmth in the body. Cacao is also a natural carrier substance. Because of its fat content and circulatory effects, it helps deliver whatever it is combined with more efficiently into the bloodstream. When paired with peppermint, this means the herb’s clarifying and digestive qualities are not just tasted, but felt more fully throughout the body.
This is one of the reasons cacao has been combined with specific plants, spices, and herbs across many cultures. When chosen thoughtfully, these companions do not distract from cacao’s depth. They extend it. In group settings, this creates a cup that feels grounding yet clear, festive yet steady, supportive for long conversations and ceremonial space alike.
Rather than intensity, the aim is coherence. A shared drink that meets people where they are and gently brings the group into the same field of warmth and presence.
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Holiday Peppermint Cacao for Gatherings
Serves: 10
Ingredients
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One 8 oz bag ceremonial cacao
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44 oz hot water
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16oz or 1 can of coconut milk (you can alternatively use a plant-based milk of your choice)
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5 tablespoons sweetener of your choice - we recommend maple syrup (optional)
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10 drops peppermint extract
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Fresh mint leaves
Preparation
Heat your water and coconut milk to about 180°F. Like green tea, cacao prefers warm water rather than boiling. Using water that is too hot can diminish cacao’s beneficial compounds and affect flavor. If needed, bring the liquid to a boil and let it cool for a few minutes before preparing.
Add the cacao, sweetener, peppermint extract, and heated liquid into a blender and blend gently until creamy and frothy.
For larger batches, a high speed blender works best, though an immersion blender can be used directly in a pot for ease when preparing for groups.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve warm.
A Moment of Shared Connection
Before serving, consider inviting a brief pause together. This does not need to be formal or ceremonial. Even a few quiet moments can deepen the experience of sharing cacao.
You might acknowledge the cacao itself, the land where it was grown, and the many hands that stewarded it from tree to cup. Some groups choose to offer a simple word of gratitude or intention before the first sip, while others prefer a moment of silence to arrive together.
Cacao has a way of amplifying what is already present. Allowing space for connection, even briefly, helps the warmth of the drink extend beyond the cup and into the shared experience of the group.
