Ceremonial Cacao Journal

How to Choose Your Cacao Dose & Recipes For Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

When ceremonial cacao becomes part of your rhythm, you may find yourself using different quantities of cacao depending on what you’re needing that day. The amount of cacao you use, how much liquid you add, and when you drink it can all influence the experience in subtle ways.

Paying attention to factors like your intention, sensitivity, and familiarity with cacao can help you find the preparation that feels right for you.

Keep reading to explore different cacao dosages and recommended recipes for morning, afternoon, and evening.

Explore Ceremonial Cacao

How To Choose Your Cacao Dose

Holding Ora Cacao discs, showcasing the purity and richness of ceremonial-grade cacao in every piece

A daily dose is typically 20 to 25 discs, while 25 to 35 discs can be used for a longer meditation or ritual. A ceremonial dose ranges from 35 to 50 discs and is generally reserved for deeper ceremonial experiences.

If you’re new to working with cacao, we recommend beginning with a daily dose and seeing how your body responds. If you are someone who is super sensitive to caffeine or have a sensitive constitution in general, start with 10-15 discs. Over time, your familiarity with cacao can help you determine when you might want to prepare more or less.

The “Just Starting Out With Cacao” Recipe

If you’re just starting out with ceremonial cacao, a rich, creamy and slightly sweetened cacao recipe is a delicious way to begin! We recommend blending your cacao with warm plant-based milk and a small amount of maple syrup or honey for a smooth, approachable experience that’s easy to return to each day.

Beginner Cacao Recipe:

20 - 25 cacao discs
½–1 cup oat, almond, or cashew milk
Maple syrup or honey to taste
Heat plant milk to around 180°F
Blend or froth until smooth and creamy

Using a blender or an electric frother helps the cacao butter emulsify into the liquid and gives the cacao its characteristic creaminess and rainbow bubbles on top!

Pure Cacao Recipe For Morning Ritual

Preparing cacao with hot water instead of plant-based milk and without any sweetener brings the flavor and energetic qualities of the cacao forward more clearly. Many traditional preparations use water for this reason.

Morning Cacao Recipe:

20 - 25 cacao discs
About ¾ cup hot water
Heat water to around 180°F
Blend or froth until smooth

If you’re newer to cacao or particularly sensitive, you can begin with 10 to 15 discs instead.

You can also adjust the amount of water depending on the consistency you prefer. For a thicker, creamier cup, try about ½ cup of hot water; for a thinner consistency, use up to 1 cup of hot water.

Find Your Cacao For Daily Ritual

Cacao For An Afternoon Pick Me Up

Cacao works especially well in the afternoon, providing additional energy from theobromine without the sharp edge that can come from another cup of coffee. Try preparing it with a tea base and plant-based milk for additional flavor.

Afternoon Cacao Recipe:

10 - 15 cacao discs
About ¾ cup hot herbal tea (steep tulsi rose, peppermint, or rooibos chai for 5 mins in hot water) and plant milk
Heat liquid to around 180°F
Blend or froth until smooth

If you aren’t particularly sensitive to stimulants, you can experiment with a fuller serving. If you’re used to drinking two or more cups of coffee per day, for example, you may find that 20 to 25 discs works well for you in the afternoon.

Cacao For Winding Down In The Evening

Cacao can also be prepared in the evening before bed, as it contains magnesium, tryptophan, beneficial fats, and amino acids that help relax your muscles and settle your body for the transition toward rest.

Evening Cacao Recipe: