When ceremonial cacao becomes part of your rhythm, preparation starts to feel less like a method and more like a conversation with the plant. The liquid you choose, how strong you make your cup, and when you drink it all influence the experience in subtle ways. Paying attention to these shifts can deepen how cacao supports you from morning through evening.
Today we’re sharing a few simple ways to prepare cacao for different moments, whether for morning ritual, looking for an afternoon lift, or making a gentler evening cup.
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How To Prepare Cacao For Beginners
If you’re just starting out with ceremonial cacao, a rich, creamy and slightly sweetened cup 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 cup that’s easy to return to each day.
Oat, almond, or cashew milk all work well here. Using a blender or an electric frother helps the cacao butter emulsify into the liquid and gives the cup its characteristic creaminess, often with a soft layer of foam on the surface. Blend 25 discs of cacao with ¾ cup warm oat, almond, or cashew milk until smooth heated to ~180°F, and a touch of maple syrup or honey. It’s not recommended to use dairy milk as this counteracts some of the beneficial compounds in cacao.
Pure Cacao 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. Without the added richness of milk, it becomes easier to notice cacao’s natural brightness, the clarity of its flavor, and the gradual way its effects unfold in the body. Also, over time, without using sweetener, you might find the flavor of the cacao becomes smoother and more nuanced, with a natural sweetness to it.
A simple place to begin is blending 20 to 25 discs with about ¾ cup hot water (around 180°F) until smooth. From there, small adjustments change the experience noticeably. Using slightly less water creates a thicker cup that feels more immersive and present in the body, while adding a little more water creates something softer and easier to sip slowly. You can listen to your body to determine how much hot water to use from day-to-day based on what you’re needing.
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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. This keeps the experience clear and steady while still feeling grounding enough to stay with you through the rest of the day.
At this time of day, try 10 to 15 discs blended with about ¾ cup hot herbal tea (try tulsi rose, peppermint, or rooibos chai) and plant milk. Using a slightly smaller amount of cacao like this supports steady attention for reading, writing, creative endeavors, or returning to tasks that benefit from calm focus without carrying too strongly into the evening. This is also a great time to experiment with our botanical cacaos that contain adaptogens and herbs to support your wellbeing. However, if you aren’t particularly sensitive to stimulants (for example, if you’re used to drinking 2+ cups of coffee/day, then you can experiment with a full serving of 25 discs).
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 transition toward rest. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or you know that cacao gives you a big energy boost, we do not recommend having cacao before bed.
Blend about 10 to 15 discs of cacao with ½ cup hot water and ½ cup plant milk for a balanced evening cup that feels nourishing without feeling overly stimulating.
