Taza, an authentic Mexican chocolate experience
When we first came across Taza Chocolate, it was an experience that totally turned our expectations of chocolate upside down. Its grainy texture, fine sugar pieces and pure flavours were unusual and foreign to us. But who would have thought then that by now we are true Taza fans?
Chocolate is a popular treat all over the world, but not everyone knows the authentic Mexican way of preparing and drinking chocolate.
The origins of Mexican chocolate
In Mexico and other parts of Central and South America, where cocoa grows, chocolate has been an important part of the culture for centuries. Grinding cocoa into a paste, then mixing it with water and spices creates a taditional hot or cold chocolate drink. The Maya use the word 'chocokola'j' for 'drinking chocolate together'. In our view, this word perfectly captures the social and cultural significance of chocolate in these regions.



The discovery of 'molinero'
When Alex Whitmore, founder of Taza, travelling through Mexico, he marvelled at the millstones used to grind the roasted cocoa beans into a fine mass. Then add sugar to this and the result is 'Chocolate para mesa' or 'Chocolate for the on the table'.
Alex soon discovered that this traditional way of working is not so simple. The millstones used for this purpose have grooves that are meticulously carved. Carving the stones is the work 'molinero'. This traditional craftsmanship is passed down from father to son.
An authentic chocolate experience
Chocolate is still drunk in the traditional way in Mexico, today, by most people. By dissolving chocolate cubes in hot water, you prepare the hot drink. Alex fell completely in love with this tradition. 'Chocolate doesn't necessarily have to be creamy and smooth, as we are used to in Europe and North America.' So Taza makes coarsely ground chocolate inspired by the Mexican traditional way. That's why we think Taza hot chocolate is ideal for an authentic Mexican experience.
Recipe for Mexican hot chocolatemilk

Want the authentic Mexican chocolate experience yourself? Here is a simple recipe for a traditional Mexican hot chocolate that you can easily make at home.
And that pinch of salt?
It may sound a little unusual, but it can be surprisingly delicious. Think of those delicious chocolate bars with sea salt - that combination of sweet and a hint of salt is so popular for a reason. Salt does more than just add a savoury flavour, it also enhances the natural flavours of other ingredients.
With chocolate, this works great! Your sweet chocolate milk suddenly takes on a richer, fuller flavour that feels just a bit more grown-up. Don't worry, it's still deliciously sweet, but that little bit of salt makes it just that little bit more special.
Ingredients
- 240 ml (vegetable) milk or water
- Pinch of Taza Chocolate - you can use any variety
- Salt to taste
Preparation
1. Break the disk Taza Chocolate into pieces and set aside.
2. Heat 240 ml of milk or water in a small pan over medium-high heat until just short of boiling.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add a pinch of salt.
4. Add the chocolate pieces to taste and stir until completely dissolved.
5. Reheat the mixture, over low heat.
6. Use a whisk or a "molinillo" (a traditional turned wooden whisk from Latin America) to froth up the chocolate drink.
7. Serve the hot chocolate drink in a large 'taza' and enjoy the delicious flavours and airy foam layer.
Discover Taza homemade hot chocolatemilk
Taza hot chocolate, authentic Mexican experience is a unique chocolate experience you must have tried as a true chocolate lover. If you are looking for something new and exciting, try this traditional Mexican way of drinking chocolate. Cheers to a new take on hot chocolate drinks!