Name: Mexican Champurrado Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¾ cup water; ½ cinnamon stick; ½ star anise; ¼ cup piloncillo; 2 ¾ cups whole milk; ½ cup evaporated milk; 1 Mexican hot chocolate disk, roughly chopped; 3.5 ounces masa harina; 1 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 81 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, rich, and utterly comforting, this Mexican Champurrado Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten any chilly day. Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink made with masa harina, which gives it a creamy, thick texture that’s unlike any ordinary cocoa. The blend of cinnamon, star anise, and piloncillo infuses the drink with deep, aromatic spices that perfectly balance the chocolate’s sweetness. Every sip is cozy and soul-satisfying, making this drink much more than just a beverage—it’s a little cup of Mexican heritage you can savor from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface arranged neatly. In the center is a round, segmented brown sugar block wrapped in yellow paper with edges crumpled, giving it a textured look. To its left is a tall cinnamon stick and a single star anise with a deep brown color and rough surface. Below the sugar and spices is a clear measuring cup filled with smooth, white liquid cream. Next to it on the right is a small, white bowl filled with fine, white flour that looks soft and powdery. Above the flour are two irregular brown sugar lumps with a rough texture. In the top right corner is a small clear glass cup filled with clean water. All items are spaced apart and seen from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you; these ingredients are simple yet fundamental. Each one brings its own magic to this Mexican Champurrado Recipe, creating layers of flavor, texture, and warmth that will have you hooked from the first spoonful.

¾ cup water: The base to extract flavors from spices and dissolve the piloncillo.
½ cinnamon stick: Adds a cozy, sweet-spicy aroma that defines the drink’s warm character.
½ star anise: Offers a subtle licorice note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
¼ cup piloncillo: This unrefined cane sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness essential for authentic flavor.
2 ¾ cups whole milk: Gives the champurrado its creamy, rich texture.
½ cup evaporated milk: Enhances the creaminess while adding a slight caramel undertone.
1 Mexican hot chocolate disk, roughly chopped: The star ingredient featuring chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar that melts into a luscious base.
3.5 ounces masa harina: This finely ground corn flour thickens the drink and adds a distinctive corn flavor.
1 cup water (for masa): Helps to blend the masa harina smoothly, preventing lumps.

How to Make Mexican Champurrado Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the water with spices and piloncillo

Start by heating ¾ cup of water in a large pot over medium-low heat for a few minutes until it’s warm but not boiling. Drop in the cinnamon stick, star anise, and piloncillo. Stir everything gently and let it simmer until the piloncillo dissolves fully. This step is crucial because it extracts the fragrant spices and sweet molasses flavor into the base liquid, setting the tone for your champurrado.

Step 2: Add the milks and chocolate

Once the piloncillo syrup is ready, pour in the whole milk and evaporated milk. Stir well and then add the chopped Mexican hot chocolate disk. Lower the heat to keep everything at a gentle simmer and stir occasionally to help the chocolate melt completely and blend into the mix. This creates that signature rich and smooth hot chocolate base.

Step 3: Prepare the masa mixture

In the blender, combine the masa harina with 1 cup of water. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is perfectly smooth and lump-free. This masa mixture is what will thicken your champurrado and give it that uniquely satisfying, velvety texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the masa into the pot

Strain the masa mixture into your pot with the hot chocolate milk base, making sure to stir continuously as you pour. This prevents lumps from forming. Keep stirring and let the whole mixture simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken into a creamy, luscious consistency. Taste and add more piloncillo if you want it sweeter.

Step 5: Finish and strain

Before serving, strain the champurrado to remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and any remaining grainy bits. Let it cool for about 10 minutes; this resting time helps it thicken slightly more. Now your Mexican Champurrado Recipe is ready to warm your heart.

How to Serve Mexican Champurrado Recipe

A light cream liquid is being poured into a white pot containing a dark brown liquid with a cinnamon stick and a star anise floating on top, placed on a white marbled surface. The pot has two beige handles, one at the near side at the bottom and the other at the top center, and inside, the light cream is swirling into the darker liquid creating a marbled effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon powder enhances the fragrance and adds visual appeal. For an extra decadent touch, top with whipped cream or a few mini marshmallows that melt invitingly into the warm chocolate.

Side Dishes

Champurrado is traditionally enjoyed alongside pan dulce, Mexican sweet bread, which perfectly complements the drink’s bold flavors. You can also serve it with churros for a delightful dunking experience or simple buttered toast if you want an easy, comforting pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve champurrado in rustic clay mugs to embrace its Mexican roots more authentically. For a festive twist, try adding a splash of flavored liqueur like Kahlúa or a pinch of chili powder sprinkled on top for a subtle, warming kick. These creative presentations will make your Mexican Champurrado Recipe feel even more special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover champurrado, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep in mind the flavors will deepen and it will thicken over time, so that creamy texture becomes even more satisfying with a quick whisk before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing champurrado is possible but not recommended as the texture can alter after thawing. If you choose to freeze, pour it into freezer-safe containers leaving some space for expansion, and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat champurrado is in the microwave for about a minute or until warm. You can also warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to bring back its smooth, luscious consistency.

FAQs

What is champurrado made from?

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate drink thickened with masa harina, with ingredients like piloncillo, cinnamon, and Mexican chocolate disks, creating a rich and comforting beverage unlike plain hot chocolate.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of Mexican chocolate disks?

You can substitute regular chocolate, but Mexican chocolate disks have unique flavorings like cinnamon and sugar that give champurrado its authentic taste. If you do substitute, consider adding ground cinnamon to taste.

Is champurrado gluten-free?

Yes, champurrado is gluten-free because masa harina is made from corn, not wheat. Just ensure your masa harina is certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Can I make champurrado dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap whole milk and evaporated milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously rich.

How thick should the champurrado be?

Champurrado should have a creamy, smooth, and slightly thick texture—thicker than regular hot chocolate but still drinkable. The masa harina provides that signature body, so don’t skimp on it!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about cozying up with a warm mug of champurrado, and this Mexican Champurrado Recipe brings that magic right into your home kitchen. With its rich layers of chocolate and spice and a velvety texture that hugs your soul, it’s a drink you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of this heartwarming tradition!