How to Make Cacao Tea (Recipe for Chocolate Tea 3 Ways)

Learn how to make Cacao Tea that's rich, creamy, and surprisingly low-cal! You can make it in three different ways, and it takes just 5 minutes to make no matter which method you choose.

For more chocolate drink recipes, check out my chocolate boba recipe or spiced Mexican hot chocolate.

Cacao tea is a unique beverage made from the husks or shells of cacao beans, which are the seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), which are themselves used to make chocolate. After the cacao beans are harvested and processed, the husks are often discarded, but they can also be brewed to make a light and subtly chocolate-flavored tea.

This tea is virtually caffeine-free, making it an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid the stimulation of traditional tea or coffee. The tea has a mild natural sweetness and earthy taste, and can be enjoyed on its own or with added sweeteners or spices for extra flavor.

With its negligible caffeine content, it can be enjoyed in the morning or evening, either hot or iced. In the morning, cacao tea can provide a gentle mood boost to kickstart your day, while in the evening, it can help satisfy a chocolate craving without disrupting your sleep.

Try to buy organic cacao husk tea, if there's the option, but it's not 100% necessary.

Cacao husk tea is not only a delicious beverage, but it's also been rightfully praised for its health benefits. Most notably, it has a rich antioxidant profile, meaning it can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Antioxidants such as the polyphenols found in cacao and cacao tea contribute to overall health by supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and offering protection against certain diseases caused or worsened by oxidative stress.

The tea also contains essential nutrients, like magnesium and potassium, that help support cardiovascular health and muscle function. These electrolytes are required by the body to maintain proper hydration, so cacao tea also helps maintain fluid balance.

Furthermore, cacao shell tea contains small amounts of theobromine and caffeine, both alkaloids that have been found to improve mood and provide a sense of relaxation, making it a great beverage to enjoy no matter the time of day.

Cacao tea can also be incorporated into other recipes, such as:

• Smoothies: Blend cacao tea ice cubes with your favorite fruits, greens, and protein powder for an energizing and nutritious smoothie.
• Hot Cocoa: Replace traditional cocoa powder and milk with cacao tea in your hot cocoa recipe for a richer, less processed chocolaty treat.
• Oatmeal: Infuse your breakfast oatmeal with brewed cacao tea instead of water or milk for a nutrient-rich and flavorful start to your day.

Cacao Husks or Nibs: These are the primary ingredient in cacao tea and will determine the flavor and intensity of your tea. You can find both options online or at specialty stores, or use coco apowder as detailed below.

Hot Water: The temperature of the water is important for extracting the flavors from the cacao. Aim to use boiling water, heated to around 200°F (93°C) for the best results.

Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a natural sweetener like honey, stevia, or maple syrup to suit your flavor preferences.

Milk or Dairy Alternative (optional): If you enjoy a creamier texture, feel free to add your favorite milk or dairy alternative like almond, soy, or coconut milk (I like heavy cream or half & half).

See recipe card for complete ingredients list and exact quantities.

Milk Options: If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to your cacao tea. You can use whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk to suit your dietary preferences or to simply add a unique flavor to your cacao tea. Coconut milk, for instance, will give your beverage a bit of a tropical twist.

Sweeteners: Traditional sweeteners like sugar or honey can be replaced with agave nectar, stevia, or maple syrup for a healthier alternative. Adjust the quantity as needed to suit your desired level of sweetness.

• Chocolate Milk Tea - to add a creamy element to your cuppa, try a dollop of heavy cream, a splash of half & half, or some milk of your choosing. You may want to brew the tea stronger, if you plan to add a lot of creamer.
• Adult Cocoa Tea - try an ounce of brandy or whiskey in an evening cup of cocoa tea; for a more indulgent cup, replace that with the same amount of Bailey's.
• Spiced Cacao Tea - adding whole or lightly-crushed spices to the husks or nibs before brewing can transform the flavor of your tea. Spices like allspice, ground nutmeg, and even a dried bay leaf can create a warming flavor profile comparable to Caribbean cocoa tea, which is consumed throughout the region. A blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little kick, but don't overdo it.