#CocoaDay: Rich, indulgent: Make the perfect cup of cocoa this winter

Picture this: Cold wintry nights and a cup of cocoa between our palms – a match made in heaven, no? As hot and cold cocoa continues to command immense popularity across the globe, especially during the colder months, we celebrate the rich, humble beverage on Cocoa Day today. On why cocoa is a winter favourite, executive chef Surya Narayana says, “Hot cocoa is not just a drink; it’s an experience. Its warmth combats winter’s chill, and its rich, chocolatey flavour evokes comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence. Across cultures, hot cocoa has become a symbol of togetherness, whether it’s paired with holiday festivities or quiet moments. Its versatility — with options to add spices, syrups, or different milk bases — ensures there’s a version for everyone to love.”

Adds executive chef Tushar Bhattacharya, “Cocoa has been considered a luxury since ancient times, which adds to its timeless allure. The secret to the perfect cup of cocoa depends on the flavours an individual cherishes. Experimenting with different ingredients like spices, sweeteners, or toppings, can make each cup uniquely delicious. You can elevate the drink with liqueurs and spirits such as coffee liqueurs, cream liqueurs, Cointreau (orange liqueur), mint liqueur, berry liqueur, white rum, dark rum, vodka, and Irish whiskey.”

“Cocoa can be consumed frequently if you don't use much sugar or fat in it. Consuming cocoa is good for the brain and teeth, besides being a delight for the taste buds. Cocoa is also a known to be a mood-booster, which is why, along with sugar and fat in chocolate, it helps to manage mood swings and makes one feel happier,” says Liza Shah, a nutritionist.

Classic flavour pairings

margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Peppermint – perfect for a festive vibemargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Caramel – adds buttery richness and sweetnessmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Hazelnut – the nuttiness brings out cocoa’s depthmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Vanilla bean – enhances chocolate’s complexitymargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Orange zest – a bright citrusy note for a tangy flairmargin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt; background:white Other flavours: Espresso, berry purees, mint, blood orange, hazelnut, cashews, peanut butter, almonds, strawberry, marshmallows, and even fresh peppercorns

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For a perfect cuppa, follow these steps:

margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Use high-quality cocoa powder or real dark chocolate for a richer flavourmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Always add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetnessmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white For hot cocoa, heat the milk gently, avoid boiling it to keep it creamymargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Blend the cocoa or chocolate into the milk slowly to avoid clumpingmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white For cold cocoa, dissolve the chocolate base in a little warm milk first, then chill and blend with cold milk or ice for a smooth consistency.margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt; background:white Adjust sweetness to taste — less is often more.
Add an Indian twist to your cocoa

margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Masala cocoa: Add traditional chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger for a warm, aromatic blendmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Turmeric cocoa latte: Mix turmeric and a dash of black pepper for a golden, healthy twistmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Thandai cold cocoa: Blend cold cocoa with thandai syrup or almonds, fennel seeds, and rose petals for a festive flairmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Coconut-jaggery cocoa: Use coconut milk and jaggery for a rich, earthy flavourmargin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt;background:white Saffron cocoa: Add a few strands of saffron for a royal, fragrant touchmargin-left:36.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.75pt; background:white- Inputs from executive chef Surya Narayana