During Robert Falcon Scott’s attempt to reach the South Pole, he had his men drink hot cocoa in the mornings to get something substantial and invigorating in their stomachs as they prepared for the march. Research shows that your body can use hot cocoa to get the day going, naturally energizing itself with the release of the adrenal hormone “cortisol” during early morning hours. The usual caffeinated, heart-throbbing morning ritual, it seems, is not indispensable after all. This drink looks like coffee, has the robust, slightly earthy notes of coffee, but without the caffeine. No crash and no jitters. A gentler, more relaxing wake-up.
Ingredients
- 1 rounded teaspoon Black Onyx cocoa powder
- 1 rounded teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 level teaspoon sugar, or to taste
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup water
- milk (optional)
How to Make It
- Combine cocoa powders, sugar, and salt in your favorite cup. Place water in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes hot, not quite to a boil. Add just a few tablespoons of the hot water into the cocoa mix, and stir into a smooth paste with a wooden spoon.
- Gradually add the remainder of the water and continue stirring until fully incorporated. Add extra sweetener and/or milk to taste preference.
