We plan on enjoying the holidays and taking a break from our regular routine over the next few weeks, and one of our favourite ways to indulge is with a little extra something sweet.

We’ve partnered with our friends and neighbours at Thom Bargen in Winnipeg, Canada to bring you this seasonal, spicy mocha recipe to help you warm up – with just a hint of ancho chillis!

While a spicy hot beverage may sound a little scary, we promise this recipe provides the perfect balance of deep, rich chocolate with the added bonus of a little bit of a kick.

We hope you enjoy it and we definitely recommend making enough to share with friends.

Ingredients for Spicy Mocha Syrup

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup white sugar

3 tbsp cacao powder

1/2 of a small ancho chilli pepper

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp chipotle powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Measure water into a sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium- heat.

Sift together the sugars, cacao powder and spices.

Add to water and whisk until smooth.

Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adding salt near the end.

Strain and transfer to a glass jar and chill.

To make your spicy mocha beverage, add 1 tbsp of the mocha mixture to a mug and top with espresso and steamed milk.

Enjoy!