Immune Boosting Hot Chocolate With Cacao

Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico

Using only 5 ingredients this hot chocolate with cacao doubles as a warming immune boosting tonic. Chocolatey cacao is combined with elderberries, honey, and a few other ingredients to create a cozy and healthy beverage.

Hot chocolate is a total comfort drink during this time of year. But I’ve always hated the amount of processed sugar in most instant hot chocolate and even in from scratch hot chocolate recipes. During the autumn and winter it’s important to consume drinks and food that nourish our bodies and support our immune system.

This hot chocolate recipe ticks two boxes – it tastes creamy and perfectly chocolatey, while being supportive to our overall health and immune system. Here’s how to make it.

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Tools

Sauce Pan

Spoon

Ingredients

Cacao Nibs – full of healthy fats and antioxidants that can release feel-good hormones in your brain and positively impact your mood. (I buy these organic nibs in bulk)

Elderberries – packed with vitamins and antioxidants and can help to prevent and recover more quickly from colds and flus. If you cannot find elderberries locally, here’s an organic source for elderberries.

Cinnamon – full of anti-viral properties but in this recipe it’s mainly used for flavour!

Honey (or maple syrup) – contains a variety of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants which means that it can help to prevent or recover from colds and flus more quickly. You can swap out honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand (honey has more health benefits but maple syrup does contain antioxidants) I buy this maple syrup in bulk.

Milk of your choice – swap out full fat milk for oat milk, almond milk, or whichever dairy-free option you prefer.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

Add the cacao nibs, cinnamon, and elderberries to a sauce pan and pour the water overtop.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Strain off the mixture and pour it into a large mug. You can compost the solids or throw them away.

Add milk of your choice and honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy!

How To Serve

This would taste great with homemade cinnamon whipped cream!

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If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!