Chocolate de agua is a spiced, aromatic, comforting and easy-to-make drink, perfect for those cool mornings and evenings. Our popular dairy-free cocoa is perfect for those looking for a lighter morning drink, vegans and those who can't consume milk. It's love in a cup.
Why we ❤️ it
Like many of our dishes, I bet Chocolate de Agua Recipe (Non-Dairy Cocoa) was invented as an inexpensive alternative to popular dishes. Because at one point or another, we've all been there, pulling off whole meals out of hat, even when the fridge looked, as Dominicans say, 'como el Teatro Agua y Luz' (like the Light and Water Theater).
Or as my father wisely put it, "hunger is the best seasoning".
And when it comes to stretching budgets nothing satisfies like a delicious cup of chocolate de agua dominicano; long ago a breakfast or dinner budget drink, now we drink it for comfort and for its delightful taste.
What cocoa to use
Dominicans will immediately know what brands of chocolate bars we use for this (Chocolate Embajador or Munne brands) "water chocolate" recipe, however, it won't be possible to find those abroad.
I have experimented with unsweetened baking chocolate with a pretty good result, bear in mind that baking chocolate can be a bit overpowering so start with half the amount the recipe calls for. Try it and if it seems like it might need more chocolate, then add a second square.
If you are using cocoa powder, use the unsweetened kind and follow the same instructions as in the paragraph above.
Non-dairy cocoa and chocolate
Serving suggestions
You can serve your Chocolate de agua with Pan de agua, or a delicious piece of Pan de maíz, either for dinner or breakfast.
It also goes very well with a piece of sweet Arepa, or savory Arepa.
Top tip
Use the equivalent amount of your favorite sweetener instead of sugar for a low-carb, keto, diabetic-friendly, light version.
About our recipe
This is a very simple drink, with a small list of ingredients. The only difference you'll find between the way home cooks make this is the amount and variety of spices in it. This is really a foolproof recipe.
And check these other Dominican hot drink recipes that you'll love too.
Salud!
Recipe
Chocolate de Agua [+ Video] (Non Dairy Cocoa)
Ingredients
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon clove powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly-grated)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 baking chocolate bars, or 2 cups of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 cup sugar (white, granulated)
Instructions
In a large pot, combine 1 quart [1 liter] of water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer until ⅓ of the liquid has evaporated. Add chocolate (or cocoa) and stir until the chocolate has dissolved.Add sugar to taste.- Sieve to remove solids and serve hot; see serving suggestions above the recipe.
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
Published Mar 29, 2003, and last revised
I smuggled some Dominican chocolate from my last trip and am very excited to try this recipe.
I can also relate to making something out of (almost) nothing. It's a skill and a necessity that has served me well.
Many many thanks!
Tia Clara, are those bars in your picture Embajador?
Me gusto mucho. Thanks!!