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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Atole de Chocolate (Mexican Chocolate Atole) + VIDEO

    Atole de Chocolate (Mexican Chocolate Atole) + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted September 10, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Atole de Chocolate is a warm and rich Mexican drink. A satisfying and yummy wintertime staple perfect for chilly nights.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Atole de Chocolate served in a decorative Mexican cup next to a cinnamon stick.

    Atole de Chocolate served in a decorative Mexican cup next to a cinnamon stick.

    Atole de Chocolate is perfect for those bone chilling, butt-freezing cold, and you-can’t-feel-your-face days. Brrrr!

    Just even the thought of that makes me cringe.

    Please do not confuse this with Champurrado. Champurrado is made with masa harina and chocolate. It is grainier.

    This alote recipe is made with cornstarch to create a finer texture.

    Sweet. Yummy. Rich… Mmm! This warm beverage is a favorite during the cooler months and especially during the Holidays.

    More Mexican Holiday Recipes:


    Ponche Navideño
    Pork Tamales
    Buñuelos
    Hojarascas

    How to Make It


    A collage of milk and corn starch mixing in a measuring cup.

    • Mix the milk and cornstarch in a cup.
    • Set aside until ready to use.

    Many people are not fans of cornstarch because it’s high in carbohydrates, low in nutrients, and high in calories. This is not a diabetic-friendly ingredient.

    Luckily, there are options!

    What can be used instead of cornstarch?

    • Ground Wheat Flour
    • Arrowroot
    • Potato Starch
    • Tapioca
    • Rice Flour
    • Xanthan gum

    Corn starch and milk in a measuring cup next to a chocolate and cinnamon stick.

    Atole is a thick, rich drink. This mixture is what is going to thicken the drink.

    Be sure to fully dissolve the cornstarch, or you will create lumps when it is simmer.

    Variations:

    This is a very popular drink in Mexico. You might also see this drink made in different flavors like Atole de Guayaba, Pecan Atole, even Atole de Concha. Say what?!

    A collage showing how to boil the milk and chocolate in a stock pot.

    • Heat milk to a stock pot.
    • Add the Mexican chocolate and stick of cinnamon.
    • Stir occasionally .

    You simply want the chocolate to melt. Be careful not to burn the milk.

    There is a serious debate in the Mexican culture, and it all surrounds chocolate.

    Which chocolate is better: Abuelita or Ibarra?

    Either works well in this recipe. No fighting please. Keep calm and kitchen on.

    More Mexican Chocolate Recipes:

    Easy Mole Recipe
    Abuelita Chocolate Frosting
    Mexican Chocolate Cake

    A collage showing a stock pot of milk and adding the corn starch mixture.

    • Add sugar and cornstarch mixture.
    • Bring to a simmer.
    • Allow the milk mixture to thicken.

    Stir occasionally to avoid lumps. You’re looking for a silky smooth texture.

    For a thicker atole, use 1/2 cup cornstarch instead.

    Atole de Chocolate is a delicious and comforting Mexican drink. It’s the best way to warm up on cold nights. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Serve immediately, or it can get lumpy.

    If you don’t serve it immediately, warm it up again and stir to dissolve the lumps. Then serve.

    Atole de Chocolate served in a decorative Mexican cup next to a cinnamon stick.

    What To Serve With It

    Pumpkin Empanadas
    Mexican Conchas
    Hojarascas
    Empanadas de Manzana

    Serve a warm cup of Atole de Chocolate with pan dulce or a few Galletas Maria. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream.. Oh YES!

    This drink is perfect on those freezing cold nights. Guaranteed to be something everyone will enjoy.

    Hungry for More?

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Atole de Chocolate served in a decorative Mexican cup next to a cinnamon stick.

    Atole de Chocolate

    Atole de Chocolate is a warm and rich Mexican drink. A satisfying and yummy wintertime staple perfect for chilly nights.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Servings: 6 cups
    Calories: 204kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • 6 cups milk divided
    • 1 tablet Mexican chocolate like Abuelita or Ibarra
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • ¼ cup sugar

    Instructions

    • Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of milk.
    • Set aside until ready to use.
    • In a stockpot, add the remaining milk, Mexican chocolate, and cinnamon stick.
    • Stir occasionally.
    • When the chocolate is completely dissolved, add the sugar and the cornstarch milk.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally.
    • Once your atole has thickened, it is ready to serve.
    • Serve immediately to avoid lumps.

    Video

    Notes

    If you don’t serve it immediately, warm it up again and stir to dissolve the lumps. Then serve.
    For a thicker atole, use 1/2 cup cornstarch instead.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 322mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Calcium: 282mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Atole de Chocolate in a decorative red and brown cup next to two cinnamon sticks.
    This post was recently updated. You might remember the old picture.

    Filed Under: Drinks

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anna

      December 9, 2019 at 9:18 am

      I love this recipe! I see so many bloggers make champurrado with masa para tortillas and I didn’t remember my mama making like that. My mom was born in Durango Mexico and she made Atole with corn starch and champurrado with Harina.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 21, 2020 at 1:07 pm

        Glad you liked it. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    2. Sue

      September 7, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      This look like it would really warm you on a cold night. Which in Wisconsin means -10F. LOL

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 9, 2020 at 10:32 am

        It’s perfect for cold nights! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    3. Alexandra

      September 7, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Warming and delicious – perfect for a cool evening 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 15, 2020 at 12:23 pm

        Delicious indeed! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    4. Ashley

      September 7, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      My family and I enjoyed this so much. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 15, 2020 at 12:23 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Taleen | Just As Tasty

      September 7, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds like the perfect treat for a chilly day! Pinning!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 18, 2022 at 4:38 pm

        Yes it is, very yummy. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Andréa Janssen

      September 8, 2020 at 5:27 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious recipe! I’m going to make this very soon!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 22, 2020 at 1:21 pm

        Delicious indeed! Hope you try it

        Reply
    7. Debra

      September 8, 2020 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      This is going to be perfect to continue seeing friends outside on the patio as it gets cooler. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 22, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        Perfect for those cooler nights! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    8. Chef Dennis

      September 8, 2020 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      You caught my attention with chocolate and I’m glad I continued reading! Your recipe turned out great and has been requested for this weekend !

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 9, 2020 at 10:30 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    9. Jennifer

      September 9, 2020 at 5:08 am

      5 stars
      I love anything chocolate! This looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 9, 2020 at 10:30 am

        Glad you enjoyed this. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    10. Kerri

      September 9, 2020 at 5:27 am

      5 stars
      I’m so excited for the temperatures to fall a little bit so we can enjoy this and chilly nights!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        September 9, 2020 at 10:29 am

        This recipe is perfect for that kind of weather! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    11. Art Gomez

      November 21, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      Just like my mother used to make. I had lost the recipe but thank God I’ve found it. Thanks a million!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        Glad you liked it. Hope you try it!

        Reply

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