Double Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

This post was sponsored by ZonePerfect®, but all opinions are our own.

Two kinds of cinnamon plus cocoa equals the best cinnamon hot chocolate (or cinnamon hot cocoa) you’ve ever had. Rich, complex, and satisfying.

Double Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

My heart says it’s winter, but my thermometer says it’s 80 degrees.

I’m choosing to ignore the thermometer.  Sunset seems to begin somewhere around 2:30 in the afternoon, so it must be winter, right?

These darker days are a little harder to get through than the days of high summer.  I require a pick-me-up to get me through the rapidly dimming afternoon.  For this purpose, double cinnamon hot cocoa works perfectly.

Why double cinnamon, you ask?  Because—surprise!—there are several types of cinnamon, and it’s really cool to combine them.

Ground Ceylon cinnamon next to regular (cassia) cinnamon sticks

First, there’s cassia cinnamon—strong, spicy (like a red hot candy), and from a thick, tough bark.  This is the type of cinnamon you’ll find in most spice sections.

Second, there’s Ceylon cinnamon—sweet, floral, and from a thin, delicate bark.  If your cinnamon is not labeled “Ceylon” cinnamon, then it’s probably cassia cinnamon.

Combining the two types of cinnamon allows you to hit all the high notes and low notes, creating a complex flavor profile that you just can’t find in plain old hot chocolate!

I like to pair my cup of double cinnamon hot cocoa with a ZonePerfect bar.   ZonePerfect bars are great-tasting, nutritionally rich products that keep me “in the zone” throughout the day—whenever I need energy or a special treat.

Click either of these images below to shop!


My favorite flavors for pairing with hot cocoa are the ZonePerfect Double Dark Chocolate bars and (of course) the ZonePerfect Cinnamon Roll bars.  No matter which flavor you pick up, there’s a Great Taste Guaranteed.  And with 10 to 15 grams of protein in each bar (depending on the flavor), I stay satisfied longer.

Plus, there are up to 19 vitamins and minerals in each bar, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners.  It’s a smart and nutritious choice.

Visit ZonePerfect to see all the available flavors, and look for ZonePerfect nutrition bars in the nutrition bar section of your grocery store.

Here’s to perking up with chocolate and cinnamon, all winter long.  Cheers!

5 from 1 vote

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Double Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

Two kinds of cinnamon plus cocoa equals the best cinnamon hot chocolate (or cinnamon hot cocoa) you've ever had. Rich, complex, and satisfying.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 1 minute

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 4 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 116 kcal

Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon see note
• 1 pinch ground Ceylon cinnamon see note
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups milk

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and water in a small saucepan.  Heat over medium low heat, whisking briskly, until combined into a smooth and glossy liquid, about 2 minutes.

2. Slowly whisk in the milk until fully incorporated and slightly steaming (don't boil!).  Serves four.

Recipe Notes

Ground cinnamon labeled just "cinnamon" is made from cassia cinnamon bark.  This is the first cinnamon called for in the ingredients.  The second type of cinnamon will be labeled "Ceylon" cinnamon, which has a different flavor from cassia cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts

Double Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

Amount Per Serving

Calories 116 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g 5%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Cholesterol 9mg 3%

Sodium 41mg 2%

Potassium 202mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 20g 7%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 17g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 3%

Calcium 11%

Iron 4.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Use the ZonePerfect store locator to find all the varieties available near you.