In a sun-dappled loft in Brooklyn, two dozen people sit cross-legged on meditation cushions, cradling ceramic mugs filled with a drink that the ancient Mayans called "the food of the gods."

This isn't your typical hot chocolate—it's ceremonial cacao, an unsweetened, bitter brew that claims to offer both spiritual awakening and a scientifically-backed mood boost. And it's becoming a favorite for professionals looking for alternatives to coffee and alcohol.

» Enjoy a cup of ceremonial cacao for a quick energy boost

What is a ritual cacao drink?

Ritual cacao is a powerful and ancient plant meant for healing, transformation, and connection to the divine. It comes from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree, native to Central and South America. This drink positively affects your health, with studies showing it can improve your mood, energy, and cognition.

What happens when you drink ceremonial cacao?

The origin of this ceremonial drink is rooted in indigenous cultures, such as the Mayans and the Aztecs, who used it for spiritual and medicinal purposes. During rituals, they would prepare a beverage known as xocoatl by drying, roasting, and grinding the beans into a paste. Then, they would mix it with water and spices to create a flavored beverage.

As a tribesman, you would usually drink ritual cacao with accompanying music and prayers in the background. You would then seek guidance from the gods through offerings. This way, you could express gratitude and build relationships with divine beings.

» Find out how the antioxidants in cacao improve your health

How to drink ceremonial cacao

Ceremonial cacao ceremonies are becoming popular. According to Pew Research, 7 in 10 Americans believe they are spiritual. You can have the ceremony in various settings, from small gatherings to live events. You would guide the participants through the event with music and chanting.

Here's a step-by-step process of how to drink ritual cacao properly:

1. Prepare your space: Before you begin, create a comfortable and inviting space for yourself. Light some candles, play some soothing music and make sure you have a comfortable place to sit.
2. Set your intention: Before you begin, take a few moments to set your intention for the ritual. What do you want to get out of it? What do you want to focus on?
3. Make the cacao: There are many different ways to make ritual cacao. You can use a traditional method, such as a mocha pot, or you can use a modern method, such as a French press or boiling water. Whichever method you choose,
4. Drink the cacao: Once you’ve made the cacao, take a few moments to sit and enjoy it. Sip slowly and savor the flavor. Allow yourself to relax and open up to the experience.
5. Reflect: After you’ve finished drinking the cacao, take a few moments to reflect on the experience. What did you learn? How did it make you feel?

» Explore the benefits of theobromine you can find in cacao

Why we made our ceremonial cacao

We found ourselves trying many of the ceremonial cacao drinks on the market, and all of them had a very unpleasant taste. Beginners who want to start with daily ritual cacao drinking would surely disapprove of it. So, we took it upon ourselves to find the best source.

We tried many cacao beans, roasting profiles, and stone grinding times. After two months of work, we arrived at the perfect recipe that is delicious and easy to drink, even if it's your first time.

How do we make our ritual cacao at KAICAO?

After searching for high-quality cacao beans with a fine aroma, we conducted tests with those from Hacienda Limon, Ecuador. They exhibited sweet and earthy flavors, prompting us to lightly roast them to preserve their complexity. Subsequently, we stone-ground the beans for 2 days and aged the resulting chocolate blocks for 2 months. The mass is then shredded into a powder that you can use to prepare your ritual drink.

Embrace the sacred: Make your first ritual cacao

Ritual cacao represents a meaningful connection to ancient traditions while offering potential wellness benefits for modern practitioners. Whether you're drawn to its rich cultural heritage, its purported health properties, or simply its deep, complex flavor, it's a mindful alternative to hot chocolate.

As with any traditional practice, it's important to approach ritual cacao with respect for its origins and to source it ethically from producers who honor its cultural significance.

» Treat yourself with a cup of ritual cacao from KAICAO