Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend the cold almond milk with the four pitted dates until very smooth, about 45–60 seconds in a suitable high-speed blender. If the dates are firm, soak them in a little of the measured almond milk first. Keep the milk cold for this blending step and follow the appliance’s instructions.
- Pour into a saucepan. Whisk in coconut milk, cacao, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Warm over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, whisking frequently, until steaming with small bubbles at the edges. Avoid a rolling boil. For warm holding, first bring the drink to at least 165°F (74°C) throughout on the stove.
- Divide the finished drink into six equal mug portions and serve warm, with optional cacao nibs, coconut cream, vegan chocolate shavings or a cinnamon stick. The exact portion volume depends on the finished yield.
- For a gathering, preheat an appropriately sized slow cooker according to its instructions. Transfer the fully heated drink to it and use a setting that keeps it at 140°F (60°C) or above, checking with a food thermometer and stirring occasionally. Follow the cooker’s fill limits; serve for best texture within about 2 hours. Reheat refrigerated leftovers to 165°F (74°C) on the stove before transferring; do not use a slow cooker’s warm setting to reheat cold leftovers.
Nutrition
Notes
A smooth date base: Blend dates into cold almond milk before heating. Firm dates can soften in some of that measured milk. Unsweetened cocoa can replace cacao with a slight flavor change; whisk it thoroughly so there are no dry pockets.
Sweetness and variations: Dates and maple both contribute sugars. Taste before adding more sweetener. An optional pinch of espresso powder makes a mocha variation; a little ginger adds flavor.
Stovetop and slow cooker: The base stovetop method takes about 25 minutes. Slow-cooker preheating and holding add time; it is a serving option after full stovetop heating. Maintain at least 140°F (60°C) during holding and stir to keep cacao distributed. Do not reheat cold leftovers in a slow cooker.
Diet and allergens: Contains almonds and coconut. Use vegan, gluten-free packaged milks, cacao, vanilla and any garnishes as needed. A milk substitution changes flavor, richness, allergens and nutrition.
Make ahead and portions: Cool promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or colder for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove, whisking, to 165°F (74°C). Divide into six equal portions rather than assuming one-cup servings. Optional toppings and extra sweetener are excluded from nutrition.
