The nights are getting cooler, our coats are easing their way out of our wardrobes - it's official, we're well and truly veering into winter territory. If you're anything like me you're probably craving a warm, comforting drink.

Enter: the mint cacao hot chocolate. It is super easy, can be made with any type of milk your heart desires and is (mostly) guilt-free.

Cacao is cocoa's younger self, it is less processed and hasn't been heat treated, meaning it's full of antioxidants. Fun fact: cacao is awash with high absorbable iron. You are really doing yourself a favour a by whipping up this hot chocolate every now and then.

Mint Cacao Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
Serves 4-6

2 cups of milk (nut, dairy or otherwise)
2 heaped teaspoons of raw cacao
1 teaspoon of vanilla extra
5 mint leaves
2 teaspoons of honey

Method

Grab the mint leaves and clap them in between your hand about 20 times. This will bruise the leaves and will start to bring out the essential oils.

Add to a saucepan milk, cacao, vanilla extract, mint leaves and honey. Stir to combine everything.

Bring to a boil on low heat.

Remove the mint leave and pour into mugs.

Top with a dusting of cacao.

Chloe Wilkinson is a practicing clinical naturopath at The Good Health Co.