From Luis, founder of Cacao Sol

Welcome. This guide is everything I wish someone had handed me with my first bag of ceremonial cacao: how to make it, how to make it yours, and a simple ritual to start your mornings slower.

1. What ceremonial cacao is

Ceremonial cacao is the whole cacao bean, ground into a paste. Nothing is pressed out and nothing is added. Ours comes from one small family farm in Ecuador growing Arriba Nacional cacao.

It tastes deep, earthy and a little floral. It's not sweet unless you make it sweet.

2. Your everyday cup

1. Scoop 20 g (about 2 tablespoons). That's one cup. A 1 lb bag makes about 22 cups, and the 1 kg bag makes about 50.
2. Heat 6 to 8 oz of water or plant milk until hot but not boiling.
3. Whisk or froth until smooth and foamy. A molinillo, a milk frother or a blender all work.

New to cacao, or sensitive to caffeine? Cacao naturally contains a small amount of caffeine, so start with half a cup (10 g) and see how it sits with you.

3. Three recipes we love

Morning Sun

20 g cacao, 8 oz hot oat milk, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt, 1 tsp honey or maple. Whisk and drink slowly.

Spiced Mayan Cup

20 g cacao, 7 oz hot water, a pinch each of cinnamon and cayenne, a drop of vanilla. Froth until foamy.

Evening Moon

15 g cacao, 8 oz warm almond milk, a little vanilla and nutmeg. A softer, gentler cup for winding down.

4. A 5-minute morning ritual

1. Make your cup slowly. No phone. Just the sound of the whisk.
2. Hold it with both hands. Notice the warmth and the smell.
3. Set one intention for the day. One sentence is enough.
4. Take three slow sips. Then drink the rest however you like.
5. Give thanks. To the farmers, the land, and yourself for showing up.

That's it. The ritual isn't about doing it perfectly. It's about doing it often.

5. Storing your cacao

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, in its sealed bag. It doesn't need the fridge. If it gets a light whitish film, that's just cacao butter rising to the surface. It's still good.

Ready for your first bag?

Most people start with the 1 lb bag, about 22 cups. Free US shipping on orders over $65.

Questions? Just reply to any of my emails. I read every one.

Warmly,
Luis