Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe

by Jamie and Alex Thompson

Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is a fusion of creamy indulgence and the warm, spiced nostalgia of authentic Mexican hot chocolate. This isn’t just another shake—it’s a ticket to a sensory fiesta, where the familiar hug of chocolate greets the spirited warmth of cinnamon in a dance of flavors that’s as enchanting as it is unexpected.

How to make Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

The Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is a limited-time seasonal shake offered by Whataburger, usually around the winter months. It combines the creamy base of a milkshake with the flavors of rich chocolate and cinnamon, reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of vanilla ice cream (preferably rich and creamy)
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk (adjust based on desired thickness)
  • 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix (choose a brand with rich chocolate flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for those who dare)
  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Chocolate shavings or cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • Additional cinnamon or chili powder for dusting on top (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Make sure your ingredients are ready to go. The ice cream should be slightly softened before you start for the best texture.
  2. Blend: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, hot chocolate mix, ground cinnamon, and the pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Blend on a medium-to-high setting until everything is well incorporated and the shake looks smooth and creamy.
  3. Consistency Check: After blending, check the consistency. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream. Blend again to achieve your ideal milkshake texture.
  4. Serve: Pour the shake into a large glass or two smaller glasses if you’re feeling generous. A tall, chilled glass will enhance the experience.
  5. Garnish: Top the shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings, a dusting of ground cinnamon, or even a light sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick. Alternatively, garnish with a cinnamon stick for a touch of elegance.
  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of your homemade Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shake:

  • Richer Chocolate: For an even more decadent shake, use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla or mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Spice It Up: The spice levels in this shake are adjustable. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way with spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
  • Creaminess Matters: Use full-fat ice cream and whole milk for the best results. They contribute to the shake’s creamy texture and overall flavor profile.
  • Chill Your Glass: Placing your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving can help keep your shake cold and delicious for longer.

What to serve with

The perfect accompaniment to the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake can elevate this indulgent experience to new heights, creating a remarkable and satisfying dessert or snack pairing.

Sweet Pairings:

  • Classic Churros: Dipping crispy, sugary churros into the creamy shake adds a delightful texture contrast. The cinnamon in the churros harmonizes with the spicy notes in the shake, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: A batch of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies served alongside the shake makes for a comforting and nostalgic pairing. The melting chocolate chips from the cookies mix beautifully with the creamy texture and rich taste of the shake.
  • Spiced Brownies: Elevate a classic brownie recipe by incorporating spices like cinnamon and a dash of chili powder to mirror the shake’s warmth. The dense, fudgy texture of the brownies paired with the smooth shake creates a satisfyingly indulgent duo.

Savory Pairings:

  • Bacon-Wrapped Dates: For those who enjoy sweet and savory combos, bacon-wrapped dates offer a delightful contrast. The salty crispiness of the bacon coupled with the sweet chewiness of the dates complements the creamy and spicy shake unexpectedly.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, especially when dusted with a bit of cinnamon and sugar before frying, pairs wonderfully with the Mexican hot chocolate shake. The crisp exterior and soft interior of the fries offer a pleasant textural contrast to the shake.
  • Spiced Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts tossed with spices like cinnamon, cayenne, and a hint of sugar and salt and roasted to perfection can be a great side snack. This mix offers a crunchy, flavorful accompaniment that balances the shake’s creaminess.

Breakfast or Brunch Pairings:

  • Cinnamon French Toast: For a decadent breakfast or brunch option, serve the Mexican hot chocolate shake with cinnamon-spiced French toast. Add a fruit compote on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the richness of the shake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake means you might need to substitute some ingredients either due to availability issues or personal dietary restrictions.

Milk:

  • Lactose-free milk: A direct substitute for those with lactose intolerance.
  • Almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or oat milk: Use any of these plant-based milk alternatives for a vegan or dairy-free version. Each will add its distinctive taste to the shake.

Ice Cream:

  • Lactose-free vanilla ice cream: A good choice for those avoiding lactose but still consuming dairy.
  • Coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ice cream, or soy milk ice cream: To preserve the creamy texture without dairy, use a vegan ice cream made from any of these.

Chocolate Syrup:

  • Homemade chocolate syrup: If you prefer homemade or have dietary restrictions, you can make a chocolate syrup with cocoa powder, sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia), water, and a touch of vanilla.
  • Dairy-free chocolate syrup: Some brands offer vegan and dairy-free options if needed.

Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon is a key spice in the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake, so there’s no direct substitute. However, for variety or if you dislike cinnamon, consider:
  • Allspice: This will give a different but equally warm flavor profile.
  • Nutmeg: A bit more potent, so use sparingly to avoid overpowering the shake.

Cayenne Pepper:

The cayenne pepper gives the shake its distinctive “hot” flavor. If you don’t have it on hand or want an alternative, try:

  • Chili powder: A blend of spices that usually includes ground dried chilies. It is milder than cayenne but will still add a bit of heat.
  • Paprika (smoked or hot): Smoked paprika can provide a deeper, smokier flavor, while hot paprika provides a similar heat.

Whipped Cream:

  • Coconut whipped cream: For a non-dairy topping, chilled coconut cream whipped with sugar can work beautifully.
  • Cashew cream: A thick cream made from soaked, blended cashews with a bit of sweetener can also replace whipped cream if non-dairy is needed.

Sugar:

  • Maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey: If you’re avoiding refined sugars, natural sweeteners like these can be used to taste.
  • Zero-calorie sweeteners: For those managing calorie intake or with diabetes, sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or blends like Truvia or Splenda can replace sugar.

Vanilla Extract:

  • Almond extract: If you’re out of vanilla or want a nuttier flavor, you can use almond extract. However, it’s much stronger than vanilla, so use half as much.
  • Maple syrup: Offers a different but complementary flavor, and it doubles as a sweetener.

Final Thoughts

Making this Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake at home not only brings the unique flavors of Whataburger’s limited-time offering into your kitchen but also allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences.

More Chocolate Drink Recipes:

Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe

Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 440 calories 11 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk 
  • 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix 
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Chocolate shavings or cinnamon stick
  • Additional cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Make sure your ingredients are ready to go. The ice cream should be slightly softened before you start for the best texture.
  2. Blend: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, hot chocolate mix, ground cinnamon, and the pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Blend on a medium-to-high setting until everything is well incorporated and the shake looks smooth and creamy.
  3. Consistency Check: After blending, check the consistency. If it's too thick for your liking, add a bit more milk; if it's too thin, add a little more ice cream. Blend again to achieve your ideal milkshake texture.
  4. Serve: Pour the shake into a large glass or two smaller glasses if you're feeling generous. A tall, chilled glass will enhance the experience.
  5. Garnish: Top the shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings, a dusting of ground cinnamon, or even a light sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick. Alternatively, garnish with a cinnamon stick for a touch of elegance.
  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of your homemade Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake.

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