Ceremonial Cacao: A Ritual for Slow Mornings

Over the past months, I've been starting my days a little differently. No coffee. Just cacao. Warm, grounding, and deeply nourishing, ceremonial cacao has become a quiet little ritual of my mornings.

But what exactly is ceremonial cacao?

Unlike regular cocoa powder, ceremonial cacao is pure, minimally processed cacao paste made from whole beans. It’s not sweetened or stripped of its natural oils. It's used in traditional rituals in Central and South America, where cacao is known as the “Food of the Gods.” And while you don’t need to be in a ceremony to enjoy it, drinking it mindfully can feel like one. It is a beautiful way to connect with your body, ground your energy, or simply take a deep breath before the day begins.

Some of the gentle benefits I’ve noticed:
 ✨ More sustained energy
 ✨ Better focus and creativity in the studio
 ✨ A sense of calm presence and openness

Plus, it just tastes like a hug 🤎

I’ve been drinking Keith’s Cacao for a while now, it has such a rich, smooth flavor and beautiful energy. I love it so much that I now offer it in my shop, so you can bring the ritual into your own mornings too. Find it here.

I'm also sharing my favorite recipe with you 🌿

Ceremonial Cacao (for one)

• 2 tbsp (about 25 g) chopped ceremonial cacao
• 200 ml oat milk (or any milk you like)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 small pinch of salt
• a tiny pinch of chili powder (It helps open up the body and gets the cacao flowing even better)
• a small pinch of ground vanilla or a few drops vanilla extract
• 1 tsp honey or 1 chopped date
• ½ tsp chaga mushroom powder (optional, for an earthy boost)

💫 Use a sharp, heavy knife to chop your cacao into small pieces, it melts more easily this way.
Mix everything together and gently warm it on the stove, stirring until smooth and hot. It should be just too warm to touch, not boiling. I also like to blend it when it's done to get frothy version.

Serve hot & enjoy 🤎

I usually drink mine in silence or with soft music in the background. These two songs have become part of the ritual.

🎵 Betty – Lala Mama Cacao
🎵 Gro – My Medicine

Ceremonial cacao is more than just a warm drink, this is a little moment of connection to yourself, to your body, and to something deeper.
There’s something about the taste, the way it grounds you, and how you feel after… you’ll know what I mean once you’ve tried it.

And yes 😉 it definitely tastes better in a handmade mug! There’s something about wrapping your hands around a cup that’s been shaped with care and intention. It just makes the ritual feel even more special.

Whether you’re easing into your day, journaling, or just sitting by the window with your mug, I hope this cacao ritual brings you a little more slowness and sweetness too and be the reminder to enjoy the little things more.

Warmly,
Martina