Copycat Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe

The Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, offering a delicious twist on the nostalgic flavors of Mexican hot chocolate. Inspired by the bold and comforting drink, Whataburger transformed it into a creamy, indulgent shake that leaves you craving more.

How to make Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

The Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate. It blends rich chocolate with warm spices like cinnamon and a hint of chili.

Ingredients

For the Shake

• 2 cups of chocolate ice cream (dark chocolate works best for a richer flavor)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or substitute with almond or oat milk for a creamier texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for the signature hint of spice)
• 2 teaspoons chocolate syrup (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Optional Garnishes

• Mini marshmallows
• Powdered cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Set up your blender and add all your shake ingredients: chocolate ice cream, whole milk, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you like a light kick of spice), and chocolate syrup. Make sure your ice cream is slightly softened before blending for an extra creamy texture.

Step 2: Blend the ingredients on high speed until completely combined and smooth—no lumps! If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Pour the shake into a glass and add your favorite garnishes. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle some cinnamon, and add chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows if you’d like to go the extra mile.

Step 4: Grab a spoon or straw and indulge in your homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. You’ve just recreated one of Whataburger’s most-loved seasonal treats!

Tips for the Perfect Shake

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you want a less spicy shake, reduce the cayenne pepper to a pinch or leave it out altogether. For a bolder kick, increase it slightly.
• Experiment with Milk Types: Whole milk gives the shake a rich texture, but if you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk works well and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
• Make It Extra Chocolatey: Add a handful of melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder for even more depth in the chocolate flavor.
• Choose Quality Ice Cream: Using high-quality chocolate ice cream makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of the shake.
• Customize the Garnishes: For a signature twist, add crushed cinnamon cookies, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkling of chili powder.

What to serve with

The rich, chocolatey, and spiced goodness of the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is a dessert experience on its own—but pairing it with the right food can elevate your enjoyment even further.

Sweet Pairings

1. Churros with Cinnamon Sugar: Churros are the ultimate companion to the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. Their crispy exterior and soft, doughy inside complement the creamy texture of the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. Serve them with a side of chocolate or dulce de leche dipping sauce for an extra indulgent touch—the cinnamon-sugar dusting ties beautifully into the spiced tones of the shake.

2. Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones): These buttery, crumbly cookies coated in powdered sugar offer a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that pairs well with the rich chocolate flavors of the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. Their simplicity enhances the shake without overwhelming it.

3. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: If you want a romantic or elegant pairing, chocolate-dipped strawberries are the way to go. The fruity tang of the strawberries provides a bright contrast to the shake’s chocolaty richness, while the chocolate coating ties the flavors together perfectly.

4. Brownies or Chocolate Fudge: Pair the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake with chewy brownies or decadent chocolate fudge to create the ultimate chocolate lover’s combo. To echo the flavors of the shake, sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or cayenne pepper on the brownies.

Savory Pairings

1. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: For a fun and unexpected pairing, make cinnamon sugar-dusted tortilla chips. These crispy, sweet-savory chips can be dipped into the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake for a unique texture experience. The tortilla base subtly nods to the traditional Mexican flavors.

2. Spicy Mexican-Style Popcorn: Balance the richness of the shake with a bowl of spicy popcorn seasoned with chili powder, lime zest, and a dash of paprika. The savory spice of the popcorn adds a pop of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet creaminess of the shake.

3. Quesadillas with Honey or Chocolate Drizzle: A quesadilla doesn’t always have to be savory—sweet quesadillas filled with melted chocolate, caramel, or a thin layer of cinnamon-honey make for a warm, gooey partner to sip alongside your shake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake can be a fun culinary adventure, especially when experimenting with ingredient substitutes to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

1. Ice Cream

Traditional Choice: Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk-based ice creams for a lactose-free version.
• Lower Calorie Alternative: Opt for frozen yogurt or a low-fat frozen dessert.

2. Milk

Traditional Choice: Whole or 2% Milk

Substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk provide a creamy texture while accommodating those with dairy sensitivities. Use unsweetened versions to control sugar levels.
• Richness Variation: For extra creaminess, try using half-and-half or dairy-free creamers.

3. Mexican Chocolate

Traditional Choice: Ibarra or Abuelita chocolate, which includes cinnamon and sugar.

Substitutes:

• Regular Chocolate with Spices: If you don’t have Mexican chocolate, use a mix of dark or semi-sweet chocolate and add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
• Cocoa Powder: Blend cocoa powder with a little extra sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder to mimic the spiced profile.

4. Cinnamon

Traditional Choice: Ground Cinnamon

Substitutes:

• Cinnamon Extract: A few drops of cinnamon extract can provide a potent cinnamon flavor.
• Allspice or Nutmeg: While these spices have a distinct flavor, they can offer a warm touch if cinnamon isn’t available.

5. Whipped Cream

Traditional Choice: Dairy Whipped Cream

Substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: Coconut-based or almond-based whipped toppings are great substitutes for dietary restrictions.
• Homemade Options: For a vegan alternative, you can whip coconut cream (from a chilled can of coconut milk).

Final Thoughts

The Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is a drink that doesn’t just play on chocolate—it explores warm spices, creaminess, and bold flavors. By pairing it with complementary treats, you can create a meal or dessert experience that feels complete and memorable.

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