Nicaraguan Cacao Drink Recipe

The Nicaraguan Cacao drink is a refreshing, cold beverage that highlights the country's status as a producer of high-quality cocoa. Unlike hot chocolate, this drink is served over ice and is made from roasted cacao beans that are ground together with white rice and cinnamon. This mixture is then blended with milk and sugar to create a rich, creamy, and slightly textured drink that is both energizing and satisfying.

Culturally, cacao has been revered in the region since pre-Columbian times, once used as currency by indigenous tribes. Today, the drink is a common accompaniment to meals or a midday treat to beat the tropical heat. It is often served in a 'jícara,' a traditional cup made from the dried fruit of the calabash tree, connecting the modern enjoyment of the drink to its ancient, earthy roots.