One of the things I love most about ceremonial cacao is that preparing it doesn’t have to be complicated.

There’s no need for expensive equipment or an elaborate ritual. Whether you’re making a small everyday cup before work or preparing a ceremonial serving for quiet reflection, the process is wonderfully simple.

At Earthtones, we use Keith’s Cacao in every cacao ceremony we facilitate, but this is exactly how I prepare it at home too.

Step 1: Choose Your Serving Size

The amount of cacao you use depends on how you’d like to enjoy it.

10–15g Perfect for an everyday cup.

20–28g A lovely amount for meditation, journalling or a longer mindful practice.

28–42g A traditional ceremonial serving, which allows for deeper work.

If you’re completely new to ceremonial cacao, I’d always recommend starting with a smaller serving and discovering what feels right for you.

Step 2: Heat Your Liquid Gently

Heat around 200–250 ml of water or plant milk.

The important thing is not to let it boil.

A simple guide is this: If you can’t comfortably hold your finger in the liquid for about three seconds, it’s too hot.

(Using boiling liquid destroys some of the natural qualities of cacao)

Step 3: Add the Cacao

Break your Keith’s Cacao into small pieces and add it to your mug or blender.

If you’re mixing by hand, try adding a small amount of the liquid and whicking until you have a smooth paste, than add the remaining liquid.

If you’re using a blender, carefully add the warm liquid and blend until smooth.

You don’t need a big blender for this – a hand blender works beautifully, and even a small milk frother, or hand whisk will do the job.

Step 5: Add Anything Extra

Many people enjoy ceremonial cacao just as it is.

If you’d like to experiment, try adding:

• cinnamon
• vanilla
• a tiny pinch of chilli
• honey
• maple syrup
• coconut blossom sugar

I’d avoid heavily processed white sugar if possible, as it tends to overpower the natural flavour of the cacao.

Step 6: Take a Moment

This might be my favourite step. Before taking your first sip, simply pause.

Take a slow breath.

Notice the warmth of the mug in your hands.

You don’t need a complicated ceremony or a long meditation. Even thirty seconds of stillness can completely change the way you begin your day.

Keith Wilson, founder of Keith’s Cacao, often said:

“Cacao opens the door. It’s up to you to walk through it.”

For me, that perfectly sums up ceremonial cacao. The drink itself creates an opportunity, but it’s up to each of us what we do with that moment.

Enjoying Your Cup

Whether you’re sitting quietly before work, preparing for meditation, writing in your journal or sharing cacao with friends, remember that there is no perfect way to enjoy ceremonial cacao.

Some mornings it’s an elaborate ritual with candles and flowers.

Other mornings it’s simply a warm mug in your hands while the kettle cools and the world wakes up.

Both are equally valid.

If you’d like to experience Keith’s Cacao for yourself, you can find it in our shop, or join us at one of our regular cacao ceremonies at Earthtones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cacao lumpy?

Usually because it hasn’t been whisked long enough or the pieces were too large. Breaking the cacao into smaller chunks helps it melt more easily.

Why has the cocoa butter separated?

This is completely normal. You may notice bloom (the white colour on the block of cacao). This occurs because Keith’s Cacao is not heated in any way. We’re used to seeing chocolate with the cacao butter perfectly combined. This is because the cacao is repeatedly heated and cooled (destroying many of its great qualities), which combines the cacao butter and solids. If there is bloom on your block of cacao, it just means the cacao butter is separating slightly. It will combine again when you add the warm liquid and whisk.

Can I make ceremonial cacao with dairy milk?

You can, but many people prefer water or plant milk because they feel it allows the flavour of the cacao to shine through.

Can I make it in advance?

Freshly prepared ceremonial cacao always tastes best, but if needed it can be refrigerated and gently reheated later.

Should I drink ceremonial cacao every day?

Many people do. Others save it for weekly rituals or special occasions. There isn’t a right or wrong approach. Find a rhythm that feels right for you.

Further Reading

What Is Ceremonial Cacao?

Keith’s Ceremonial Cacao

The Earthtones Cacao Journal