What Is Ceremonial Cacao

We’ve recently received questions from several people asking if our 100% chocolate can be used for ceremonial cacao. The short answer is: yes—and we’re glad you asked.

Ceremonial cacao is much more than just hot chocolate. It’s a centuries-old tradition with deep roots in Indigenous cultures of Central and South America. Today, it's making a quiet, meaningful return—used in meditation, creative work, personal rituals, or simply as a way to slow down and reconnect.

Ceremonial Cacao vs. 100% Chocolate: What's the Difference?

Ceremonial cacao and 100% chocolate are both made entirely from cacao beans with no added sugar, sweeteners, or fillers. What sets ceremonial cacao apart is the intention behind how it’s prepared and consumed.

Ceremonial cacao is typically:

• Stone-ground into a paste rather than refined into a bar
• Unprocessed or minimally processed, keeping all of the natural compounds intact
• Used with intention, often in rituals, meditation, or group ceremonies

That said, you don’t need a special label to enjoy the benefits of ceremonial cacao. At Fresco, our 100% chocolate is minimally processed and made with care. We roast gently and refine in small batches to preserve the character of the beans. There’s nothing added, and nothing taken away—making it an excellent choice for cacao drinks and mindful rituals.

How to Prepare a Ceremonial Cacao Drink

Ceremonial cacao is most often enjoyed as a warm drink—rich, thick, and deeply nourishing. It’s not about sweetness; it’s about flavor, presence, and connection.

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Basic Ceremonial Cacao Drink

• 1 to 1.5 oz (28–42 g) of Fresco 100% chocolate
• 6–8 oz hot water or unsweetened plant milk
• Optional: a pinch of chili or cayenne, cinnamon, sea salt, or a touch of honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
2. Heat the liquid until steaming but not boiling.
3. Whisk or blend the chocolate into the liquid until smooth and frothy.
4. Sip slowly, with intention.

You can adjust the cacao-to-liquid ratio based on how strong you’d like your drink.

Do You Need a Ceremony?

Not at all. Ceremonial cacao doesn’t require candles, chanting, or group circles—though it can include any of those if they speak to you.

You might simply sit quietly, set an intention, or take a few deep breaths before sipping. Others enjoy cacao during journaling, walks in nature, or creative work. Some do nothing but drink slowly and meditate. That, in itself, is a ritual.

A Note on Sourcing and Integrity

True ceremonial cacao is about more than format—it’s about integrity, transparency, and connection to origin. At Fresco, we work directly with growers who cultivate cacao with care, and we keep our processing minimal so you can taste the true character of the beans.

If you’re exploring cacao for spiritual practice, creative focus, or personal wellness, our 100% chocolate collection offers a beautiful, authentic place to begin.