Name: Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup of vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup of whole milk; 2 tablespoons of Mexican chocolate syrup; 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon; A pinch of cayenne pepper; Whipped cream, for garnish; A sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for garnish

The Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake isn’t just another item on the menu; it’s a daring adventure for your taste buds, wrapped up in a thick, creamy shake. This unique blend, which is a harmonious fusion of rich chocolate, a whisper of cinnamon, and a hint of spice, pays homage to the traditional Mexican hot chocolate that has been warming hearts for centuries.

How to make Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

The Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is a limited-time offering from Whataburger, introduced in early 2025 as part of their 75th anniversary celebrations. This shake blends the traditional flavors of Mexican hot chocolate—bittersweet chocolate and cinnamon—into a creamy, cold beverage.

Ingredients:

1 cup of vanilla ice cream (preferably high quality for that creamy consistency)
1/2 cup of whole milk (adjust based on your preferred shake thickness)
2 tablespoons of Mexican chocolate syrup or regular chocolate syrup with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a dash of chili powder for that authentic Mexican twist
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, but adds a nice warmth)
Whipped cream, for garnish
A sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Chocolate Syrup: If you can’t find Mexican chocolate syrup, you can easily prepare a semblance by mixing the regular chocolate syrup with ground cinnamon and a tiny dash of chili powder. Stir until well combined.
Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, the prepared chocolate syrup, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more cayenne pepper or cinnamon.
Serve with Flair: Pour the shake into a tall glass, leaving some room at the top. Generously top with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for that extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy: Grab a thick straw, dive in, and enjoy the blissful marriage of flavors that the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake offers.

Tips for a Perfect Shake:

Ice Cream Quality: The quality of vanilla ice cream greatly influences the shake’s creaminess and overall flavor. Opt for a premium brand to enhance the luxurious texture.
Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker shake, start with less milk and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. For a thinner shake, do the opposite.
Spice to Taste: The cayenne pepper and cinnamon measurements are just starting points. Feel free to adjust each according to your preference for spiciness and warmth.
Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your serving glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before pouring the shake into it.

What to serve with

Pairing the right dish with the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake can transform a simple snack or meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Given its rich flavor profile, which combines the sweetness of chocolate, the creaminess of vanilla ice cream, and the unique warmth of cinnamon and a hint of spice, some delicious pairings will complement your shake and create a well-rounded eating experience.

Sweet and Savory Breakfast

Churros with Caramel Sauce: These crispy, sugary delights dipped in caramel sauce can accentuate the creamy, spicy notes of the shake, making for a delightful contrast.
Huevos Rancheros: Try this classic Mexican breakfast dish for a savoury contrast. The bold flavors of the eggs, salsa, and tortillas, paired with the sweet and spicy shake, create a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Midday Treats and Snacks

Cinnamon-Sugar Sopapillas: These light, puffy pastries, when sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, echo the cinnamon in the shake, offering a sweet and satisfying crunch.
Spicy Roasted Nuts: A mix of almonds, cashews, or pecans roasted with chili powder and a touch of honey or brown sugar can be a great salty and sweet partner to the dessert-like shake.

Main Courses

Tacos Al Pastor: The sweet and spicy marinated pork with pineapple creates a complex flavor profile that surprisingly complements the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake, especially for a bold dinner choice.
Mole Poblano with Chicken: This iconic dish, known for its rich sauce made with chocolate and spices, can withstand the shake’s bold flavors, offering a luxurious and deeply satisfying pairing.

Desserts

Classic Flan: The creamy, caramelized flavor of flan complements the spicy, chocolatey notes of the shake, creating a balance between simplicity and complexity in flavors.
Mexican Brownies with Walnuts: Enhance the chocolate experience with brownies that have a touch of chili powder. The added crunch from walnuts contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the shake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake requires balancing creamy, chocolatey goodness with a hint of warmth from spices.

1. Chocolate Ice Cream

Substitute: If chocolate ice cream is not available, vanilla ice cream with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder can be used. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk ice cream or almond milk ice cream blended with cocoa powder works well.

2. Milk

Substitute: For a dairy-free version, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk can replace cow’s milk without losing the creamy texture. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the shake’s sweetness.

3. Mexican Chocolate or Cinnamon Chocolate

Substitute: If Mexican chocolate is hard to come by, blend semisweet chocolate with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the flavor. For a more accessible option, use cinnamon powder with regular chocolate syrup.

4. Vanilla Extract

Substitute: If vanilla extract is unavailable, maple syrup or honey can add depth and sweetness. Almond extract, which has a stronger flavor, can also be used, but in smaller quantities.

5. Cinnamon

Substitute: While cinnamon is a key flavor, in its absence, a mix of nutmeg and allspice can provide a similar warmth. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.

6. Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder

Substitute: If you’re out of cayenne pepper or chili powder, a dash of paprika can add a similar depth without too much heat. For those sensitive to spice, it can also be omitted entirely.

7. Whipped Cream (Topping)

Substitute: For a dairy-free topping, coconut cream whipped with a bit of sugar makes an excellent alternative. Ready-made dairy-free whipped toppings are also available in many stores.

8. Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles (Topping)

Substitute: If you don’t have chocolate shavings, crushed chocolate chips or cocoa powder dusted on top can add a chocolatey finish. For a more colorful approach, use rainbow sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

Pairing the right dish with the Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake can transform a simple snack or meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

More Drink Recipes: