Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe with a Spicy Kick

Whataburger is a well-known fast-food restaurant chain in the United States. And Whataburger’s famous Mexican hot chocolate shake is one of my favorites. 

It is not just mine; many other people also love it.

But they can’t make the copycat recipe themselves at home. 

So, I tried this Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake recipe at home, and it turned out amazing.

So, in this article, I will give you a full recipe guide including ingredients, step-by-step instructions to make it, Variations, some substitutes to make it more healthy, serving suggestions, and many more things.

 

Why Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Is Special?

As I’m a health-conscious guy, I keep trying different chocolate shakes, milkshakes, and smoothies to fulfill my daily calorie intake.

After trying all these different things, I know that all of them have one thing in common, and that is they all are sweets. 

Some are less, and some are not, but generally, they are, although I sometimes reduce sugar. 

So, one thing that Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate is different from others is that they are not sweet. 

This Mexican Creamy chocolate shake is a combination of rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and chili powder, which makes it really different from other sweets. 

I’ll say it’s a balance of sweet and spicy, which makes it stand out among seasonal treats. 

One more thing is that the Mexican hot chocolate shake is not available throughout the year. That’s why people have to wait for it. 

However, now you won’t have to wait until you know how to make this seasonal shake at home.

 

Ingredients for Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

Here are all the ingredients that you will need to make the best copycat Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake recipe at home.

• 2 cups high-quality vanilla ice cream: This is the base of Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe, so you will want to use premium full-fat ice cream for the best creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative): Whole milk is the best as it will give this shake richness, but you can also use other vegan milk for the dairy-free version.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: This is another key ingredient for Deep Chocolate Flavor; I recommend you use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the best result, but you can also use others if available.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: It will bring warmth and enhance the flavor of your Mexican hot chocolate shake.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste): This is what makes Mexican chocolate shakes different from others. It will add some spiciness and make this shake unique; however, add very little, just a little, based on your taste preference.
• Whipped cream (for topping): It will give that classic finish to the shake.
• Extra cinnamon (for garnish): This final dusting of cinnamon will tie all flavors together.

Pro Tip: Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Cocoa powder, fresh, spicy, and vanilla ice cream will play a crucial role. 

However, for a rich taste, you can even add vanilla extract or use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Creamiest Shake

Here is the step-by-step process of making Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake at home. 

Just follow this guide step-by-step, and you will have the perfect shake.

Step 1: Blend the Base

First of all, you will need a high-speed blender, and then you will combine 2 cups of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream with 1 cup of milk. 

Then, blend it at medium speed until you achieve a properly smooth mixture. It will help you make the best milkshake.

Step 2: Add the Flavors

Once the mixture is ready, you’ll need to add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder. 

Then, blend it again until all these ingredients are properly mixed with the Mexican hot chocolate shake base. 

By the way, if you want a more spicy shake, then you can add more chili powder than what I have recommended. 

But keep testing when adding extra chili; don’t add one too much at one time; it will ruin all your hard work and mood. 

Step 3: Adjust the Consistency

Check the thickness of your Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. If you see it’s thick, then add some milk and blend it again. 

If it is thin, then add one more scoop of vanilla ice cream until you get the thickness you want. 

You just need to make it thick enough so that you can enjoy it without a straw.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Finally, your shake will be ready. Then, take a tall glass, pour your Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate into it, and top it with the whipped cream. 

Then, finish with cinnamon dusting for visual appeal. And enjoy.

Pro Tip:

If you want extra thicknesses, then you can freeze milk into ice cubes and then use them instead of liquid milk. 

By doing so, your shake won’t become too watery, and you can enjoy the best creamy texture.

 

Ingredient Substitutes

One thing that I really like about the homemade Mexican hot chocolate shake is that you can customize it. 

You can make it dairy-free, low sugar, keto-friendly, or extra spicy, which is not easily possible at the restaurant. However, here are some ingredients substitutes:

Dairy-Free Alternatives: You can swap whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. And replace vanilla ice cream with dairy-free coconut or cashew-based ice cream to keep the shake plant-based.

Sugar-Free or Lower-Sugar Options: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to avoid extra sugar. Instead of using sugar-laden vanilla ice cream, use sugar-free ice cream and natural sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia.

Adjusting the Spice Level: If you want mild flavor, then reduce chili powder, and for an extra kick, you can add cayenne pepper or even smoked paprika. They will give your drink a spicy but more complex flavor.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to try different combinations. Maybe you will discover a new variation.

 

Nutrition Facts: Is This Shake a Guilty Pleasure?

Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake is delicious, and if you make it at home, you can control all ingredients and make it more healthy than the store version. 

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (without whipped cream):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 8g

Pro Tip: If you want to reduce calories and make a healthy Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake, then instead of using whole milk, use low-fat milk and sugar-free cocoa powder.

Besides this, you can also reduce the portion size, especially when you are serving it with something else.

 

What to Serve with Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake

If you want to enhance your overall snack experience, then here are some delicious options that you can serve with the Whataburger Burger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake dessert.

Sweet Treats to Pair with Your Shake:

You can pair warm churros with chocolate dipping sauce for an authentic Mexican-inspired combo. 

Besides this, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and Mexican wedding cookies are also good options that you can serve with this Mexican hot chocolate drink.

Savory Snacks for a Perfect Balance:

If you want to have a sweet and salty combination, then you need to try Spicy Nachos loaded with Melted Cheese, Jalapenos, and Salsa. 

Besides this, you can also try Mini Beef, Bean Tacos, Loaded Potato Skins, or Chicken Empanadas, as it’s a delicious, flaky, and savory option.

Breakfast or Brunch Pairings:

If you want to turn your Whataburger-inspired Mexican hot chocolate shake into a full breakfast, then pair it with any of the following options:

• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• French Toast Sticks
• Breakfast Burritos (It’s made with eggs, sausage, and cheese, so it is a healthy breakfast).

Besides this, you can have chocolate-filled croissants or Banana Bread Slices.

If you add any of these things, you will have a full breakfast that will keep you energetic till lunchtime.

Pro Tip: You can dip your cookies, donuts, or churros into the shake for an extra-decadent experience.

 

How to Customize Your Shake

Here are some variations that you can try with Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe.

• Mocha Twist: You just have to add some espresso for a caffeinated kick.
• Rich and Dark: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a deeper flavor.
• Extra Spice: Add some cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Nutty Flavor: You can blend a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter.

 

Why This Recipe Beats Whataburger’s Version

There are four reasons why I consider that a homemade version of this hot chocolate shake is better than what you get at the shop.

• Control: You can adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your taste.
• Freshness: When you make shakes at home, it’ll be fresh and free from preservatives.
• Customization: You can add your favorite ingredients, like plant-based milk or natural sugar.
• No Seasonal Limits: Enjoy this treat anytime, not just when Whataburger has it on its menu.

 

Final Thoughts

It was easy to make Copycat Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake recipe.

It is more customizable and healthy than what you get at the restaurant. Moreover, it’s cheaper. 

You can make this sweet treat when you want to impress guests, friends, or family members.

Plus, you can also serve it with cinnamon roll pancakes, bean tacos, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, etc., or try any other things that you personally like.

However, whatever you try, just don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comment section.

 

Can I make this shake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. But I recommend you make it when you want to drink. 

Because Whataburger Mexican hot chocolate tastes better when it is fresh.

How do I store leftovers?

You can pour leftovers into an air-tight container or glass jar and keep them in the freezer. 

When you are ready, then blend it again. Once it brings back its creamy texture, you can enjoy it.

Can I use a blender instead of a milkshake machine?

Yes, you can use a blender, but make sure it’s a high-speed blender, as it works well to create a thick, creamy hot chocolate shake.

Is this recipe gluten-free or vegan-friendly?

Yes, Whataburger’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Drink is gluten-free if you make sure that all ingredients that you are using are labeled gluten-free. 

You can use dairy-free ice cream or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut.