Before: Eat lightly prior to consuming your ceremonial cacao drink. This will allow the cacao to absorb more fully and not dampen the effects. Be sure to drink plenty of water as you go and at the end of your  journey eat dense foods to ground your energy.

To make: Call in Spirit, guides and Mama Cacao to be with you, they will help guide you, (there is no way to mess this up! I promise!). While preparing, set an intention and hold your highest self in your heart space. I like to play heart centered music while you are preparing your cacao. 

Start with 8 oz of water and the contents of your custom hand crafted cacao bag. You can add more water if you prefer a lighter experience or are very sensitive, pregnant or on anti-depressants. It will be perfect for you, exactly the way you create it. 

Heat water in a pot to right before boiling, add in the cacao, pulling the pot off of the heat. Refrain from boiling once the cacao is added. Let the cacao soften in the pot of water for about a minute. Then mix cacao in a blender or with a hand blender to fuse the water, cacao and herbs together. You can also use a hand whisk or shaker cup (make sure to release the pressure from the heat after the first shake). Do not stir it in or use an electric whisk, the chunks of cacao can get caught in the whisk and make a big mess.

 While blending the cacao watch as the steam rises off of your cup, this is our gift to our ancestors. We thank them for their guidance on this Song of Life. If you would like, feel free to add some honey, dates or  agave as a sweetener.

* If you do use a whisk, it is helpful to have a spoon to keep the consistency even as you consume. The cacao will settle at the bottom over time. 

** If you are new to drinking cacao, I would recommend drinking your cacao slowly. Sometimes with too much cacao you can experience stomach queasiness.

*** If you do not finish your cacao, you can always save it to drink another time, within 3 days in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. To reheat, you will need to bring it up to simmer in a pot. Do not let it boil. 

What to expect: Most people will feel the cacao within 15-20 minutes. There is usually a strong focus of energy around the heart and an expansive feeling. Focus is easier. Deepest effects will last 3 to 5 hours, depending on focus of attention.

Enjoy and remember to continue drinking water throughout your journey. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at isabel@bellacacao.com.