Make this spiced Mexican hot chocolate for Day of the Dead

"Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos is a syncretic Catholic-Indigenous tradition that in the last quarter-century has transcended cultural lines and become a social observance in the U.S. Muertos-themed festivals now adorn local calendars across our region and the country, from small rural towns to major cities. Fears of a Cinco de Mayo-fication of Day of the Dead have been aired for years now, as the observance became commercially attractive for marketers, costume-makers and food brands."

"Why spiced? Well, I can find almost any excuse to add a chile component to a dish or drink. n this case, I take the standard recipe of Mexican chocolate tablets and milk or water and mix in a hefty dose of cinnamon plus clove pieces. In recent years, I've been contributing a note of cardamom and even a few pods of any small, round Mexican chile, like tepin or pequin."

Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos is a syncretic Catholic-Indigenous tradition that has expanded into a broad social observance across the United States over the last quarter-century. Muertos-themed festivals now appear in small towns and major cities alike. Commercialization has raised concerns of a Cinco de Mayo–style commodification, with marketers, costume-makers and food brands capitalizing on the observance and popular culture influences such as the film Coco amplifying visibility. Many people maintain private ofrendas at home on Nov. 1 and 2. Food traditions tied to the observance include pan de muerto and spiced Mexican chocolate flavored with cinnamon, clove, cardamom and chiles.

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