caja de sol de cusco 12 unidades (12x90g)

The so de cusco preparation embodies the richness of traditional hot chocolate tablets, perfect for making thick, spiced and comforting drinks. With this box you have twelve compact portions at your disposal, designed to melt slowly into hot liquid and release intense aromas of cinnamon and cloves.

The final texture depends on how you choose to prepare it, but the typical result is a full-bodied, dark and aromatic cup, light years away from industrial soluble powders. The flavour blends the bitter notes of cocoa mass with sweet undertones and a balsamic touch of spices that instantly warms the palate.

The Andean tradition of festive hot chocolate

In South American homes, hot chocolate is not just an afternoon snack, but a social ritual bringing families and entire communities together. Preparation always starts with the solid tablet, broken into pieces and melted over a very gentle heat in large steaming pots.

This ritual reaches its peak during the end-of-year festivities and on winter mornings, when the scent of spiced cocoa fills the rooms from the earliest hours of the day. Serving a steaming mug means offering a warm welcome, celebration and a moment of comfort to anyone who walks through the door.

How to make the perfect cup with so de cusco

Preparing the drink requires just a few precise steps and a little patience, as solid cocoa needs constant heat to melt without clumping. You can choose to use whole milk, boiling water or a fifty-fifty mix, depending on how light you prefer it.

For a classic result, pour a generous mug of liquid into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place it over gentle heat. As the liquid begins to warm up, break up a tablet of so de cusco and drop it into the saucepan.

Turn down the heat and stir with a hand whisk or a wooden spoon, making continuous circular motions. Simmer gently for about five minutes, until the tablet has completely dissolved and a light, dense froth begins to form on the surface. If you enjoy a velvetier texture, you can froth it lightly with a mini-whisk before serving.

Ideas and variations to try

The tablets lend themselves to various interpretations, from the most rustic drink to home-baked treats:

• Traditional chocolate with milk: melted slowly in hot whole milk to obtain a creamy, full-bodied drink, ideal for cold days.
• Water-based chocolatada: the lighter, more refreshing version, where the tablet melts in boiling water with orange zest and sugar to taste.
• Base for cocoa cakes: coarsely grated or melted in a bain-marie to enrich cake batters, biscuits and breakfast loaves.
• Dipping sauce: prepared by reducing the liquid by half to create a thick sauce for dipping warm churros or fresh fruit.

What to pair with your steaming mug

This rich drink calls for pairings that balance its spice or enhance its sweetness. The quintessential pairing is with panettone, eaten in thick slices for both breakfast and an afternoon treat throughout the festive season.

Another very common traditional pairing is with soft, lightly salted fresh cheese. It may seem unusual if you have never tried it, but dipping a piece of fresh cheese into spiced hot chocolate creates a contrast between sweet and savoury that surprises on the very first taste. For a simple snack, you can serve it with toasted rusks, sweet bread or biscuits.

The perfect occasions to enjoy it

A box of twelve portions is designed to be shared or to see you through the coldest weeks of the year. It is the ideal breakfast for winter Sundays, when there is time to spend at the stove and enjoy the preparation without rushing.

It also becomes the centrepiece of the table during family gatherings, Christmas festivities or after dinner with close friends. Having a supply ready allows you to whip up a warm treat for guests in just a few minutes, filling your home with an inviting aroma.

What sets these tablets apart from cocoa powder

Instant supermarket cocoa almost always contains artificial thickeners, starches and large amounts of refined sugar. In contrast, so de cusco tablets offer an aromatic profile based on solid cocoa mass, directly infused with the flavours of traditional spices.

When you melt an artisanal tablet, you immediately notice the difference from its natural dark colour and a texture that is silky rather than sticky. On the palate you taste the aromatic depth of roasted cocoa, free from the chemical aftertaste typical of instant sachets.

How to store the tablets before and after opening

The unopened pack should be kept in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. The kitchen larder is the best environment, preferably at a temperature not exceeding twenty degrees.

If you open the box and do not use all the units, simply place the remaining tablets in an airtight glass jar or seal the original wrapping tightly. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as the internal humidity could cause the cocoa butter to rise to the surface, creating a white bloom that does not spoil the product but alters its appearance.

How much the 12-unit pack yields

The box contains exactly 12 pieces, each portioned to make a generous mug of hot chocolate of around two hundred and fifty millilitres. A single box can therefore serve up to twelve people during a festive gathering, or cover breakfast for several weeks if enjoyed on your own.

Who this product is for

This box is perfect for anyone who loves genuine South American flavours and is looking for a hot chocolate with character, spice and a full-bodied texture. It is an ideal choice for families wishing to revive home traditions or for anyone curious to try the Andean chocolatada recipe.

However, it is not suitable for those looking for an instant powder to stir cold into milk with a spoon in two seconds, nor for anyone wanting an overly sweet drink without spiced aromatic notes.

Frequently asked questions

Can a so de cusco tablet be melted in the microwave?

Using a saucepan on the hob is preferable, allowing the tablet to melt gradually as you stir. If you are short on time, you can heat the milk in the microwave, add the finely chopped tablet and whisk vigorously.

Do you need to add extra sugar during preparation?

The tablets already contain sugar and flavourings. We recommend tasting the drink towards the end of cooking and adding a teaspoon of sugar or panela only if you prefer a particularly sweet taste.

Can plant-based milks be used instead of dairy milk?

Yes, the product also dissolves very well in plant-based milks such as soya, oat or almond, as well as in hot water as is done in many traditional Andean recipes.