How to Host a Cacao Ceremony in 7 Steps + Recipe

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest insights on ceremonial cacao use.

Always wanted to prepare your own cacao ceremony at home but not sure how? In this article we share clear guidance and a ceremonial cacao recipe. Follow the 7 easy steps below and you'll be set for a warm, heart-opening experience that brings you closer to yourself.

What is a cacao ceremony?

A cacao ceremony is a traditional ritual where people gather in a circle to drink cacao, share what's on their minds, what they're grateful for and what challenges they face. Cacao's warm, heart-opening effect helps you open up and look at yourself with gentleness.

What are the effects of ceremonial cacao?

A ceremonial dose of cacao works in a mild and pleasant way. Unlike other traditional ceremony plants, cacao doesn't create a hallucinogenic or 'out of body' effect. What most people do experience is a sense of 'heart-opening': a gentle, loving warmth in the body that helps you connect more easily with yourself and others, and lets you see your challenges in a softer light.

The value of raw, ceremonial cacao

Raw, pure cacao is known for its high content of antioxidants, iron, magnesium and calcium. It's traditionally associated with a good mood and a sense of warmth and connection. That gentle effect is most noticeable with pure, raw cacao, not with regular supermarket cocoa. Want to explore the nutritional side? Read about the health benefits of raw cacao.

How to host a cacao ceremony for yourself

1. Choose good, 100% pure cacao (not regular cocoa)

Many people don't realise it, but the 'hot chocolate' powder from the supermarket is a heavily processed, stripped-down version of cacao. What you want is raw cacao: the pure form that still contains its natural compounds. At Next Level you'll find raw cacao of ceremonial quality, cold-processed and sourced from small producers. Browse our ceremonial cacao. Want to understand the difference between raw cacao and regular cocoa? Read Raw Cacao vs Chocolate.

2. Create a calm space

Whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors, ensure a quiet, private spot where you can be without interruptions. Make it nice, clean and cosy. Bring pillows, blankets, candles or whatever makes you feel warm and safe. Keep a journal nearby to write down your experience afterwards if you like.

3. Prepare your ceremonial cacao | Recipe

A good cacao drink is made with care. Here's a simple base recipe you can adjust to taste.

Ceremonial cacao recipe (1 person)

• 1 large glass of water or plant-based milk
• up to 42 grams of finely chopped or powdered raw cacao (28 grams for beginners)
• optional: a pinch of pepper, cayenne or chilli
• optional: natural sweetener such as honey or agave, to taste
• optional: cinnamon, vanilla or cardamom

Preparation: chop the cacao into small pieces so it dissolves easily. Heat the water (with pepper or chilli if you like) to just below boiling: hot, but not boiling, so the active compounds are preserved. Add the cacao, season with sweetener and spices, and stir with a whisk until everything has dissolved and a layer of foam floats on top. Done.

4. Set your intention

Hold your warm cup of cacao in your hands and, before you drink, reflect on what you'd like to feel, work through or release. Let go of expectations and stay open to what the experience brings. A feeling of gratitude is a lovely way to enter the ceremony.

5. Drink your cacao and enjoy

Drink slowly and enjoy the warm, chocolatey taste. The effects may start soon or take up to 20 to 30 minutes. If you're alone, surrender to the experience: move, sit still, breathe or meditate, whatever feels right. You may notice your heart beating a little faster; that's the cacao opening your heart and boosting circulation. A light, warm, slightly euphoric feeling is part of it.

6. Journal, share and integrate

At the end, write down your insights or share them with someone you trust. Which part of the experience was most meaningful? Did it match your intention, or did something else unfold? Take time to reflect and don't rush straight to the next task.

7. Stay hydrated

Drink enough water during and after the ceremony. Cacao can be mildly dehydrating, which may cause a slight headache. Just keep a bottle of water next to you.

We hope you now know how to host a cacao ceremony yourself. Reading about it is one thing, experiencing it is another. Want to know more about the effects? Read what you feel from a raw cacao ceremony, or see the complete raw cacao guide.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart