How to Hold a Cacao Ceremony at Home

A cacao ceremony is a cup of ceremonial cacao, prepared with care and drunk with intention. You do not need a retreat, a teacher or a special room. You need about 40 grams of pure cacao, 30 quiet minutes, and a clear reason for sitting down. Here is how to hold one at home, step by step.

What you need

• Ceremonial cacao. 100% cacao paste with nothing added. Alma Cacao comes in small pieces that melt quickly, so there is nothing to chop or grate.
• A small saucepan and a whisk, or a handheld frother or blender.
• Your favorite mug, or a small ceremonial cup.
• A quiet corner, a candle, and a notebook.
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne, a little honey or maple, and a playlist without lyrics.

How much cacao to use

For a full ceremony, most people use about 40 grams, roughly 4 tablespoons of pieces. If you are new to cacao, start with 20 grams and work up over a few sessions. A daily cup is 10 to 20 grams. Our dosing guide goes deeper.

Cacao contains theobromine and a little caffeine. If you are pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are sensitive to caffeine, check with your doctor before a full ceremonial dose.

Alma Ceremonial Cacao100% cacao paste in small pieces, single-origin Peru. From $33.

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The 7 steps

1. Set your space. Clear a small surface, light a candle and silence your phone. Add flowers, a photo or a stone if you like. Keep it simple.
2. Prepare the cacao slowly. Heat 6 to 8 oz of water until it is hot but not boiling, about 180°F. Add the cacao pieces and whisk until smooth and frothy. Stir in spices or a little sweetener if you like. Making it is part of the ritual, so take your time.
3. Set an intention. Before the first sip, write one sentence: something you want to bring in, release or remember. "I want to listen more than I speak this week" is enough.
4. Give thanks. Hold the cup with both hands and take a few slow breaths. Many people thank the growers. Alma Cacao comes from native communities of the Peruvian Amazon.
5. Drink slowly. Sip over 10 to 15 minutes. Notice the taste, the warmth and your breath.
6. Sit with it. Spend 15 to 30 minutes with music, breathwork, meditation, journaling or gentle movement. Let whatever comes up come up.
7. Close the ceremony. Read your intention again, write down anything you noticed, and blow out the candle. Drink a glass of water before you get on with your day.

Make it yours

• New moon or a fresh start: write what you want to begin, then read it out loud.
• Letting go: write a letter you will never send, then close the notebook.
• With a partner or friends: take turns sharing your intention, then sip in silence together.
• Creative work: follow the cup with 30 minutes of free writing, drawing or music.

Hosting a group? See our guide to serving cacao to a circle, with a calculator for how much you need per person.