This Lumumba drink is rich, indulgent, and delicious. It can be served warm or cold so feel free to warm yourself up with it during cold evenings, enjoy it chilled in summer, or serve it warm to your guests during the Christmas holidays!
If you love making tasty drinks then check out our Virgin Pina Colada Smoothie, Carrot, Ginger, and Turmeric Juice, and Low-carb Peanut Butter Smoothie next!
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Whether you're a coffee lover or a chocolate enthusiast, this soothing drink will warm and satisfy your cravings. What exactly is it? Let's dive in.
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what is Lumumba drink?
Lumumba is a popular hot chocolate drink that originated in Belgium and is named after Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name is considered controversial by some people due to the political history associated with Mr. Lumumba.
The classic Lumumba drink is typically made by mixing hot chocolate with a shot of alcohol (normally brandy, orange liqueur, whiskey, amaretto or spiced rum). Related to the Pharisäer, Lumumba is a popular drink, especially in the European countries of Spain, Denmark, and Germany where it goes by names such as Død tante (Danish) or Tote Tante (German).
lumumba drink ingredients
Whether you are making this as hot chocolate (without alcohol), or preparing it as a cocktail, this is one of those simple drinks that you can make without having to use a shaker. The ingredients you will require to make Lumumba drink are:-
- milk - Here, I like to use good quality, whole milk (add a splash of cream if you like your drink extra creamy). Feel free to use plant milk to make this recipe dairy free.
- cocoa powder/ hot chocolate powder.
- sugar - or your preferred choice of sweetener.
- brandy (optional, see the variations segment below). Here, you just want to make sure that you are using good quality brandy or rum.
- optional ingredients -whipped cream, cinnamon or chocolate sprinkles (to garnish)
how to make lumumba drink
This version is sweet, but you can always leave out the sugar.
- Add the hot chocolate powder, sugar (optional) and milk in a medium-sized cooking pan.
- Whisk to combine and allow this to warm up but not to boil.
- Pour equally into cups, top with the brandy (or rum), then stir. Garnish and serve. Alternatively, allow the drink to chill and serve it cold with some ice cubes.
See below on how to vary this recipe, including how to make it vegan.
variations
There are several unique twists to the classic Lumumba drink.
- Make it with coffee: some versions also include a shot of espresso so feel free to experiment with this if you are a coffee lover.
- The brandy in this recipe can be substituted for brown rum, amaretto or orange liqueur. Or simply leave out the alcohol, to make it alcohol-free!
- Use spices: other than the cinnamon, we sometimes love to use cardamon or nutmeg. Both taste amazing so feel free to try them out!
- Swap out the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier Lumumba drink.
- Make it vegan: use plant-based milk or cream and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.
more drink recipes
You do not want to miss out on these other delicious drink recipes!
- Keto Pina Colada
- Blue Spirulina Smoothie Bowl
- Zobo (Nigerian hibiscus drink)
- Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie with Banana
📖 Recipe
Lumumba Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (or your preferred choice of plant milk, such as almond milk)
- 2 tablespoon hot chocolate powder
- 2 tablespoon sugar - optional (see notes)
- 120 ml/ 4 oz brandy (or brown rum- see notes)
- whipped cream - optional (to garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoon cinnamon or chocolate sprinkles - optional (to garnish)
Instructions
- Add the milk, hot chocolate powder, and sugar to a saucepan.
- Allow this to heat under medium-low heat, whisking from time to time, until warm (do not boil).
- Pour equally into cups, top with the brandy (or rum), then stir. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon (optional), then serve. Alternatively, allow the Lumumba drink to cool, then serve it cold with some ice cubes.
Notes
- The sugar is optional so feel free to leave it out, or even use more if you prefer. You can also use your preferred choice of sugar-free sweeteners.
- Make this recipe vegan by using your preferred choice of plant milk.
- Serve your Lumumba drink hot or cold, as preferred.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and should only be used as a guide. It is calculated using tools we use and will vary, depending on the specific products you use. It excludes calories in whipped cream, which is optional.
Britney
I loved this boozy take on hot chocolate. It was my first time trying this but will certainly not be my last!
Jessica
It was freezing this past weekend in Chicago so we decided to make these to cozy up for the evening. So good! I had dark rum and almond milk on hand and it was perfect. Creamy, chocolatey - like dessert in a drink.
Robin
Patrice Lumumba was a hero, so I was intrigued to try his namesake beverage. I substituted nutmeg for cinnamon before taking a sip - so good my friends want them every weekend!
Kate Hahnel
I agree, it is such a wonderful weekend drink!
Jazz
This drink was simple to make and extremely indulgent. Such a nice treat to have at home. Thank you!
Marta
I was wondering about the name, but after tasting it, this Lumumba drink is amazing. I used dark rum instead of brandy and it was perfect for the chilly weather we've been having lately.