This intricate wooden whisk from Mexico is the traditional tool used to prepare Mexican hot chocolate. Each molinillo is beautifully carved by hand from a single piece of alder wood, resulting in a one-of-a-kind product. And the designs aren't just decorative—the extra nooks and crannies are great for aerating liquid, resulting in an especially creamy drink. Simply roll the shaft back and forth between your palms to whip milk into a light, frothy consistency. For the most authentic experience preparing your hot chocolate and a visually appealing addition to your kitchen, Mexico's time-tested molinillo is perfect.

Our supplier partners with a single Mexican artisan to source these handcrafted terra cotta jugs, which are meant primarily for serving hot chocolate but can be used for a number of functions. The hourglass shape prevents liquid from splashing when you're whisking hot chocolate, and the clay can be heated directly on the stove over low flame to warm tea, coffee or even soup. Plus, the dramatic curves of the pitcher and handle make it an elegant and inviting decorative piece. To cure the jug before first use, fill with cool water below its rim and bring the water to a boil on the stove. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then allow the jug and the water to cool on their own. As with all clay cookware, this product should not be exposed to extreme temperature shock. Rinsing a hot jug under cold water, for instance, may cause it to crack.

Here at Milk Street, we love crushing spices or herbs by hand to create more variation in texture and extract more flavor, and a mortar and pestle allow us to blend them more precisely. The molcajete is a traditional Mexican variation of a mortar and pestle for grinding dried chilies to use in salsas or for making perfect guacamole. It has a shallower, wider bowl than a typical mortar—about 6 inches in diameter—which helps for closer control and more surface area to break down tough textures, like the skins of guajillo or ancho chilies. Plus, the molcajete is made of coarse and incredibly durable volcanic stone that creates plenty of natural friction. Its accompanying pestle is called a tejolote; at 3 inches long, it's perfectly proportional to the shallow bowl of the molcajete. Our food editor, Matt Card, says this tool is worth owning for guacamole if nothing else—the texture it yields is the ideal balance of creamy and chunky. Try our recipe for Central Mexican Guacamole, picked up from Mexican cooking doyenne Diana Kennedy. Each molcajete comes in a one-of-a-kind, hand-woven and vibrantly colored basket made from palm leaves. It's meant to hold tortillas and has a lid to keep them warm, but we also like to use the basket to keep fruits and vegetables on the counter, such as tomatoes, onions or avocados for the guacamole you'll be making. It even makes an attractive container to store kitchen clutter—loose change, receipts and the like.

Sip in style with this set of four vibrant tumblers handcrafted from recycled glass by artisans in Mexico. Available in two color variations—one featuring a tangerine-hued spiral design and another including two ocean-like aqua swirl glasses and two blue and white tapered gradient glasses—these tumblers are sturdy enough for everyday use, yet unique enough to still feel special.

Sustainably made from recycled glass, this handblown carafe is steeped in Mexican tradition. Each is crafted by a team of artisans in Tonala, Mexico, led by Javier Gutierrez Esponsa, who has been mastering the art of glassblowing for decades—beginning when he saved a glass factory from being demolished at age 22. Although each carafe has a slightly different character, as is the case with handmade pieces, all feature a round, balloon-like base that tapers into an elegant slender neck with a tidy spout for easy pouring. Clear with delicate tendrils of orange adoring the neck, this piece is sure to make a statement at the center of your table. Plus, it’s sturdy, yet easy to hold—ideal for serving libations like water, iced tea and batch cocktails in style.

This vibrant aqua-hued pitcher is sustainably made from recycled glass and steeped in Mexican tradition. Each is crafted by a team of artisans in Tonala, Mexico, led by Javier Gutierrez Esponsa, who has been mastering the art of glassblowing for decades—beginning when he saved a glass factory from being demolished at age 22. Although each pitcher has a slightly-different character, as is the case with handmade pieces, all feature a generously sized clear glass handle and large body to hold a large amount of libations like water, iced tea and batch cocktails in style.

This hot chocolate has only a few raw ingredients, yet the beverage has a wonderful depth and warmth, as well as a complex flavor: creamy, nutty and perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet. The addition of ground almonds makes for a silkier, buttery mouthfeel, especially if you whisk the milk constantly while heating it; this allows the nutty aroma of the almonds to permeate the drink for a richer sensation and fullness of flavor. And cinnamon, a defining feature of Mexican hot chocolate, is an ideal complement for cacao's bitter undertones, as its spicy aroma brightens hot chocolate while its floral accents match those in the drink. We also like how the warming spice cuts through the creamy milk so the drink is satisfying but not overly rich. We found this chocolate to a fragrant finish that is slightly reminiscent of coconut.

This hot chocolate has only a few raw ingredients, yet the beverage has a wonderful depth and warmth, as well as a complex flavor: creamy, nutty and perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet. The addition of ground almonds makes for a silkier, buttery mouthfeel, especially if you whisk the milk constantly while heating it; this allows the nutty aroma of the almonds to permeate the drink for a richer sensation and fullness of flavor. The vanilla's pronounced aroma—paired with a greater percentage of cocoa—produces a comforting, familiar flavor profile that reminds us of high-quality milk chocolate. And cinnamon, a defining feature of Mexican hot chocolate, is an ideal complement for cacao's bitter undertones, as its spicy aroma brightens hot chocolate while its floral accents match those in the drink.