Hot Chocolate is an iconic drink around the holidays when the weather gets colder. Nothing is better than warming yourself up with a cup of chocolatey goodness. January 31st is even recognized as National Hot Chocolate Day! So let’s take a look at the history of Hot Chocolate.
Some of the oldest variations of hot chocolate or liquid chocolate can be traced back to the Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec cultures, located in present-day Mexico and Central America. According to the Institution of Culinary Education, the Cacao Tree (where coco comes from), was cultivated, and the beans from it were made into a drink. However, it was quite different from the Hot chocolate we enjoy today, primarily used for medical and ceremonial purposes. It started to change after the Spanish came to these areas, and Coco was sent over and started to be exposed to the European population.
All over the world today, there are many cultures that have their own recipes or variations of the chocolatey delight. Here in the US, meny people buy pre-made chocolate packets from the store, and you may add some mini marshmallows or whipped cream. But it’s interesting to look at some of the different techniques and ingredients that are used around the world. Some places and recipes use spices like cloves or paprika to enhance the drink. The consistencies can also vary with some recipes being much thicker than others. There is also a Colombian recipe for Hot chocolate with Cheese!
Here are some Fun Facts about Hot Chocolate:
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Our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson was a hot chocolate lover.
Thomas Jefferson was such a lover of hot chocolate, that you can now find recipes online for “Thomas Jefferson Hot Chocolate”- yum!
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In the Revolutionary War, medics would give hurt soldiers hot chocolate to try to heal them
Officers in the war were given chocolate with breakfast, soldiers were given a ration of cacao beans for energy, and given to soldiers who needed to recover from illness or injury.
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There is a difference between Hot Coco and Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is exactly what it sounds like, Chocolate melted with milk and sugar. Coco is a powder that also has other flavoring to make that coco taste.
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The largest cup of Hot Chocolate was 4,816.6 Liters
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest cup of hot chocolate was made in 2018 in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico, and was a total of 4,816.6 Liters.
We here at BPHS Journalism love hot chocolate. It is a perfect drink on a cold, winter day. So the next time you have a chance, go ahead and share some hot chocolate with your family, play a game, and enjoy your time together. And remember the history of hot chocolate and how it connects the world together
