National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on December 13th, dedicated to one of the coziest winter drinks around: rich, warm cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or whatever makes it feel like a treat.
History of National Hot Chocolate Day
Hot chocolate has a history stretching back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerica, where the Maya and later the Aztecs prepared a bitter, spiced cacao drink often reserved for royalty, warriors, and ceremonial occasions. Unlike the sweet hot chocolate enjoyed today, this early version was unsweetened and often mixed with chili peppers, giving it a spicy, bitter flavor very different from the modern drink.
When Spanish explorers brought cacao back to Europe in the 16th century, chocolate began evolving to suit European tastes, with sugar and eventually milk added to soften its bitterness. Hot chocolate became a fashionable drink among European nobility before spreading more broadly as chocolate production became more accessible. By the time it reached America, hot chocolate had transformed into the sweet, comforting drink now associated with cold winter days and holiday gatherings.
How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day
- Make a batch of hot chocolate from scratch (recipe below)
- Try a new hot chocolate variation or flavor twist
- Host a hot chocolate bar with toppings for friends or family
- Visit a local coffee shop or cafe known for a great hot chocolate
- Pair a mug of hot chocolate with a favorite winter treat, like cookies or a warm blanket and a good book
Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients (makes 2 servings):
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallows, for topping
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder and sugar.
- Add a splash of milk and whisk until it forms a smooth paste, with no lumps remaining.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk over medium heat.
- Add the chopped chocolate and salt, whisking constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and hot, about 4-5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows as desired.
Fun Facts About Hot Chocolate
- The earliest versions of hot chocolate, prepared by the Maya and Aztecs, were unsweetened, bitter, and often spiced with chili peppers.
- The word “chocolate” is believed to derive from the Nahuatl word “xocolatl,” meaning “bitter water.”
- Using real chopped chocolate in addition to cocoa powder gives homemade hot chocolate a richer, creamier texture than cocoa powder alone.
- Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are often used interchangeably, though hot chocolate traditionally uses melted chocolate while hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder.
- Some countries have their own distinct hot chocolate styles, including thick, pudding-like Spanish and Italian hot chocolate, which is often eaten with a spoon rather than sipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Hot Chocolate Day?
National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on December 13th.
What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate is traditionally made with melted chocolate, giving it a richer, creamier texture, while hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and tends to be lighter and less rich.
Can I make hot chocolate without cocoa powder?
Yes, hot chocolate can be made using only melted chopped chocolate and milk, without cocoa powder, resulting in an even richer, more indulgent drink.
What are good toppings for hot chocolate?
Popular toppings include whipped cream, marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel.
Related National Days
[Links to National Cookie Day, National Ugly Sweater Day once published]