National Hot Chocolate Day

Each year, January 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day to warm up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather drink.

Cocoa and Hot Chocolate

We mix hot cocoa with cocoa powder, milk or hot water and sugar. We were able to do this thanks to a process developed by father-son chemists. For a thicker, more flavorful drink, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It is also known as drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate also lasts longer than hot cocoa. In 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate cocoa solids from butter. Then, Coenraad Johannes made them more soluble in water. Their processes combined to create cocoa powder.

But before that, everyone drank hot chocolate. This thicker, creamier beverage often provided stomach-healing benefits in the 19th century. In fact, long before the drink was popular in Victorian times, it was served in ritual culture.

However, chocolate has appeared for a long time. The Mayans may have created the first chocolate drink 2,000 years ago. The Aztecs also introduced cocoa drinks as an essential part of their culture in 1400 AD. When Europeans began to explore Central and South America, explorers brought chocolate and drinks with them back to Europe from Mexico.

Make it and Benefit

There are many different combinations to enjoy Hot Chocolate, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sometimes a little cinnamon or a little mint will make the chocolate even more special. It is made with hot water or milk and a packet containing mainly cocoa powder, sugar, and dried milk.

Drinking hot chocolate has health benefits. Cocoa contains antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that the flavonoids in chocolate can have a positive effect on artery health and memory.

National Hot Chocolate Day History

National Hot Chocolate Day celebrates the sweet and warm drinks served throughout the United States. The demand for Hot Chocolate increases dramatically in winter. The combination of warm milk, ground chocolate and sugar blends perfectly with the chilly weather.

Hot chocolate can be served in many ways. Some people like it with whipped cream or marshmallows while others like it with cookies. Regardless of how it is served, hot chocolate is a drink loved by many people around the world, especially during winter. National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on January 31st.

Some interesting facts about National Hot Chocolate Day

• It is believed that the first chocolate drink was created by the Mayans 2000 years ago.
• Hot cocoa has less fat than hot chocolate. This is due to the difference in ingredients. It contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, hot cocoa comes from a powder made by removing cocoa butter from the cocoa bean. Despite these differences, both of these drinks still contain antioxidants.
• The largest cup of hot chocolate according to Guinness world records holds 1272.3 gallons. It was reached by the City of Uruapan, Mexico in 2018.

How to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day

There are many simple ways to celebrate this day. You can enjoy some hot chocolate or cocoa and add marshmallows or whipped cream. If you're old enough, try making an alcoholic hot chocolate cocktail. Pair it with rum, chocolate liqueur, or wine.

Moreover, why don’t try the hot chocolate bombs, a popular treat that makes hot chocolate a little more enjoyable. They are small chocolate chips that melt when added to hot milk. They also contain marshmallows and other candies inside them.

Especially, you also can participate in a winter activity or do something outdoors. Warm up afterwards with some delicious hot chocolate.