Growing up, snow days meant no school and hot chocolate! Now, as an adult, snow days look a bit different (especially when you live somewhere where it doesn’t snow 😂) But you can still warm your soul with a sweet treat!
It all began with…
Hot chocolate has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. The Mayans and Aztecs are believed to have been the first to create a drink using cacao beans. They fermented, roasted, and ground the beans into a paste, which they then mixed with water, spices, and sometimes honey to create a frothy beverage.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they encountered this cacao-based drink. They brought it back to Europe, where it became popular among the Spanish aristocracy. The Spanish added sugar or honey to sweeten the drink, as well as cinnamon and other spices.
By the 17th century, the drink had spread to other European countries, including England, where it was initially consumed as a luxury beverage for the wealthy. It was often touted for its medicinal properties and was believed to have various health benefits.
Over time, hot chocolate became more accessible to the general population as trade routes improved and production methods became more efficient. In the 19th century, the invention of solid chocolate made it easier to prepare hot chocolate at home.
Today, hot chocolate is enjoyed worldwide in various forms, from rich and creamy to thick and spicy, and is often served with whipped cream or marshmallows. It continues to be a popular treat during the colder months and is a staple in many cultures’ culinary traditions.
Who first commercialized hot chocolate?
One significant figure in this regard is Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish physician and naturalist who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Sloane spent time in Jamaica, where he encountered cocoa and observed the locals’ use of it in a beverage.
Sloane is credited with introducing chocolate to England and Europe. He developed a recipe for mixing cocoa with milk to make it more palatable and less bitter. This innovation helped popularize chocolate as a drink among the British aristocracy.
The commercialization of hot chocolate accelerated in the 19th century with the Industrial Revolution and the development of mass production techniques. Companies such as Cadbury and Nestlé played key roles in making hot chocolate more accessible to the general public by producing powdered and solid chocolate products that could be easily prepared at home.
Hot Chocolate Recipes
Everyone has enjoyed the classic hot chocolate recipe and you may have spiked it with bourbon or something similar. There is always a time and place for a delicious hot chocolate drink, but let me introduce you to some new hot takes on the classic hot chocolate!
To make any of these boozy, add 2 oz of your favorite spirit! Bourbon goes the best in my opinion!
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican hot chocolate, known as “chocolate caliente” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican beverage made from chocolate, often spiced with cinnamon and other spices such as cayenne. It is known for its rich, frothy texture and slightly spicy flavor.
To create a spicy Mexican hot chocolate, start by heating 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add 3 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, whisking constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate is heated through and slightly thickened. Pour the spicy Mexican hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Up next is something slightly different than a normal hot chocolate.
To make a delicious red velvet hot chocolate, start by heating 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring, adjusting the color to your liking. Continue to whisk the mixture until it’s hot and steamy. Pour the red velvet hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and red velvet cake crumbs for a decadent finishing touch.
Girl Scout Cookie Hot Chocolate
Nooooow, have you ever had those delicious Samoa cookies? Those have always been my absolute favorite, so let’s turn that into a new take on the classic hot chocolate!
To make a delightful coconut and chocolate hot chocolate, start by heating 2 cups of coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. For an extra coconut flavor, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract. Continue to whisk until the hot chocolate is smooth and hot. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chocolate shavings for a delicious finishing touch.
Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate
To make a delightful peppermint hot chocolate, begin by heating 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add 3 ounces of chopped dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, whisking until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, adjusting the amount to taste. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate is heated through. Pour the peppermint hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Enjoy the cozy, minty goodness!
Raspberry Hot Chocolate
To create a delightful raspberry hot chocolate, start by heating 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add 3 ounces of chopped dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, whisking until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves or raspberry syrup, adjusting the amount to taste. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate is heated through. Pour the raspberry hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and fresh raspberries for a burst of fruity flavor. Enjoy the cozy and decadent treat!
The Smoked Blueberry Hot Chocolate
Let’s make my new favorite smoked blueberry hot chocolate!
Start by blending 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a blender until smooth. In a medium saucepan, add the blueberry mixture and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is heated through.
Meanwhile, prepare your serving mugs by smoking them with the Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker using Cinnamon Smoke Dust. Once smoked, carefully remove the smoker and strain the hot blueberry-white chocolate mixture into the mugs, discarding any solids.
Finish by topping each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This blueberry white hot chocolate is a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. Enjoy!
