National Hot Chocolate Day

National Hot Chocolate Day History

National Hot Chocolate Day is an annual celebration that takes place on January 31st in Canada and the United States. This day is dedicated to enjoying a warm and cozy cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. The purpose of National Hot Chocolate Day is to celebrate this beloved beverage and encourage people to savour its rich and indulgent flavour.

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa, has been enjoyed for thousands of years. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs were known to mix cocoa powder with water and spices to create a hot, frothy beverage. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought cocoa to Europe, where it was mixed with sugar and milk to create the hot chocolate we know and love today. Since then, hot chocolate has become a popular winter drink all around the world.

To celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, many cafes and restaurants offer specials and discounts on hot chocolate. Some people like to make their own hot chocolate at home, experimenting with different flavours and toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon. Others prefer to cosy up with a good book or a movie and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate as a comforting treat on a cold winter day.

Facts about National Hot Chocolate Day

• It is believed that the first chocolate drinks were created by the Mayans 2000 years ago. The modern version that we consume today wasn’t created until Irish physician Hans Sloane added milk to cocoa in the late 1700s, thus creating a sweeter drink.
• Hot cocoa is lower in fat than hot chocolate. This is due to the difference in ingredients. Hot chocolate is made from bar chocolate that already contains cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, hot cocoa comes from a powder that is made by removing cocoa butter from cocoa beans. Despite these differences both drinks still contain antioxidants.
• The flavonoids in hot chocolate can help improve attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing the blood flow to the brain.
• The indigenous peoples of Canada, such as Inuit and First Nations, were exposed to hot chocolate when Europeans arrived on the continent. The exposure to cocoa came during fur trade and contact with European settlers.
• Canada exports a significant amount of cocoa and chocolate to other countries, with a total export value exceeding $620 million in 2020.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Hot Chocolate Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Hot Chocolate Day

• Enjoy some hot chocolate or cocoa and add marshmallows or whipped cream. If you're of age, try making an alcoholic hot chocolate cocktail. Pair it with rum, chocolate liqueur, or baileys.
• Participate in a winter activity or do something outdoors. Warm up afterwards with some delicious hot chocolate.
• Attend Hot Chocolate Festivals: Vancouver hosts an annual hot chocolate festival where local chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, and coffee shops create special hot chocolate recipes.
• Make a Classic Canadian Hot Chocolate: A homemade recipe boasting the sweeter tastes of Canadian chocolate.