Hot Chocolate is a beverage made with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings and scalded milk or hot water. It is also known as cocoa or "hot chocolat" drink. The beverage known as drinking chocolate is similar in taste although it makes use of melted chocolate or chocolate paste instead of the preparing it by stirring cocoa powder in milk.
The Mayan civilization of South America is credited with discovering the beverage which was introduced to the Europeans by the Mexicans. The original form of drink popular almost 2000 years ago has undergone modifications and is consumed as a thick beverage known as cioccolata densa in Italy while the Americans prefer a more liquefied form. The drink was also used to cure stomach ailments in the 19th century.
History of the Hot Chocolate Drink
The archeological site at Rio Azul, Guatemala revealed a drinking cup with traces of chocolate drink that could be traced back to the 5th century AD. The Mayans are believed to have consumed it as a cold beverage mixed with water, chili peppers, and cornmeal.
The Aztecs adopted it in the 15th century and the drink became a sacred beverage offered to the fertility Goddess. The drink, known as xocolatl, tasted bitter and was flavored with vanilla extracts.
The Spaniards were first introduced to the drink in the 16th century and called it as chocolatl. They believed it to be an acquired taste and were responsible for familiarizing the Europeans with it.
Charles V adopted the drink and called it chocolat . The beverage was also modified by adding cane sugar which masked the bitterness to a large extent.
Sweet hot chocolate drink started becoming fashionable among the 17th century nobles of Europe who spiced it up with cinnamon and vanilla.
Coenraad Johannes van Houten developed the very first cocoa powder-producing machine in 1828 which separated the greasy seeds from the extract thereby making the cocoa much healthier.
Hot Chocolate Drink: Ingredients and Preparation Methods
The preparation methods vary from country to country depending on the local taste. The most popular methods for making the hot chocolate beverage are:-
Hot Chocolate: Serving Suggestions
Hot Chocolate Drink: Health Benefits
Health Risks Associated with Hot Chocolate Drinks
Trivia
Hot chocolate is considered to be a comfort food in many parts of the world.