There are few better ways to warm up on a cold December day than with a steaming mug of cocoa. National Cocoa Day, on December 13, celebrates this cozy drink, whether you like it rich and dark, topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, or spiked with peppermint. It's a perfect day to skip the instant packet and make a mug from scratch, or to explore cocoa's long journey from ancient Mesoamerica to modern kitchens.
History of National Cocoa Day
Cacao was first used by ancient peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Olmec, Maya and Aztec. They ground roasted cacao beans and mixed them with water, chilli, cornmeal and spices to make a frothy, bitter drink. Cacao was so valued that the Aztecs used beans as currency.
When the Spanish encountered cacao in the 1500s, they brought it back to Europe, where it was sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. Drinking chocolate became fashionable among European nobility, and chocolate houses opened in London in the 1600s.
A major breakthrough came in 1828, when Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten developed a press to remove much of the fat, or cocoa butter, from cacao, producing cocoa powder. He also treated it with alkaline salts to make it mix more easily with water, a process now called Dutch processing. Cocoa powder made hot cocoa cheaper and easier to prepare.
In the 20th century, instant cocoa mixes made the drink a convenient household staple. Who created National Cocoa Day isn't known.
Why National Cocoa Day Matters
Hot cocoa is comfort in a mug. It's a winter tradition for families, skiers, carollers and anyone coming in from the cold.
It's also easy to customize, from dairy-free versions to Mexican-style cocoa with cinnamon and a pinch of chilli, connecting the drink back to its roots.
How to Celebrate National Cocoa Day
- Make it from scratch: whisk cocoa powder, sugar, a pinch of salt and a splash of milk into a paste, then add hot milk.
- Try Mexican-style: add cinnamon and a little chilli or cayenne.
- Set up a cocoa bar: offer marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks and sprinkles.
- Make cocoa bombs: fill chocolate shells with cocoa mix and marshmallows.
- Share a cup: bring hot cocoa to a neighbor or to volunteers working outside.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, set up a hot cocoa bar for a December afternoon break with a slow cooker of cocoa and a few toppings, offering dairy-free milk for those who need it. In classrooms, cocoa is a fun way to learn about Mesoamerican history and geography, or to run a simple science experiment comparing how quickly cocoa dissolves in hot and cold milk. At home, make a batch of homemade cocoa mix to keep in a jar for quick mugs all winter, and let children decorate their own cups with toppings. Pair it with a holiday movie night or a walk to see neighborhood lights. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar also makes a simple gift.
Fun Facts About National Cocoa Day
- The Aztecs used cacao beans as currency.
- Coenraad van Houten's 1828 press made cocoa powder possible.
- Dutch-process cocoa is treated with alkali to make it milder and darker.
National Cocoa Day FAQs
When is National Cocoa Day?
National Cocoa Day is December 13.
What's the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder. Hot chocolate is often made with melted chocolate, so it's richer.
How do I avoid lumpy cocoa?
Mix the cocoa powder and sugar with a little milk to form a paste before adding the rest of the hot milk.
Is there also a National Hot Chocolate Day?
Yes. It's on January 31.