At the end of a cold January, a mug of hot chocolate is pure comfort. National Hot Chocolate Day, on January 31, celebrates the rich, warming drink made from melted chocolate or cocoa and milk. Whether you like it thick and European-style, spiced Mexican-style or topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, it is the perfect excuse to curl up with a warm cup.
History of National Hot Chocolate Day
Chocolate began as a drink. The Olmec, Maya and Aztec peoples of Mesoamerica ground roasted cacao beans and mixed them with water, chili, cornmeal and spices to make a frothy, bitter beverage. Cacao was so valuable that the Aztecs used the beans as money, and the drink was often reserved for nobles, warriors and ceremonies.
In the 1500s, Spanish explorers brought cacao back to Europe, where it was sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. Drinking chocolate became fashionable among European royalty and the wealthy, and chocolate houses opened in London and other cities in the 1600s.
In 1828, Coenraad van Houten's invention of cocoa powder made chocolate drinks cheaper and easier to prepare. By the 20th century, instant hot cocoa mixes had made hot chocolate a common family treat. Today, people distinguish between hot cocoa, made from cocoa powder, and hot chocolate, made from melted chocolate. Who created National Hot Chocolate Day is not documented.
Why National Hot Chocolate Day Matters
Hot chocolate is a classic winter comfort, tied to snow days, holidays and cozy evenings.
It also connects us to thousands of years of history and to the cacao farmers, mostly in West Africa and Latin America, who grow the world's chocolate.
How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day
- Make it from scratch: melt chopped chocolate into warm milk with a pinch of salt.
- Try Mexican-style: add cinnamon and a little chili.
- Set up a topping bar: offer whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint and sprinkles.
- Make it thick: try a European-style drinking chocolate with less milk.
- Choose fair trade: look for cocoa and chocolate that support farmers fairly.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a hot chocolate bar is a cozy treat for the last day of January; offer dairy-free milk and sugar-free options so everyone can join in. In classrooms, students can learn how cacao travels from tropical farms to their mugs, map where cacao grows, or compare how cocoa powder dissolves in hot and cold milk. At home, families can make hot chocolate from scratch after a winter walk, let children choose toppings, or make homemade cocoa mix to give as gifts. Compare a few styles side by side and vote on a family favorite.
Fun Facts About National Hot Chocolate Day
- The Aztecs used cacao beans as currency.
- Chocolate houses opened in London in the 1600s.
- Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder; hot chocolate from melted chocolate.
National Hot Chocolate Day FAQs
When is National Hot Chocolate Day?
National Hot Chocolate Day is January 31.
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate is made with melted chocolate; hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder.
How do I make hot chocolate without lumps?
Whisk cocoa powder and sugar with a little milk to form a paste before adding the rest.
Is there also a National Cocoa Day?
Yes. National Cocoa Day is December 13.