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Get ready to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31! This delicious, creamy beverage has been around since as far back as the Mayans, who made a spicy version of hot chocolate with chili peppers, cornmeal and water. Since then it's evolved into the sweet treat we all know and love today. Whether you like yours topped with marshmallows or whipped cream - or both! - there’s sure to be something for everyone this National Hot Chocolate Day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Chocolate</div><div class='timeline-text'>The earliest evidence of chocolate, in the form of residues found in an ancient ceremonial pot, dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mexico.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>17th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hot Chocolate in Europe</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hot Chocolate was introduced to the French court by Anne of Austria in the 17th century and soon became popular throughout Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1828</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cocoa Press Invention</div><div class='timeline-text'>Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic cocoa press, which led to the production of cocoa powder and made it easier to produce hot chocolate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hot Chocolate Commercialized</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 20th century, companies like Nestlé and Cadbury began selling hot chocolate powder commercially, making the beverage more accessible to households around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gourmet Hot Chocolate Trends</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gourmet hot chocolate started to become popular, with specialty stores and cafes offering a wide range of flavors and variations of the classic hot chocolate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Hot Chocolate Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Hot Chocolate Day began to be recognized by various sources, allowing us to celebrate the beverage nationwide on January 31st.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own hot chocolate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some dark chocolate and melt it over a low heat with a little bit of milk. Then top it off with some marshmallows, whipped cream, or cinnamon.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for hot chocolate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head to your favorite cafe or coffee shop and try out their special hot chocolate concoctions. You may be surprised by what you find!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a hot chocolate party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a night of hot chocolate tasting. Ask everyone to bring their favorite ingredients, and let the taste testing begin!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create custom mugs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Decorate plain white mugs with permanent markers, paint pens, or sharpies and make them your own. Then fill them up with hot cocoa and enjoy!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share the warmth</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to make hot chocolate for those in need. Visit a local shelter or soup kitchen and offer up your warm beverage.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's the perfect comfort drink</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On a cold winter day, nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate in your hands. The rich, creamy drink is like a hug in a mug, and it's the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a long day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's customizable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hot chocolate is a versatile drink that you can make your own. Add in some marshmallows, whipped cream, or even a splash of your favorite liquor for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white, for a unique flavor experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a holiday to indulge</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Hot Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a rich, decadent treat without feeling guilty. So go ahead and treat yourself to that extra marshmallow or dollop of whipped cream - you deserve it!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-container'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hot Chocolate was once a luxury drink</h3><p class='facts-text'>Before it became the everyday beverage we know today, hot chocolate was considered a precious and luxurious drink, mostly enjoyed by the upper classes in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-container'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hot Chocolate was used for medicinal purposes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many ancient cultures, including the Aztecs and Mayans, believed that hot chocolate had healing properties. They often used it as medicine to treat ailments such as stomach diseases.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-container'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hot chocolate differs significantly from region to region</h3><p class='facts-text'>Hot chocolate can vary greatly by region. For instance, in Spain, the beverage is typically thick and pudding-like, while in Colombia, it's often served with cheese.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-container'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swiss Miss Instant Hot Cocoa was introduced in 1959</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the most well-known instant hot cocoa brands, Swiss Miss, started production in 1959. It was initially a means to make use of excess milk produced in local dairy farms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-container'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hot chocolate can help improve brain health</h3><p class='facts-text'>Researchers have found that hot chocolate can improve blood flow to the brain, potentially improving memory, attention span, reaction times, and problem-solving skills.</p></div></div>
National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated on January 31 every year. In 2024 National Hot Chocolate Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jan 31
Tuesday
2024
Jan 31
Wednesday
2025
Jan 31
Friday
2026
Jan 31
Saturday
2027
Jan 31
Sunday
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