National Hot Chocolate Day

Few beverages are as deep-rooted in culture of Americans’ collective childhood quite like hot chocolate. This drink reminds us of rainy days, skiing, sledding, or even a quiet day watching the snow fall. It’s thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in whipped cream—no other drink brings warmth to our lives and taste buds quite like hot chocolate. Sit by the fire and cozy up with your favorite mug.

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY TIMELINE

500 BC

Hot and Spicy Chocolate

The Ancient Mayans drank chocolate made from crushed cocoa seeds mixed in water and chili peppers.

1500s

Chocolate Gets Wanderlust

Explorer Cortez carried cocoa beans and tools for making hot chocolate with him to Europe.

1876

Milk Chocolate

Swiss Chocolatier Daniel Peter created the first milk chocolate by combining powdered milk with chocolate.

1961

Swiss Miss

Popular hot chocolate manufacturer Swiss Miss started selling its first powdered hot chocolate that could be mixed with water instead of milk.