There''s not a chocoholic who can resist a cup of hot chocolate on a cold evening. Find out why homemade hot chocolate in particular is so popular among sweet tooths.

The first hot chocolate was actually cold

Did you know that the Mayans drank hot chocolate more than 2,000 years ago? Soon after, the Aztecs discovered its wonderful taste and beneficial properties, believing it to be a divine drink of wisdom and power. The very word chocolate is a derivative of the Mayan word xocolatl, which translates as frothy drink. However, the first hot chocolate was not really hot - it was served cold, and since sugar was unknown, it was made from cocoa, water, chilli, vanilla and other spices.

Hot chocolate is prepared in different ways in different parts of the world

Hot chocolate as we know it today is, of course, completely different from the beverage prepared by the Mayan and Aztec civilisations. What''s more, as it has become popular all over the world, different cultures have adapted the recipe for its preparation, so that today there are two main types of hot chocolate. In North America, it is made with hot water or milk, which is poured over an instant mixture of cocoa powder and sugar. Their version of hot chocolate, which is thinner in texture, likes to be garnished with whipped cream and sweet froths. In Europe, however, we prefer a thicker version of hot chocolate, made from a creamy mixture of hot milk, cream or water and semi-sweet chocolate and sugar, which many people also like to spice up with cinnamon and vanilla. What''s your favourite?

3 reasons why homemade hot chocolate is so popular

1. It''s the perfect winter drink

Hot chocolate is a warm drink that is enjoyed at all times of the calendar year, but especially in the colder months. What better way to spend a cold evening than to make homemade hot chocolate, snuggle up under a warm blanket and spend a cosy evening with loved ones?

2. A feel-good effect

High-quality chocolate contains a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and biochemicals that are beneficial to our well-being, and hot chocolate also stimulates microcirculation in the skin.

3. Improves mood

When we drink hot chocolate, endorphins and serotonin are released in our brain to calm us down. These neurotransmitters also reduce feelings of stress and pain and improve mood. Another reason why hot chocolate is actually a cup full of happiness!

Treat yourself with homemade hot chocolate

The advantage of homemade hot chocolate is that you can choose how sweet it is and which type of chocolate to use. If you like a nice sweetness, go for white or milk chocolate, but if you prefer stronger flavours, choose chocolate with a higher cocoa content(at least 60%) for a richer taste. Many hot chocolate makers use cocoa powder, which does not contain the cocoa butter that real chocolate does. If you are one of them, we would like to suggest that your homemade hot chocolate will taste much creamier and richer if you use real chocolate instead of cocoa powder. Let''s get to work!

Homemade hot chocolate tastes best when it''s still hot. If it cools too quickly, you can reheat it,
but if you have any left over, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.