Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a warm, creamy drink that kids and grown-ups love. It is made from cocoa, milk, and sugar. Many people drink it on cold days to stay warm. It is often topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. Hot chocolate is sweet, rich, and cozy.

A Very Old Drink

People have been drinking hot chocolate for over 2,000 years. The Maya and Aztec people in Mexico drank it first. But their drink was not sweet. It was bitter and spicy, often with chili peppers. When it came to Europe, people added sugar to make it sweet.

A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows.
A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows. (|| UggBoyā™„UggGirl || PHOTO || WORLD || TRAVEL || / Wikimedia Commons)

How to Make It

Hot chocolate is easy to make at home. Heat up some milk in a pot. Add cocoa powder and sugar, then stir until smooth. Some people add real chocolate for a richer taste. Pour it into a mug and top with marshmallows for a special treat.

Fun Facts

  • The Aztecs thought hot chocolate was a gift from the gods.
  • The first hot chocolate shops opened in London in the 1600s.
  • December 13 is National Hot Chocolate Day.

Did You Know?

A mug of hot chocolate was found in a famous shipwreck from 1928. It was still in the cup.