Cheers to Hot Chocolate Day! Time to Indulge in a Cuppa

Hot chocolate on a cold winter day is the best-especially when you make it with milk! January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day, a celebration of this timeless beverage that so many love.

The Origins of Hot Chocolate

The original hot chocolate goes back as early as 500 BC to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs who prepared beverages using ground cocoa seeds, water, cornmeal, and chili peppers. Spain explorers took cocoa beans back to Europe where chocolate houses were popular in the 1700s. After that, hot chocolate was used to treat upset stomachs. During WWI, the YMCA had comfort stations that served hot chocolate to the soldiers along the battlefront.

Hot Chocolate Day and Every Day

Today hot chocolate warm us up while satisfying a sweet tooth. Classic hot chocolate is best made with real dairy milk and rich creamy cocoa. By using real dairy milk in your hot chocolate, you are upping the flavor and nutrition benefits.

The Fairway Café’s Mitchell London Hot Chocolate is the easiest recipe, using white and chocolate milk with semi-sweet chocolate chunks. If you’re looking to add a little extra kick to your cocoa, try one of our recipes featuring various spices.

Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy the creamy taste and goodness of hot chocolate. This Festively Lactose-Free Hot Chocolate is made with lactose-free milk and features fudge sauce for an extra special treat.

Celebrate Hot Chocolate Day

Make Hot Chocolate Day your way by adding a dash of vanilla, cinnamon, or flavored syrup. Top your drink off with shaved chocolate bar, crushed cookies, sprinkles, caramel sauce, whipped topping, or marshmallows. No matter what toppings or recipe you choose, be sure to make your hot chocolate with real dairy milk, for an extra delicious and nutritious wintertime treat!

Donna Speed, MS, RDN

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.