National Hot Chocolate Day

National Hot Chocolate Day History

National Hot Chocolate Day is dedicated to celebrating the popular, comforting beverage known worldwide. This event aims to acknowledge hot chocolate's historical significance, its current popularity, and its diverse culinary usage. With countless recipes and variations across different cultures, hot chocolate is enjoyed both as a warm treat during cool weather and a sweet indulgence regardless of the season.

The origin of hot chocolate traces back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who prepared concoctions from ground cacao beans. The drink made its way to America when explorers brought back cacao from their voyages. Over decades, Americans developed their distinctive version by adding sweeteners and milk, distinguishing it from the originally bitter beverage. For many, hot chocolate has become an integral part of winter traditions, evoking memories of snowbound activities, holiday season gatherings, and cozy refreshment breaks.

On National Hot Chocolate Day, Americans pay tribute to this beloved drink by enjoying it in its many forms, whether at local cafes, homemade from a family recipe, or from packets of instant mix. Bakers may feature hot-chocolate themed pastries, while others might share their unique recipes on social media, fostering community through mutual appreciation of this delicious beverage. American-specific traditions do not surround this day. However, the charm lies in the versatile, individual ways people choose to enjoy and share the warmth of hot chocolate. National Hot Chocolate Day is embraced across the nation annually on January 31, offering a delicious reason to heat up the winter chill.

Top 8 Facts for National Hot Chocolate Day in 2026

• The world record for the largest cup of hot chocolate was recently set by a municipality in Ecuador that prepared a massive vessel containing more than 1,680 gallons of the beverage.
• An incredibly extravagant version of the drink created at the restaurant Serendipity 3 features edible gold and a diamond ring, resulting in a record-setting price tag of $250,000.
• In certain South American cultures, particularly in Colombia, a traditional way to enjoy the beverage is to drop cubes of salty cheese into the mug so they can melt into a gooey, savory treat.
• Hot chocolate was originally consumed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs as a cold, bitter, and frothy liquid flavored with chili peppers and cornmeal rather than sugar and milk.
• During the 17th and 18th centuries, hot chocolate was frequently utilized as a medicinal remedy by physicians to treat internal ailments like fevers and stomach disorders.
• Because it produces no crumbs that could float away and damage sensitive equipment in microgravity, hot chocolate is a preferred beverage for astronauts during space missions.
• In Argentina and Uruguay, a popular preparation method known as el submarino involves submerging a solid bar of dark chocolate into a glass of steaming milk until it completely dissolves.
• Historical records such as The Essential Codex Mendoza reveal that cacao beans were so highly valued in ancient Mesoamerica that they were frequently used as a form of currency for trade.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Hot Chocolate Day

Top things to do in the US for National Hot Chocolate Day

• Enjoy some hot chocolate or cocoa and add marshmallows or whipped cream. If you're of age, try making an alcoholic hot chocolate cocktail. Pair it with rum, chocolate liqueur, or baileys.
• Participate in a winter activity or do something outdoors. Warm up afterwards with some delicious hot chocolate.
• Try hot chocolate bombs, a popular treat that makes hot chocolate a little more fun. They are little balls of chocolate that dissolve when placed in hot milk. They also contain marshmallows and others sweets inside them.