‘Tis the season! And what’s the most decadent and delicious warming treat you can sip on a cold winter day? There are so many! But all through December, we feel like hot cocoa and hot chocolate win out. If we’re being honest, a daily dose of chocolate is the only way we get through all the events and festivities crammed into these short weeks. And the best news, you can mix up this dessert beverage in infinite ways. It’s such a fun and easy treat you can keep on hand all winter long.
But what you might not know is that hot cocoa and hot chocolate are not technically the same thing. There’s a subtle but important difference in ingredients and preparation between these two hot drinks. And in fact, there is yet a third option called sipping chocolate! And knowing the nuances between the three will step up your game and take your holiday hosting to all new heights this winter. We can’t wait to share what we found out!
Hot Cocoa
This is a sweet, hot drink most often made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or powdered milk. It has a thin, light consistency and is easier to make than hot chocolate—only requiring boiling hot water or milk added to the powdered mix. This means, that most boxed hot chocolate sold in the U.S. is technically hot cocoa. And from a cost standpoint, hot cocoa will be the most affordable. But that doesn’t limit the variations of hot cocoa you can find. Each type of cocoa powder will create a unique flavor for your hot cocoa. And the properties of the cocoa powder can also have an impact. That’s why it’s important to understand your cocoa powders before you try and create your own mix (read this blog post for more insight). Trust us, hot cocoa absolutely has a place and you can still make a smooth, delicious, and decadent hot cocoa with the right combination of ingredients.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate or drinking chocolate is a thick, decadent hot drink made by melting solid chocolate in hot milk, cream, or water. And most recipes for hot chocolate call for shavings or pieces of real chocolate. You will melt the chocolate and blend it with the drink base to create a smooth, chocolatey beverage. And different countries have their own renditions. Some of these include European hot chocolate (with cocoa powder and real chocolate), Mexican hot chocolate (with table chocolate cinnamon, and cacao), French chocolat chaud (dark or bittersweet chocolate with whole milk), and Italian cioccolata calda (includes cornstarch to thicken the mixture.) Perhaps the most interesting we found was Colombian hot chocolate which incorporates flavors like cloves, cinnamon, and honey, but also a couple cheese cubes to help create a smoother and creamier texture with a hint of salt. All of it sounds delectable and we can’t wait to try different combinations!
Sipping Chocolate
Now sipping chocolate is thicker, richer and even more intense than hot chocolate. It’s still made with real melted chocolate, but it includes the smallest amount of milk, sugar, and spice—just enough to blend it all together and make it sippable. The texture of sipping chocolate is dense and velvety with the absolute most chocolate flavor. No, this isn’t a drink you gulp down and grab another cup. Rather, this is a drink where you sit and sip and savor it slowly all the way to the last drop. As rich as melted chocolate bars? Yes please!
No matter which chocolatey treat you choose to indulge in this winter, each version offers a unique experience that’s perfect for cozying up on a cold day. Whether you’re looking for the lighter, sweeter comfort of hot cocoa, the rich and decadent warmth of hot chocolate, or the intense, velvety indulgence of sipping chocolate, there’s a perfect option for every craving. So, this December, why not come along with us and experiment with these variations and elevate your winter sipping game? With endless flavor combinations and textures to explore, you’ll find yourself embracing the season one delicious cup at a time. We cannot wait to jump in!
