In ancient times, the Maya and Aztec civilizations prepared a cold, spiced drink from chocolate. The Conquistadors brought this drink to Spain, where it eventually evolved into the hot beverage we refer to today as cocoa. Cocoa is a mixture of cocoa powder and hot water. The drink is generally sweetened with sugar or a sugar substitute, though the Aztecs chose to drink their version unsweetened. The Maya however, sweetened their beverage, referred to as xocoatl, with honey. The spiced drink of the Aztec was called cacahuatl. Cocoa powder is produced by removing a portion of cocoa butter from the bean, grinding the rest into a fine powder. Many consumers confuse hot chocolate and cocoa, often believing them to be the same. However, while cocoa is mixed with hot water and cocoa powder, hot chocolate is actually produced from shaved chocolate. Hot chocolate tends to have a richer flavour since it also contains the cocoa butter that was originally removed from the bean during the production of cocoa powder.

Chilli Con Choccy Hot Chocolate

If its cold, you've got a headache or just generally stressed then reach for the Jaz and Juls hot chocolate to blow away that dark cloud hanging over you. This stuff is hot and spicy, but very enjoyable.

Chai Masala Drinking Chocolate Flakes

If you're bored with the hot chocolate that you'll find in each and every supermarket, and what some choice then try this Indian-inspired drinking chocolate from Devnaa which contains cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. It's very refreshing indeed.

Fancy A Quicky Anyone? I Mean A Martini Hot Chocolate

I was very much looking forward to this Martini hot chocolate from Artisan du Chocolat, but unfortunately it wasn't as powerful or alcoholic as I'd like.

Montezuma’s Christmas Hot Drinking Chocolate

This special edition Christmas hot drinking chocolate wasn't as special as I'd hoped it to be. There were some good Christmas notes, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Chocadores Hot Chocolate

This is my first try of the Chocadores hot chocolate and absolutely loved it. There are some good flavours coming through.

Hot Chocolate Maker

At this time of year there's nothing better than having your own Hot Chocolate Maker.

Galler Hot Chocolate Recipe

If you've got left over dark chocolate why not make hot chocolate out of it?

A Hot Chcoolate Maker?

It's about time that we get a decent hot chocolate maker to make some nice hot cocoa on cold winter nights.

Choc-Affair Hot Chocolate Drink Melting Stick

To my mind you can't go far wrong with hot chocolate sticks, and this one from Choc-Affair certainly doesn't disappoint.