History of hot chocolate from its origins to modern evolution

Who first invented hot chocolate and what are its origins? 

Centuries before hot chocolate became popular around the world, the Olmecs were harnessing the delicious powers of the cacao tree and cultivating it. This civilisation that existed as far back as 1500 BC is believed to be the first inventors of hot chocolate.  

The Olmecs existed in what would now be present-day Mexico, and their cocoa drink was crafted by crushing cocoa beans, combining them with water, and then often adding a hint of chilli and spices.

It wasn’t enjoyed every day, or by just anyone, but instead it was saved for special occasions and only for the most powerful people. Already in ancient times, the caffeine in the cacao was believed to be an energy booster and would be drunk by warriors before they went into battle.  

What did this chocolate drink taste like? Unlike today’s version, it was bitter and spicy. The frothiness of the drink was also highly important to the Olmecs. The beverage was poured from a high place to make sure that thick froth was created.  

 

The ancient roots 

The Olmecs passed on their hot chocolate wisdom to the Mayan civilisation, which came after them, around 500 BC. It was a society that didn’t value cacao any less, believing it to be the “food of the gods” and enjoying it as part of their wedding ceremonies. Their concoction was referred to as “xocolātl”, which translates to “bitter water”, and its taste lived up to the name.  

For the Aztecs, the uses of cocoa beans included everything from currency to ceremonial drinks. They adapted the drink to their preferences by sweetening it up with honey and serving it to their soldiers before they went to war.  

 

Arrival in Europe 

Who do we have to thank for bringing hot chocolate to Europe? Spanish explorers, commanded by Hernán Cortés, voyaged throughout the Aztec region in 1519 and became fascinated with the cacao drink that was so valuable to this civilisation.  

These explorers transported the cacao drink back to Spain, but it was at first met with mixed reviews, as the chilli pepper and lack of sugar were too bitter for European tastes. By 1544, Spanish monks created their own version by adding sugar and sometimes honey to the drink and leaving out the chilli. It became such a beloved beverage in the Spanish royal court that its existence was kept a secret from the rest of Europe for more than 100 years.  

The obsession with this chocolate delicacy spread, and by the 1700s, hot chocolate fever had hit Europe, where it was served hot and sweeter than the original recipe, by everyone from King Louis XIV of France to England’s Queen Anne. More than 700 chocolate houses (like modern cafés) began to open in London, even though chocolate was still expensive and seen as a luxury.  

Interestingly enough, while hot chocolate was enjoyed for its status and taste, it was also prized for its medicinal benefits. The ancient Aztecs believed the drink relieved stomach and intestinal problems, and this tradition was carried on in Europe until the 19th century.  

 

How has hot chocolate evolved until today? 

Milk hasn’t always been an ingredient in hot chocolate. It wasn’t until the late 18th century, when the president of the Royal College of Physicians, Hans Sloane, introduced a Jamaican recipe he had discovered on his travels, that chocolate was combined with milk. The British adored this new addition, and it became essential for hot chocolate to be served with milk, often post-dinner.  

The Industrial Revolution in the 1800s completely transformed the chocolate industry and made the grinding of cocoa beans quicker and cheaper. Before, it was a delicacy that could only be enjoyed by the uber elite, as it came with a hefty price tag, and cacao beans were predominantly processed by hand.  

Today, the hot chocolate we indulge in on a cosy night in cannot be compared to the one that the ancient civilisations sipped on or the royals of 18th-century Europe. That’s because the drink was crafted by mixing melted chocolate with water, while the modern-day drink is made from cocoa powder, which makes our hot brew less rich and silkier in texture.  

Cocoa powder was invented by the Dutch in the mid-1700s. It's different from melted chocolate because the cocoa butter has been removed from the beans and then processed into powder.  

For most of its history, hot chocolate was a real luxury. Today, it can be enjoyed by almost everyone and is a little taste of royalty in every cup.