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FriJan 31

National Hot Chocolate Day – January 31, 2025

Few beverages are as deep-rooted in culture of Americans’ collective childhood quite like hot chocolate. This drink reminds us of raining days, skiing, sledding, or even a quiet day watching the snow fall. It’s thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in whipped cream—no other drink brings warmth to our lives and tastebuds quite like hot chocolate. Cozy up with your favorite mug because on January 31, we celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, a day devoted to our favorite chocolate beverage.

National Hot Chocolate Day timeline

500 BC
Hot and Spicy Chocolate

The Ancient Mayans drank chocolate made from crushed cocoa seeds mixed in water and chili peppers.

1500s
Chocolate Gets Wanderlust

Explorer Cortez carried cocoa beans and tools for making hot chocolate with him to Europe.

1876
Milk Chocolate

Swiss Chocolatier Daniel Peter created the first milk chocolate by combining powdered milk with chocolate.

1961
Swiss Miss

Popular hot chocolate manufacturer Swiss Miss started selling its first powdered hot chocolate that could be mixed with water instead of milk.

National Hot Chocolate Day Activities

  1. Drink up

    Indulge in your favorite hot chocolate by heading down to your local coffee shop or restaurant with your go-to drink. The truly best way to celebrate hot chocolate in all it's chocolatey glory is simply drinking it!

  2. Make your own marshmallows and whipped cream

    Whipped cream and marshmallows are surprisingly easy to make. Marshmallows are a simple combination of gelatin, vanilla, sugar and corn syrup while whipped cream is just whipping cream beaten with sugar. Find a new recipe online and put your culinary skills to this easy test—you'll have a tasty recipe to sweeten up your chocolate-y repertoire.

  3. Host a hot chocolate sampler

    Today there's an endless array of hot chocolate concoctions: Mexican hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, creme de menthe hot chocolate, gingerbread hot chocolate... you get the idea. Make the happy hour a sweet sensation with friends by preparing some quirky hot chocolate flavors—it'll liven up everyone's favorite winter sip.

Why We Love National Hot Chocolate Day

  1. It's the perfect winter drink

    When it's cold outside, staying cozy by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate between our hands is one of our favorite winter traditions. And let’s be real – when all you need is a little snuggle and warmth, this drink warms your whole body and tastes luxurious too!

  2. It's good for you

    Chocolate contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and biochemical compounds—all of which help give our body a satisfying health boost. Hot chocolate even increases the microcirculation in your skin. Who knew a hot chocolate obsession could be so good for our health?

  3. It boosts your mood

    When we drink hot chocolate, its chemical compounds signal the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, which elicit our feelings of calmness. These neurotransmitters work to reduce pain and stress, keeping us worry-free and happy! Hot chocolate is clearly happiness in a cup.

National Hot Chocolate Day dates

YearDateDay
2025January 31Friday
2026January 31Saturday
2027January 31Sunday
2028January 31Monday
2029January 31Wednesday

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