What Is Spanish Drinking Chocolate?

Edward Anderton
Jul 28, 2017 · 2 min read

Edward Anderton is the cofounder and managing director of Scarlata Chocolate, a fine chocolate online boutique located in Seattle, Washington. Since 2012, Edward Anderton has shaped the business side of Scarlata Chocolate, helping it expand by exploring new markets and launching a monthly subscription service that features a specially selected box of chocolate truffles. Scarlata Chocolate offers a number of delectable dark chocolate treats as well as chocolate sauces and a rich Spanish style drinking chocolate made from 70 percent dark chocolate.

Chocolate originates from South America, where the Mayans and Aztecs enjoyed an unsweetened chocolate drink that was commonly mixed with spicy chilies. Hernan Cortez brought chocolate back to Spain, sugar was added, and a century later its popularity swept across Europe. Since the drink contained two expensive imports, sugar and cacao, only the very wealthy were able to enjoy chocolate.

Spanish drinking chocolate is traditionally a very thick drink that is served for breakfast or after a late night on the town. It is often served with churros. Unlike hot cocoa, drinking chocolate is made from real chocolate rather than cocoa powder. The cocoa butter content makes the chocolate drink rich and creamy. Experts suggest bringing variety to drinking chocolate by adding cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, or star anise.

Edward Anderton
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