December 13 is National Cocoa Day! This holiday is a celebration of everyone’s favorite chocolate drink. There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your hot cocoa. Some people like to add peppermint extract or cinnamon to their cocoa for a special winter flavor. Others enjoy mixing in Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, or other liquors for a unique twist. However you like to make it, hot cocoa is always a delicious treat!
Hot Cocoa Vs. Hot Chocolate – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to a comforting cup of warm and creamy goodness, it can be hard to choose between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Both have their own unique flavor profiles, but what’s the real difference between them? Let’s dive into the specifics of these two popular winter drinks.
Ingredients & Consistency
The main difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate is in their ingredients and consistency. Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, while hot chocolate is made by melting solid chocolate (such as chocolate chips or bars) in hot water or milk. As a result, hot cocoa is typically thinner and lighter than hot chocolate. It also has fewer calories and fat, depending on what is added to it (e.g., cream, marshmallows). In contrast, hot chocolate tends to be thicker due to its higher concentration of melted solid chocolate.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Cocoa contains antioxidants that may help prevent cancer, plus other health benefits such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and helping keep our veins healthy due to its flavonoid content. However, this doesn’t mean that drinking large amounts of either drink will have miraculous health benefits—too much sugar can lead to weight gain or diabetes if consumed in excess! Therefore it’s important to enjoy both drinks in moderation.
Whether you choose hot cocoa or hot chocolate for your next wintertime treat, both drinks offer delicious flavor along with possible health benefits when consumed in moderation! If you’re looking for a healthier option try making your own homemade hot cocoa using quality ingredients like real unsweetened cocoa powder or opt for organic dark chocolate when adding it directly into your cup of milk for some extra health benefits! Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy your favorite wintertime treat!
Celebrate National Cocoa Day in Style!
National Cocoa Day is a fun holiday and a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the delicious taste of cocoa and treat yourself to something special. Whether you are a fan of the classic hot cocoa or like to switch it up with some unique flavors and toppings, read on for our guide on how to celebrate National Cocoa Day.
No National Cocoa Day is complete without enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. You can pick up a box from your local store, or make your own with just three ingredients—cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. If you want to take it up a notch, try making hot cocoa bombs. Hot cocoa bombs are chocolate spheres made with cocoa, marshmallows, and other ingredients. When placed in warm milk, the sphere melts and releases all its goodies into the beverage. There are plenty of recipes online that you can follow or get creative and make your own version.
Once you have your hot cocoa ready, why not add some toppings? Marshmallows are always popular but if you want something different then try candy canes, caramel sauce, toffee bits or even white chocolate shavings. For those who prefer spices over candy, cinnamon, nutmeg and all-spice are great options as well as adding almond flavoring to the cocoa itself. Not only do these flavors add an extra dimension of flavor but they also look amazing when served in a mug!
So this National Cocoa Day why not get creative and whip up something special? Hot cocoa is such an easy yet indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy—even if it’s just an excuse for some self-care during these difficult times! Whether it’s topping off your favorite mug with marshmallows or making hot cocoa bombs for the family to share around the table – there’s no better way to celebrate National Cocoa Day than by getting imaginative with your favorite winter beverage! Enjoy!
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.