Hot Chocolate

Vocabulary

• Original
• Bitter
• Vitality
• Currency
• Industrial

Article

As winter approaches, we enjoy drinking a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate. However, this popular drink is quite different from its original version, which was not hot at all when it first started.

The origins of hot chocolate date back to around 500 BC in the Mayan civilization, where it was called ‘chocolhaa’, which means ‘bitter water’. The drink was made from cacao beans, mixed with water, spices, and peppers, and it was served cold.

Later, in the 15th century, the Aztecs developed their own version by adding honey to make it sweeter. This special drink was believed to give people strength and vitality, and it even became a form of currency made from cacao beans.

The Spanish played a big role in bringing hot chocolate to Europe in the 16th century. Initially, Europeans didn’t like it, but when they warmed it up and added sugar, they started to enjoy it.

Hot chocolate then made its way to England, where it was adapted once again by using milk instead of water. As a result, ‘chocolate kitchens’ were installed in wealthy Londoners’ homes, allowing staff to make it for them.

However, making hot chocolate from cacao beans was time-consuming and labour-intensive, taking months to do. This is why only the wealthy could afford to drink it.

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century changed everything. With machines that could turn cacao beans into powder, people could make their own hot chocolate more easily. Today, all we need is a packet of instant mix to make a delicious cup of hot chocolate at home.

Summarize the article in your own words.

Speaking

• How much did you know about the history of hot chocolate?
• Do you usually call it hot chocolate or hot cocoa?
• What hot drinks do you have most often?
• Would you like to try the original hot chocolate?
• What is your favourite way to have a cozy day?

Writing

• What food or drinks are traditional in your country? What are they like?

Listening

• Describe what happened in this video. What drink did the man want?