Drinking hot chocolate has always been a tradition for me. Every Sunday at church growing up, I’d take hot water from an urn and mix it with a cheap packet of powder and marshmallows to create my signature beverage. Sometimes with friends, I’d mix the powder with chocolate syrup to create a sugary concoction we called “cake batter,” due to the similar consistencies. It was never much, but to me it was delicious.
As I grew, I saw more sophisticated ways to make hot chocolate, but never thought to try them out. I was content with what I had. But as I scrolled through holiday recipes on Pinterest, I was continuously met with creative variations on the classic beverage to the point where I couldn’t take the curiosity. I had to try this “real” hot chocolate for myself. I finally decided I’d search the Internet for hot chocolate recipes from every corner of the globe and decide which one I liked best. With that, I give you the results of my research.
- Mexico
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Rating: 10/10
I have two words to describe this recipe: the flavor. The fiery cinnamon and chili powder complement the richness of the chocolate and leave a delightful aftertaste. Cheap hot chocolate quickly cools off and loses flavor, but this hot chocolate stays lively through the last drop.
Try the recipe for yourself here. - Italy
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Rating: 9/10
When I heard this recipe would be thick, I expected most of that thickness to lie in its consistency due to the cornstarch. However, I found that a lot of that flavor to be in the deep and smooth taste of the chocolate. It was like luxury in a cup.
Try the recipe for yourself here. - Japan
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Rating: 7/10
In contrast to the rich Italian chocolate, this matcha recipe is much lighter and the honey adds a nice, natural sweetening. I couldn’t taste much actual matcha flavor, which might be a sign to use more next time.
Try the recipe for yourself here. - France
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Rating: 9/10
This hot chocolate ended up tasting a lot like the Italian recipe, but with a slightly richer chocolate taste. It certainly tasted like it was straight out of a cafe, but for a fraction of the price.
Try the recipe for yourself here. - United States
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Rating: 6/10
To bring things back home, I decided to try a “traditional” American powdered mix, but with a twist. I served the mint cocoa cold in an icy mixture, and honestly speaking, it tasted better than I expected it to (especially regarding how little time went into it). While it’s certainly not the cocoa you’d snuggle up next to a fire with, it’s a cool, light and refreshing beverage.
Try the hot chocolate mix here.
In the end, my favorite hot chocolate has to have been the Mexican recipe. The spices added an unforgettable flavor. However, each recipe truly had something unique to bring to the table. I may have to try a fusion recipe at some point and see what the flavors were combined. Until then, happy sipping.