What's on December 13th? - National Cocoa Day!

Introduction

On a winter evening, you may fancy yourself cozily and joyfully sipping a good cup of hot chocolate. National Cocoa Day is all about savoring cocoa in all its forms—from the delicious drink to the mouthwatering dessert.

In this article, we'll learn what cocoa day is all about, the history of the day, and why cocoa has been beloved for generations. Finally, you will learn creative ways to celebrate and maximize the joy of this day!

Key Takeaways

• National Cocoa Day is celebrated on December 13th to pay homage to Cocoa which is the core ingredient of chocolate.
• Hot chocolate is one of the fan favorite hot beverages enjoyed by people for a very long time. The use of cocoa started back in the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
• Not only hot chocolate, but a lot of other recipes are also made with cocoa. So a day to celebrate its history is no way a far stretch.
• You can enjoy this day with family and friends, at a bar or at home, host a movie night or just snuggle up in your cozy corner with a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite book. Indulge!

What Is National Cocoa Day Or National Chocolate Day?

National Cocoa Day brings comfort with the rich, soothing warmth of cocoa. This day pays respect to the history and delight of cocoa, the base for hot chocolate enjoyed by people for centuries. It traces its roots to the old Mesoamerican civilizations where cocoa was a very important ingredient both in beverages and ceremonies. With time, it grew into the sweet drink we all know and love today.

National Cocoa Day is the kind of day when one wants to curl up with a mug of hot cocoa to share recipes with friends and family and resort to gourmet toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkling of cinnamon. Whether one is into traditional hot cocoa or modern variations with flavored syrups, National Cocoa Day is all about savoring the warmth and sweetness it brings in chilly winter days.

Brief History

The roots of cocoa date back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs, who considered it a sacrilegious drink. They considered it a divine drink and the Aztecs even thought of it as the gift of the God Quetzalcoatl.

The Spanish explorers brought cocoa into Europe during the 16th century. They sweetened this drink into various delicacies. Hot cocoa then turned from a ceremonial drink into a comforting delicacy in many parts of the world.

Due to the advancements of technology in making chocolate, cocoa became available to all during the 19th century. National Cocoa Day is celebrated annually to remember this journey. It's a time of reflection on where cocoa has taken us culturally, historically, and even into the cuisine. With marshmallows or plain, the cocoa unites people into its warm embrace, becoming the perfect winter partner for people of all ages.

When Is Hot Cocoa Day?

Every December 13, we celebrate the National Cocoa Day. This special day coincides with the holiday season and increases the fun and festivity when families and friends come together to sip cups of hot cocoa over gossip.

For many, this may be a day to put the brakes on and make the most of life's little pleasures. From traditional, warming hot cocoa to wildly over-the-top versions loaded with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cinnamon, schools, cafes, and homes get creative with cocoa recipes to make the day even more special.

Here are the dates when National Cocoa Day will fall in upcoming years:

Hot Cocoa Day Dates

How Can You Celebrate Hot Cocoa Day?

There are plenty of enjoyable ways to celebrate the event, whether you prefer something traditional or creative. So, here are five sweet ways to make the most out of this day.

1. Host a Cocoa Bar Party

National Cocoa Day is best spent at a hot cocoa bar with your friends & family. Pick a fun and cozy activity, like having everyone design their own personalized cup. It is a great way to spread cheer on the 13th. It's the perfect time to celebrate this classic drink and the cozy warmth it brings to your hands and tummy. You can also enjoy the drink with cookies or festive treats for an extremely cozy time.

2. Make Hot Cocoa at Home

Turn your kitchen into a heaven of cocoa bliss. Savor hot cocoa, make it from high-quality chocolate, or use very good-quality cocoa powder. Try recipes like salted caramel cocoa or spiced hot chocolate. This way you can have some delicious me time with cocoa!

3. Cozy Movie Night with Cocoa

Celebrate Cocoa Day with a movie night snuggled up with your favorite hot cocoa. Select a holiday classic or another feel-good movie to go along with the comfort of the drink. Add some fluffy blankets and festive snacks, and you are sure to have a night that you will never forget. Hot cocoa just sets the perfect tone for binging shows or movies. You can enjoy alone or invite friends over.

4. Gift Hot Cocoa Kits

Spread cheer and create some hot cocoa gift kits for those special people in your life. You can assemble cocoa powder with marshmallows in fun mugs. These are thoughtful presents to make the holiday season even sweeter. Share the love of hot cocoa on National Cocoa Day, so that all may enjoy this hot delicacy.

5. Visit a Local Cafe

Look around town or your area for those cafes specializing in hot cocoa. This is your chance to try rich hot chocolate. Or maybe try something you've never tried before like spiced hot cocoa or Maple-Coco Chocolate Fondue. Not to mention, you could top it up with anything you want. Also, you're supporting local businesses. So, make sure that you have a delicious cup just your way on National Cocoa Day.

Wrap Up

Whether at parties over hot cocoa with friends, gifting kits of cocoa, or movie nights with them, comfort calls for joy. On National Cocoa Day, you can embrace sweetness into the season and moments of happiness with your loved ones. Now get yourself a mug and fill it with hot cocoa; savor the richness of this hot delicacy that will make the chilly day warm.