Hot Chocolate Around the World

On a chilly day, a steaming mug of hot chocolate is a surefire way to transport yourself back in time with fond memories of Swiss Miss and fistfuls of the tiniest marshmallows imaginable. Once you're grown, you probably still delight in the occasional cup, perhaps using a fancier mix or adding a splash of peppermint schnapps, but did you know cocoa is a true international delight? Sipped in countries all over the world, the classic wintry dessert also gets new life from each country's various twists. Check out a few of our favorites below!

Germany & Belgium

Heiße Schokolade Wiener Art (German) or warme chocolademelk (Dutch)

Instead of a powder, this version uses a chopped up Belgian or German chocolate bar melted in a cup of warm milk.

Pair with: Prince cookies (a popular European sandwich cookie) or for a spicy kick, speculoos cookies

Mexico

Chocolate caliente

Though many think that chile powder is the secret ingredient to Mexican hot chocolate, it's actually cinnamon! The chile is optional.

Pair with: Conchas, a type of Mexican sweet bread (or "pan dulce") with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar top

Spain

Chocolate

Spanish hot chocolate is much thicker than the average cup of cocoa, often resembling more of a pudding than a drink.

Pair with: Churros, which are perfect for dunking

Colombia

Chocolate caliente

Instead of marshmallows, it adds cheese such as halloumi or queso blanco! It provides a melty treat and adds salty contrast to the sweetness of the cocoa.

Pair with: Nothing, since the cheese is enough of a treat on its own

Austria

Heiße Schokolade Wiener Art or Viennese hot chocolate

While not as thick as Spanish hot chocolate, this drink does add an egg yolk to the mix for an extra creamy texture.

Pair with: A dollop of Schlagobers, otherwise known as very-well-whipped whipped cream