For Hot Chocolate Day 2026, our colleague Tim celebrates a drink that invites us to slow down and enjoy the moment.
By Tim Sumner (Therapist)
Hot chocolate is the misunderstood, often maligned younger cousin of tea and coffee. Coffee, the symbol of alertness, focus and jitters, fuels the morning commute and the late-night sessions. Tea is often viewed as either the elegant, decorous drink of the aristocracy served in bone China or conversely, the working-class brew of choice for builders, office-workers and hospitals across the UK. But what of hot chocolate? A drink for children, sweet and soothing? A warm treat as the nights grow darker and colder?
Its origins as a hot, sweet drink in the UK go back to the late 1600s, as Spanish invaders brought it back to Europe from the Americas. It was there that Mayans and other Indigenous peoples had been drinking a cold cacao water, sometimes spiced with chilli or honey, for thousands of years. But this cold, bitter drink didn’t fit with the tastes of the European upper classes, the privileged few who could afford this exciting new flavour. Food science ensued and through an intensive process, cocoa powder and thus hot chocolate was born.
Over time, perception of the drink has changed from being considered medicinal (and even an aphrodisiac) to a luxurious, winter-time warmer replete with syrups, marshmallows and whipped cream enjoyed around the world. Though the weather is cold – the joys of the seasonal break have passed and we are well into mid-winter – yet there are still small moments of pleasure to be found. Richard E. Grant, reflecting on the loss of his wife in ‘A Pocketful of Happiness’, speaks of the goal of finding small pockets of joy every day in the wake of his profound loss. It’s in these times of the year that we can look to things like hot chocolate as serving that purpose. If looking forward to picking up a hot chocolate for your commute is what gets you through the day, that’s enough.
The link between mindfulness and enjoying a hot drink has long been understood. The deliberate pace at which one can brew a cup of tea encourages slowing down, a simple routine that rewards with a comforting drink. It’s also an opportunity to engage with the senses: listening to the kettle boil (whistling kettles are especially good for this), feeling the heat of the mug on your palms and even the smell of freshly brewed coffee can be inviting, even if the flavour isn’t to your taste. Can the same be said for hot chocolate? Though it’s a more sugar-rich drink, there are benefits too. Flavanols are antioxidants that boost brain blood flow and protect cells. Theobromine is a gentle stimulant that supports relaxation. Magnesium has long been seen as a mineral linked to mood regulation and relaxation and Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound associated with feelings of love and happiness. All of these are contained within that silky smooth cup. So the next time you need a little treat, consider a cup of hot choc. It’s been seen as a lot of different things over its history but we should recognise that – in moderation – it is often a source of joy and comfort. For me at least, it is.
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