It's National Hot Chocolate Day! Here's how and where to celebrate in Delaware

If you’re craving a reason for celebration and a warm drink, you’re in luck. National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Celebrate this classic winter beverage the right way. Here’s everything to know about hot chocolate, hot cocoa (yes, there’s a difference …), its history and some fun recipes to cozy up to.

Hot chocolate's long history

According to History.com, the hot chocolate tradition dates back to ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, which not only enjoyed the warm drink, but revered it as a gift from gods. It often was used in ceremonies and typically reserved for the wealthy.

The original recipe is believed to have included chili peppers and cornmeal. By the time the concept made it to Europe, the recipe had been tweaked to include cane sugar, cinnamon and other common spices.

In the early 1800s, Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten discovered a way to grind cacao beans into a powder that could be mixed with water, marking the beginning of hot chocolate's mass production.

Hot chocolate vs. hot cocoa

Herein lies an age-old debate: What is the correct way to make hot chocolate? Depending on what you’re trying to make, there is a right answer.

Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder mixed with either heated milk or water and sugar (thanks, van Houten!).

Hot chocolate is melted chocolate combined with milk. Depending on how rich you want your drink to be, you can also mix the chocolate with cocoa powder.

Where to celebrate in Delaware?

Turning Point, Christiana, 3204 Fashion Center Blvd., Christiana

Turning Point offers four different types of hot chocolate recipes. Other than the traditional recipe, they also serve a s’mores drink that includes marshmallow syrup, crushed graham crackers and whipped cream.

The peppermint hot chocolate uses peppermint syrup, crushed peppermint and whipped cream. Cookie Explosion is a sweet tooth’s dream and includes caramel syrup, chocolate chips, Oreo cookie pieces, caramel drizzle and whipped cream.

Sweet Dreams Confections Co., Middletown, 1 Shallcross Place, Middletown

If you’re privy to social media recipe trends, you’re probably familiar with the hot cocoa bomb. At Sweet Dreams Confections, hollow balls of chocolate are sold with cocoa powder inside: Just add it to milk or water to set it off!

The hot cocoa bombs are available in different flavors, including classic milk, dark and white chocolate flavors or seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice, peppermint or raspberry.

DIY Recipes

Looking for an easy, at-home celebration? Here is how to make the perfect classic hot chocolate (or hot cocoa) from the comfort of your own home, plus some fun twists to try out!

Classic Hot Chocolate

Start by heating up three parts milk and one part heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat, this should make around four servings.

Next, add about 2 ounces of chopped chocolate to your mixture. Add in just over a teaspoon of cocoa powder and 2½ teaspoons of sugar per cup of milk originally used. After mixing that all in, add a hint of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and mix until it’s melted together.

Feel free to splurge on some fun marshmallow or whipped cream toppings!

Amaretto Hot Cocoa

Dry January is practically over. What better way to celebrate than with a boozy hot cocoa recipe?

All you need to do is mix the following ingredients into a heated saucepan. Make sure to stir the mixture in between ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of whole milk

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder

• Around 1 tablespoon of amaretto

There are also mixes available for peppermint cocoa or Mexican hot cocoa, with cinnamon and chili flavors used to dilute the sweetness of regular cocoa.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, Jan. 31