How Is Drinking Chocolate Different From Hot Cocoa?

In the cold winter months, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as curling up under a warm blanket with a hot beverage. While many chocolate lovers will reach for a cup of hot cocoa, you might consider elevating your experience with a cup of drinking chocolate instead. Drinking chocolate, or sipping chocolate, skips the powdered mix and involves gently melting chocolate bars into hot milk. The result is a thicker, richer beverage that showcases the subtle nuances and flavor notes of chocolate. Continue reading to get a closer look at the differences between hot cocoa and drinking chocolate. 

Ingredients

Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and a variety of stabilizers and preservatives—and, in some cases, artificial flavorings. Conversely, drinking chocolate is made from high-quality bean to bar chocolate, cane sugar, cocoa butter, and natural thickeners like locust bean gum. It may also contain fruits, caramel, vanilla beans, nuts, and spices for a unique flavor experience. Drinking chocolate comes in bar form rather than a powdered mix. 

Preparation

Hot cocoa is prepared by simply adding the powdered mix to hot water. While convenient, it often leaves something to be desired in terms of flavor and texture. Drinking chocolate is made by blending chocolate bars with hot, frothed milk—any variety will do, including nut milks and soy milk—to yield a thick, creamy beverage that offers a deep chocolate flavor. 

Flavor 

Drinking chocolate offers the intense and nuanced flavor notes of chocolate in liquid form, whereas hot cocoa generally delivers an overwhelmingly sweet flavor with just hints of chocolate. With drinking chocolate, you’ll find varieties like 100% cocoa and Bitter Classic flavors that contain little to no sugar, so you can enjoy only the pure flavors of the cocoa beans. Of course, those with a sweet tooth can choose from a variety of sweeter flavors like caramel and milk chocolate. 

Experience the difference of drinking chocolate with the variety of sipping chocolates we offer at Zotter Chocolate. With vegan and low sugar varieties available, we offer something for anyone to enjoy during the cold winter season. Browse our selection on our website and have your favorite drinking chocolates delivered directly to your door.