The terms "cocoa" and "hot chocolate" so often replace each other that many consider them to be one drink. Yes, both of them are the best escape from the cold winter days, however, the methods of preparation and the ingredients are completely different, so what is the difference between cocoa and hot chocolate?
Economic reasons
Due to the fact that some people talk about cocoa, and others - about hot chocolate, meaning the same thing, there was confusion. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between cocoa and hot chocolate.
From a practical point of view, the differences between cocoa and hot chocolate depend on who produces and advertises these drinks. The legal definition for cocoa or hot chocolate, of course, does not exist. This means that someone can label absolutely any drink under any of these names. But according to tradition, there are differences. Hot chocolate sounds more upscale and chic than cocoa. It is for this reason that some manufacturers of hot drinks stick labels that say "hot chocolate."
By the 17th century, it had become wildly popular among high society. They drank it in chocolate salons and gentlemen's clubs. Many rich houses had a chocolate pot, which was needed exclusively for making this drink.
Today, powdered chocolate mixtures called hot chocolate are widely used. Comparing such powders, it is difficult to say how cocoa differs from hot chocolate except for the name, since modern technology allows you to not use cocoa beans in their manufacture. They need to be added to boiling water or hot milk to drink a drink at home. Such dry mixes are sold in many grocery stores.
The story of two drinks
Cocoa and other chocolate products are used by billions of people around the world, but surprisingly few people know how hot chocolate differs from cocoa. Cocoa-based products span several thousand years. It is believed that hot chocolate came into use among the Mayan tribes about 2500-3000 years ago, and the ancient interpretation of cocoa was known already in 1400 BC.
In fact, cocoa has appeared in different cultures around the world for hundreds of years. The powder was first obtained as a crop in many ancient South American cultures, such as the Aztecs and Mayans. Cocoa beans were so significant for some ancient cultures that they were used as currency in trade. They were also provided to soldiers as a reward after the battle, and also used at royal holidays.
Powder began to be produced on the shores of South America, grinding cocoa beans. With the advent of seafarers, the drink began to spread around the world along with the recipe for the drink and plantations of cocoa trees. Since then, the composition and recipe have undergone many changes. At some point, chocolate was even treated in Europe with the help of chocolate.
What is cocoa?
Cocoa beans are tree seeds that are processed into powder, butter and chocolate. Cocoa is traditionally a sweetened powder drink, roasted beans, sugar and milk. The beverage may contain other flavors, such as vanilla, liquor or spices. But what is the difference between cocoa and hot chocolate? The first drink has a more refined taste.
When chocolate melts, its structure is sometimes divided into two layers: chocolate and cocoa butter. If you remove the oil completely and let the chocolate layer harden and then grind it, you get cocoa powder. It turns out that both cocoa and hot chocolate are produced from beans, the difference between them is only in the absence of butter.
What is hot chocolate?
Previously, this drink was made exclusively on the basis of real chocolate. During its preparation, very small pieces are melted, due to which the process occurs instantly. Due to the high fat content in chocolate, this drink is caloric and thicker than cocoa. Hot chocolate is made with water (traditionally in parts of Europe) or milk. It is usually less sweet than cocoa, many manufacturers of such a drink are proud that their product has a thick, bitter-sweet taste.
So what is the difference?
For many, cocoa and chocolate are almost the same thing, only in different forms. However, the differences in drinks are actually not only this, although few people take into account other characteristics when choosing.
In the preparation of cocoa powder, fat is removed from it, which is also called oil, while the chocolate flavor remains. Therefore, comparing these drinks, it is worth noting the low content of sugars and fats in cocoa, in contrast to hot chocolate. Therefore, the powder mainly brings benefits to the body. In addition, this drink is a powerful antioxidant.
Delicious recipes
The recipe for a hot drink, in theory, consists only in melting pieces of chocolate. Good milk, dark or even white chocolate is crushed, after which it quickly melts in combination with hot water, milk or even cream. The drink may also contain flavors, for example, vanilla. However, as a rule, it does not contain sugar, since chocolate is quite sweet without it.
To make cocoa you will need:
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
When served, slightly sweetened whipped cream, some cocoa powder and crushed chocolate can be added to the table. Pour ¾ cup of water into a pot or coffee pot, add cocoa powder there, stirring thoroughly over medium heat. When there are no lumps, add milk and leave to boil. Pour in sugar, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. For taste, you can add a little chocolate, which should melt in the drink. When it is ready, it is poured into mugs, decorating the top with whipped cream and sprinkling with a small amount of cocoa powder. Hot winter drinks can be decorated with spices, sweets, slices of fruit or delicate marshmallows.
The more you know about cocoa, hot chocolate and how to make it, the better. If you want to cook something in the cold winter, this recipe with a rich taste and aroma will be the perfect solution. But you should still know how hot chocolate differs from cocoa. A chocolate drink has a denser texture than hot cocoa. Traditionally, the drink combines chocolate with milk, cream, sugar or pieces of dark chocolate.