Hot chocolate is not only enjoyed as a seasonal treat in America, but it’s enjoyed all around the world. Whether the varying recipes of hot chocolate in other countries are used to make them more creamy or spicy, it is and will always serve as a top comfort food.

Most have heard of Mexican hot chocolate, and if you haven’t you’re missing out. This hot drink, usually referred to as just “chocolate” in Mexico, is a simple combination of ground cinnamon, cocoa, sugar, and of course hot milk. Although this recipe is commonly used across other Latin American countries, it’s most popular in Mexico. Children in Mexico will commonly drink it for breakfast or as a snack, but similar to the culture in America, it is highly consumed during religious and indigenous holidays, as well as other festivities. And you know it’s a time of celebration when people start making chocolate atole, a fermented cacao drink that can take up to half a year to prepare and is widely known for its thick frothy texture.

Next is hot chocolate in Germany, which, in Germany, is only referred to as hot chocolate if it’s been made with real chocolate. It is more common in German culture to drink Kakao, which is made from cacao beans, certain powders, and other varying ingredients that give that same chocolate flavor. It can be served hot or cold, and when it is made from powder it is referred to as Trinkschokolade. Only children typically enjoy hot chocolate in German culture.

Next is Filipino hot chocolate, which is notable for its unique grainy taste and creamy froth. Unlike other hot chocolates, it is made from tablea, or blocks of cocoa. These blocks don’t get fully dissolved in the drink to make it more enjoyable. People in the Philippines will typically cook the blocks just so that it is still slightly chunky, and can be enjoyed with the hot chocolate. This is what gives the drink that grain-like texture.

Finally, to save the best for last, is Belgium hot chocolate. This creamy rich hot chocolate is definitely the most well known hot chocolate in the world. People are constantly striving to make this hot chocolate just as the locals do. “Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite things to drink, I always try to make this special Belgian hot chocolate whenever my friends and family visit for the holidays” (Stephanie Bates 10). What makes it so special is the fact that it’s made with all natural ingredients and is brewed for a long time, bringing out all its delicious flavors.