A little reason to celebrate
National Hot Chocolate Day
Drink ยท January 31
A day for hot chocolate, the warm cocoa drink made with milk or water, sugar and chocolate, and the many ways people make and share it.
National Hot Chocolate Day falls on Sunday, January 31, 2027. That is 96 days away.
Hot chocolate is chocolate you drink. At its simplest it is cocoa powder or melted chocolate stirred into hot milk or water, sweetened, and poured into a mug that gets held with both hands.
There are two broad styles. One is made from cocoa powder and sugar, light and easy to drink. The other starts with real chocolate melted into milk, which makes it thicker and richer, closer to a dessert than a beverage. Many people use the two names loosely, and nobody at the stove seems to mind.
The toppings are where households differ. Some swear by marshmallows, which melt into a sweet foam on top. Others want whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a pinch of salt stirred in to sharpen the chocolate. A spoonful of peanut butter or a drop of vanilla has its loyal fans too.
Making it from scratch takes only a few minutes. Whisking the cocoa with a splash of milk into a paste before adding the rest keeps lumps from forming, and gentle heat keeps the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
Cafes often serve it alongside coffee drinks, but it may be at its best at home, after coming in from the cold, with steam fogging up a pair of glasses.
Ways to celebrate
- Try making hot chocolate from scratch with cocoa powder and milk.
- Melt a bar of chocolate into warm milk for a richer cup.
- Share a pot of hot chocolate with family or neighbors.
- Set out a toppings tray with marshmallows, cinnamon and whipped cream.
- Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon and taste the difference.
Things for the day
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Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, January 31 |
| 2027 | Sunday, January 31 |
| 2028 | Monday, January 31 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, January 31 |
| 2030 | Thursday, January 31 |
All national days on January 31
Also on January 31
- National Backward Day
- Brandy Alexander Day
- National Gorilla Suit Day
- Eat Brussels Sprouts Day
- Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
Categories: Drink days