Hot chocolate aka hot cocoa, drinking chocolate or cocoa

While hot chocolate is generally thought of as a drink consumed for pleasure, recent studies have suggested that hot chocolate possesses health benefits due to antioxidants that can be found in cocoa. 

Before the 19th century hot chocolate was even used medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases.


In 1894, Hershey’s introduced unsweetened cocoa for beverages and in 1994 Hershey’s introduced a line of hot cocoa mixes in individual packets.

Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations including the very thick cioccolata densa served in Italy, and the thinner hot cocoa that is typically consumed in the United States. 
 
Americans have come to use the terms "hot chocolate" and "hot cocoa" interchangeably, obscuring the considerable difference between the two. "Hot cocoa" is made from powder made by removing most of the rich cocoa butter from the ground cacao beans. "Hot chocolate," is made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar and cocoa butter.  he major difference between the two is the cocoa butter, which makes hot cocoa significantly lower in fat than hot chocolate, while still preserving all the intrinsic health-giving properties of chocolate.
 
You can make an adult hot chocolate and add different ingredients to liven up your drink like:
 
Peppermint patty - Peppermint schnapps;
Hot scotch cocoa - butterschotch schnapps;
Hot cocoa berry - coconut rum and raspberry liquor; and
Chocolate Kiev - vanilla vodka and amaretto.  (I think you get the hint)
 
For the under 21's you can try:
 
Snow flake cocoa - melted white chocolate chips;
Candy cane cocoa - chocolate chips and chips of candy canes; and
Mexican cocoa - a hint of chili powder.
 
Or the classic tall cup of cocoa with a bunch of marshmellows on the top!
 
So there you go - a little bit of history, ideas on how to drink it AND an excuse to drink it, because it's healthy!
 
While you're out shopping pick up some cocoa, milk and marshmellows for a warm comforting drink before Santa comes to town.