Why Drinking Your Hot Chocolate In Spain Might Raise Some Eyebrows

There's nothing quite like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate to warm your heart on a cold winter day. In some countries, such as Spain, hot chocolate is so ingrained in the history and culture that it has become a norm. However, just like any culture, Spain has made hot chocolate part of its traditions with specific ways to be consumed, certain ingredients, and even foods to be paired with. 

If you're new to Spain and want to stick to Spanish cultural traditions instead of being called out as a tourist, it's best to refrain from sipping your hot chocolate or treating it as a beverage. Hot chocolate in Spain is famous for its rich, velvety, and thick, creamy consistency, similar to a pudding. This means it would be nearly impossible to drink, and doing so will definitely raise a few eyebrows. Read on to learn more about this heavenly cup of cocoa and how it should be consumed.

So, what makes Spanish hot chocolate so special? Well, it's not just like any other milky hot chocolate — it has a rich, smooth, and heavenly pudding-like consistency that makes it hard not to enjoy. To make this delicious treat, traditional preparation methods include using high-quality cocoa with as little sugar as possible to give it a bold and rich chocolaty flavor, as well as cornstarch to give that thick consistency. It is nothing like the watery or milky hot chocolate found in the United States. In fact, in the U.S., it would most likely be considered a dessert rather than a beverage.

As per Spanish tradition, hot chocolate is usually paired with another Spanish delicacy, churros. These crispy and golden confections go back in history and are staples of Spanish culture. Because of Spanish hot chocolate's creamy, rich consistency, it is very challenging to drink. If you try, you might be breaching a common etiquette rule.

With each bite, a churro should be dipped into the chocolate to savor the unparalleled balance of crispiness and heavenly creaminess. Much like ordering hot chocolate in Italy, the process is different at a Spanish café. For this treat, you should ask for "churros con chocolate," which means "churros with chocolate" in Spanish. It's the best way to show locals that you respect and understand their culture, especially when it comes to this inseparable pair. Keep in mind that churros are usually considered a breakfast snack and are at their absolute best first thing in the morning. While most Spanish cafés will likely have these two items on their menus, it's hard not to find them at a churros café, known as "churrerías."

As part of the culture, hot chocolate and churros are meant to be shared and are considered more of a communal activity in Spain. It is hard to miss a table without a group of people sharing this delicacy, one dip at a time. But keep in mind that hot chocolate can also be paired with other Spanish staples such as porras — a thicker version of churros. During special seasons, hot chocolate is often combined with holiday pastries, especially at Christmas. So, next time you're in Spain, be sure to try this fascinating combo and savor the dip!