What is drinking chocolate?

Drinking chocolate is a beverage composed of solid pieces of chocolate and hot water or milk rather than ground up chocolate powder. Drinking chocolate is more common in Europe, where it's sold as large chunks or pellets of chocolate. This type of drink is thicker and richer than the version of hot chocolate found in the United States.

Drinking chocolate has historical roots, with the Mayans enjoying the beverage hot and cold, taking advantage of the chocolate's supposed healing powers. Depending on the area where it's served, drinking chocolate may come with bittersweet chocolate chunks, chocolate bars or semisweet chocolate. Extracts, such as vanilla or peppermint, may be added to drinking chocolate.