York Cocoa House Hot Chocolates

Chocolate was originally a drink enjoyed in Central America, discovered when the European explorers travelled west to discover the Americas. The beans from the cacao tree are taken from the pod, fermented between banana leaves before being dried. The Chocolate and Cocoa Houses of York would receive dried cocoa beans directly from Central America, they would be roasted before being ground on a metate, a chocolate grinding table set over a fire. The warmth of the fire would release the cocoa butter to create a thick, pure, dark chcoolate paste to be made into the drink Xchocolatl. Today our Cocoa House Classic recipe comes from a recipe written down by Colmenero de Ledesema in 1644, Ledesema was trying to defend our beloved chocolate and ensure that it continued to be enjoyed for its health giving and invigorating properties. 

Our hot chocolates are all handmade at York Cocoa House using fabulous chocolate ingredients, specially blended to create our recipes inspired by the classic chocolate drinking traditions celebrated by the Chocolate Houses of Georgian York, the Cocoa Houses of the Temperance movement and the classic drinking chocolate made by Rowntree that made it's way into most homes. 

Visit us to discover our full Hot Chocolate Menu.

Catering for Special Dietary Requirements

We endeavour to do our best to offer a range of chocolates suitable for guests with special dietary considerations. Our hot chocolates can be made with soya, almond or dairy milk. We are able to make our dark chocolates with alternative sweetening agents for guests with a low sugar diet. We are now pleased to be able to offer our own York Cocoa House Signature Hot Chocolate products which are made without soya. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our team ahead of your visit and we can ensure that we can cater for you fully.