In Spain, hot chocolate has been a typical snack for many years. To know the origin of this tradition, we have to go back to the 16-century.

The very first contact with the seeds of the cacao tree dates back to one of Columbus’s voyages to the Americas when a Mayan plate carrying almonds as cargo was intercepted. But at that moment, Columbus did not give importance to the seeds.

Apparently, the monks in the monasteries were the first to introduce hot chocolate as a drink since it was not considered food and therefore could be taken even in times of fasting. However, not all opinions were favourable. Some religious orders rejected chocolate for being against the austerity in which they had promised to live in the monasteries.

Through the monks, Colombus would discover this delicious beverage and introduce it into Spanish culture, becoming an essential addition to the tables of the European elite. During the 17th-century, serving hot chocolate as a drink became an essential part of the “agosajo”, a ritual followed by the snacks that the nobles offered to their guests.

The time when by, and chocolate became more and more popular among the citizens. So much, that two hundred years later, in Madrid were consumed more than five tons of chocolate per year. According to the chronicles of the time, there was not a street in the capital where hot chocolate was not sold.

And this is how hot chocolate has become part of the Spanish gastronomic culture, being one of our most special snacks. Now that you know the origin of hot chocolate, we invite you to visit our lobby bar and discover our chocolate menu, available every day.