The Spanish bring cocoa to Europe
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Cocoa was first introduced to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century. When Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1519, the Spaniards brought cocoa back to the Old World as spoils of war. Initially, cocoa was mainly sold as a medicine in pharmacies. At the time, it was said to have strengthening and healing powers.
From medicine to fashionable drink for the aristocracy
In the 17th century, cocoa then developed into a popular fashionable drink in European aristocratic circles, to which all kinds of positive effects were attributed. The discovery that cocoa tasted much better when sweetened with cane sugar and thus appealed to European tastes was a decisive factor in its increasing popularity.
Famous cocoa lovers
Many famous personalities greatly appreciated the exotic drink. Cocoa was the favourite drink of King Louis XIV of France. He always wanted to be served a cup of chocolate after a hunting trip and before going to bed.
Other famous rulers and aristocrats such as Queen Maria Theresa of Austria, Tsar Peter the Great of Russia and Madame de Pompadour were also lovers of hot chocolate.
Initially an expensive luxury drink for the upper classes, it later established itself as a widespread hot drink in all social classes.
