This blog post was originally posted on December 12, 2017 and was updated on January 25, 2021.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some customs, traditions and foodie favorites never go out of style, and Spanish hot chocolate recipe is one of them.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Few things in life can compare to the pleasure of ducking into a cozy cafe to escape the cold on a chilly day in Barcelona and enjoying a heavenly cup of hot chocolate. But with its thick and rich consistency, this chocolate isn\u2019t so much drunk as it is eaten! Whether you use a small teaspoon, churros, or melindros<\/em>\u2014Catalan ladyfinger cookies\u2014is up to you. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, one thing’s for sure. Once you try this Spanish hot chocolate recipe, you may never go back to drinking regular old hot cocoa again. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Hot chocolate in Spain<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When the Spanish conquered what is now Mexico more than 500 years ago and brought cocoa beans back to Europe, their love affair with chocolate began. Centuries later, that love still holds strong, and here in Barcelona we’re especially crazy for this sweet treat. It’s so rich, dense and creamy you can even stand a churro upright in it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This Spanish hot chocolate recipe is commonly served for breakfast in most places throughout Spain. But here in Barcelona, it’s more of an afternoon thing. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Around 5\u20136 p.m., families will start digging in to merienda<\/em>, the traditional mid-afternoon snack which is often something sweet. And the number-one thing that locals of all ages tend to have: hot chocolate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re visiting Barcelona, you can’t miss the opportunity to have hot chocolate at a traditional old granja<\/em>. These establishments were once dairies\u2014though those that survive are now cafes\u2014and are dotted throughout the city in every neighborhood. At granjas<\/em>, hot chocolate is often referred to as a “suizo<\/em>” (literally “Swiss”), and it comes with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top to make it both decadent and delicious. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite granjas<\/em> in Barcelona\u2014but first, let’s get to the best Spanish hot chocolate recipe you’ll ever try. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n