Our Mexican Tradition: Chocolate Abuelita

We can all agree that Chocolate Abuelita holds many memories in every Latino. The hot, sweet, and chocolaty drink that goes along with every pan dulce to dip in, but it doesn’t matter if you pick it up from the store or the local panaderia. It doesn’t matter wherever you are or if it’s a cold or hot day, Chocolate Abuelita is the best drink around this time of the year. 

For as long as I can remember, Chocolate Abuelita has belonged in our kitchen cupboards, ready to be used in these times. The feeling of waking up on December mornings with a cup of chocolate ready, or after Christmas dinner, while we wait to open the presents, a cup of chocolate, and a couple of cookies.

Chocolate Abuelita was born through the La Azteca chocolate factory, founded by the González Barragan brothers in Orizaba, Veracruz, in 1919. It was until 1939 that the Chocolate ABUELITA brand was born. However, the iconic grandma logo, Sara Garcia, became the face of the brand in 1973. Sara Garcia has graced our packing for over 40 years. She represents the spirit of ABUELITA- one of warmth, family, and loving satisfaction.

We might take it for granted since it’s “another chocolate drink.” However, it’s a legacy and part of Mexican culture, like champurrado or conchas. It creates memories through each generation. My family used to prepare the drink on the morning of December 25th after a long night of playing games and passing pictures around. And I believe my grandmother used to make it too for my mom and her siblings, as my grand grandmother to my grandmother. There are a few things we can pass through generations without the alteration of technology or modern life, and Chocolate Abuelita is one of them. I’ll give it to my children, and I hope my children can pass it along to their kids and so on.

Chocolate Abuelita Recipe

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablet Chocolate Abuelita
• 1 Cinnamon stick (optional)
• Pan Dulce (optional)

1. Bring water & cinnamon sticks to a slow simmer in a large pot over medium/low heat.
2. While stirring, slowly add some chocolate pieces. You might want to break the chocolate tablet first into pieces.
3. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Serve and enjoy with pan dulce. Pass it along with your family and with the rest of the community.

Happy Holidays from our team, Todo Wafi!