Chocolat Chaud in the Realm of Beauty and the Beast
Friends and fae, imagine the world of Beauty and the Beast, particularly the version by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont, first published in 1756, and step into mid-18th century France. There was one drink that stood out as an emblem of luxury: chocolat chaud {aka hot chocolate}.
Though chocolate, in the form of a bitter, spiced beverage known as xocoatl (or cacahuatl), was first enjoyed by the Maya and Aztecs centuries earlier. They spiced their cocoa with chile powder, and allspice, among other ingredients.
Chocolate did not reach European shores until the 1500s, carried by Spanish explorers. By the early 1600s it had made its way into France, presented as a prized gift to Anne of Austria upon her marriage to King Louis XIII in 1615.
In France, this “drink of the New World” was transformed into a drinkable confection: molten chocolate melted into water or milk, sweetened and sometimes spiced, served in elegant cups by well-trained attendants.
At the court of Versailles, under Louis XIV, chocolat chaud became a ritual of status and refinement. However, it was most notably Louis XV’s favorite beverage, further cementing its status as a drink for nobility. Nobles took their chocolat chaud at breakfast or in the salon. They considered the drink to be a stimulant, a conversation starter, conversation starter, and even at times a digestive aid…
By the late 18th century, when Beauty and the Beast was gaining popularity, chocolate was still a drink associated with nobility. According to the official Chateau Versailles website, ”When Marie-Antoinette married Louis XVI in 1770, she brought her personal chocolate-maker with her to the Court, and he was given the official title of “Chocolate Maker to the Queen”. The craftsman created new recipes combining chocolate with Orange blossom or sweet almonds.”
In Beauty and the Beast, Belle’s father, the impoverished merchant, is able to find shelter in the Beast’s castle. Jeanne-Marie LePrince De Beaumont’s version of the tale describes him drinking chocolate before he picks the enchanted rose that further changes the course of his and Belle’s lives.
“He then returned to the great hall, where he had supped the night before, and found some chocolate ready made on a little table. "Thank you, good Madam Fairy, (said he aloud,) for being so careful as to provide me a breakfast; I am extremely obliged to you for all your favours." - Beauty and the Beast
The Beast being a disgraced noble himself would have access to the best foods in all France, with his proximity to magic and stores of wealth within his castle walls.
Which is why we can imagine that the chocolat chaud left for Belle's father to enjoy, while he was still considered an honored guest, was just as exceptional as that favored by Louis XV. Perhaps even Belle herself woke up to the luscious beverage a few times.
It was this paired with the constant mention of the rose, the one thing that Belle thought would be so simple and unassuming that turned out to be quite the opposite.
“Since you are so kind as to think of me, (answered she,) be so kind as to bring me a rose, for as none grow hereabouts, they are a kind of rarity." Not that Beauty cared for a rose, but she asked for something...”
Belle’s rose with the Beast's fine chocolate chaud is what made our newest blend “La Belle” what it is, and I simply cannot wait for you to try it.
Written by Marissa Kinsler
