‘OMG’: Los Angeles woman buys European sipping hot chocolate at famous Christmas attraction. Then she realizes it’s Swiss Miss
Now that colder weather is among us, it’s that time of year to bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate. Normally, this winter staple consists of chocolate powder mixed in milk or water, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. However, another version of this iconic beverage has dominated social media: European-style sipping chocolate.
What is European-style sipping chocolate?
This is the European counterpart to hot chocolate. Unlike the American version, sipping chocolate uses melted chocolate bars blended in milk or cream, according to Tasting Table. Instead of the sweet, sugary flavor of premade powder, this style of hot chocolate is rich and decadent. Essentially, it’s a dessert in a cup. But if any food item from another country (or continent) becomes popular in the United States (for example, Dubai Chocolate), chances are, they’re imitations of the original. Occasionally, American businesses may ditch the recipe altogether and slap on the title, as one Los Angeles woman noticed at Enchant Christmas.
What did this woman see?
The nine-second video is filmed by Los Angeles TikTok creator Michi (@michipingping), who shows a European Hot Chocolate menu.
“Thicker and richer than classic hot cocoa, made from melted chocolate. Velvety, almost like drinking a melted chocolate bar,” the description reads. Underneath, the various flavors of European Hot Chocolate are listed for $8.99 per cup. When she shifts to the corner of a tent where the drink is sold, she zooms in to unveil a tub of Wisconsin-headquartered Swiss Miss hot chocolate powder, rearing its head. Then, the content creator turns the camera to reveal herself holding a cup.
According to the comments section, Michi didn’t discover this until she received her drink. “I saw the container after I paid lol,” she said.
What did viewers think?
Her video garnered over 147,000 views. In the comments section, many expressed their exhaustion by slamming the deceptive practice.
“Everything in America just feels so scammy and overpriced,” one viewer remarked.
“I have scam fatigue,” a second echoed.
“Literally nothing is worth it anymore. Nothing,” a third agreed.
Meanwhile, others tried to lighten the situation by cracking jokes about the hot chocolate brand’s name.
“Swiss is short for Switzerland, a European [country], duh!” one commenter quipped.
“Switzerland is in Europe so they’re not lying,” another jested.
How to make European sipping chocolate
If you’re skeptical of establishments possibly misleading, you can whip up your own mug of Euro Hot Cocoa in your kitchen. Below is a recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen:
- First, cut a 6-oz dark chocolate bar of your choice into finely chopped pieces.
- Next, combine the chocolate, ½ cup heavy whipping cream, and 1 ½ cups whole milk in sauce pan over medium heat.
- Whisk until the texture is hot and the chocolate smooth and warm.
- Sample the chocolate. If it isn’t sweet enough, add one or two tablespoons of brown sugar. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder.
- Serve the hot chocolate.
@michipingping Don’t forget to grab some European sipping hot chocolate at @EnchantChristmas #gourmet #european #lol #arcadia ♬ original sound – A
The Mary Sue reached out to Michi via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Enchant Christmas Los Angeles via TikTok direct message.
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