Part 4/7:
The Role of Sugar in Chocolate’s History
As chocolate journeyed from the New World to Europe, it found a harmonious companion in sugar. The sweetener transformed the bitter and spicy drink of the Aztecs into a beloved treat among the Spanish elite. The integration of sugar marked a turning point in chocolate's history, elevating it from a rarity to a popular indulgence enjoyed by the aristocracy and eventually spreading across Europe.
As records indicate, chocolate houses began emerging in key cities like London in the mid-17th century, introducing the drink to wider audiences. These establishments served as social hubs for elite men, where tales of political intrigue and social stratification brewed alongside the beverages they consumed.