The Mesoamericans began making fermented drinks using chocolate in 450 BC using the
cocoa tree. Once sugar was used to sweeten it rather than spices, it gained popularity and was used in feasts. Toasted cacao beans were ground (sometimes with parched corn) and then the powder was mixed with water. This was beaten with a wooden whisk until foamy. Vanilla orchid pods or honey were used as flavor enhancers. Chocolate was also seen as an
energy drink and a libido increaser as recorded by
Moctezuma II who drank 50 cups a day from a golden goblet. == See also ==