Abuelita

Abuelita is a brand of chocolate tablets, syrup, or powdered mix in individual packets, made by Nestlé and used to make Mexican-style hot chocolate, also known as chocolate para parties (English: "table chocolate"). It was originally invented and commercialized in Mexico since 1939,[1] by Fábrica de Chocolates La Azteca.[2] The name is an affectionate Spanish word for "grandma" (literally translated as "little grandmother" or "granny"). Since 1973, Mexican actress Sara García has been the image for the brand before it was acquired by the Swiss company in the 1990s.

Abuelita package and tablets.

The chocolate usually comes in round tablets that can be split into 1/8 or 1/4-disc wedges, and then melted into milk. The drink can also be mixed with spirits such as Kahlúa.The product ingredients (in order of percentage): sugar, chocolate processed with alkali, soy lecithin, vegetable oils (palm, shea nut and/or illipe nut), artificial cinnamon flavor, PGPR (an emulsifier).[3] Abuelita has been a staple Mexican product for more than 60 years, and can be identified by its unique taste and packaging.

One suggested method for preparing Abuelita is to bring a saucepan of milk (not water) to a boil, and add the tablet of chocolate and stir continuously with a whisk or molinillo (a whisk-like wooden stirring spoons native to Meso America) until melted and frothy or creamy. The drink is served hot, or chilled in preparation for mixing with alcoholic drinks.

Abuelita is often prepared for special occasions,[4] such as Day of the Dead (a holiday similar to Halloween in which people remember their family and friends whose spirits have gone to the afterlife) and Las Posadas[5] (Christmas season).