The Dutchies have the perfect solution for when they feel overwhelmed. Or excited. Or thirsty. Or just about any emotion: Chocomel.
On some cold Dutch days, you look outside the window, and as the raindrops trickle down, you wonder if you’ll ever feel happy again.
Enter: a chocolatey liquid delight.
For Dutchies and anyone faintly acquainted with the Netherlands, Chocomel has become the ultimate solution for making these moments ultra-gezellig in just a few minutes!
What is it?
Forget weed. Some Dutchies use Chocomel like a booster drug for dark and rainy afternoons.
This hot chocolate drink takes you to the cosiest place in your heart and makes you feel like everything will be just fine.
READ MORE: Dutch Quirk #41: Call everything “gezellig.” All. The. Time.
Why do they do it?
To combat the Netherlands’ notoriously gloomy weather, locals created Chocomel as the ultimate comforting fix.
Once they are done complaining about the weather, they use this drink to warm themselves up and to bring the gezellig-ness to a whole new level.
Why is it quirky?
Picture a high-profile professional who plays the superhero all day, only to return home at sunset and let a glass of Chocomel transport them back to the warmth of their grandmother’s kitchen.
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk 11: eat hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) for breakfast
Other cultures have alcohol or tea to wind down at the end of a long day — but the Dutch? Don’t be surprised if they opt for a sugary chocolate bevvie that’s enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Should you join in?
Ja! For internationals, this is one of the easiest ways to learn how to turn any situation into something gezellig in a matter of seconds.
You go to the closest Albert Heijn, buy a bottle of Chocomel, microwave it in your favourite mug (or just pour yourself a cold one), and voilà!
You’ve got your ticket to the island of zen — and you’re one step closer to integrating.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
I love it!! Have one in the fridge right now… drink it mostly cold but once in a while, when it is cold, wet and dark outside I go for the hot version… 😋😋😋