Which European country was the first to make and consume "hot chocolate" as a drink?

Spain!!! - Etymologists trace the origin of the word “chocolate” to the Aztec word “xocoatl,” which referred to a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans. The Latin name for the cacao tree, "Theobroma cacao", means “food of the gods.” The word comes from the Mesoamerican civilizations using it in sacrifice rituals, as well as currency and luxury drink reserved for those with higher status.

The Spanish conquistadors brought it home in 1528, and for decades it was essentially kept a secret by the Spanish royal court. After its arrival to Spain in the 16th century, sugar was added to it and it became a popular drink throughout society, first among the ruling classes and then among the common people. But by 1580, a shop selling it had opened.

Dutchman chemist Coenraad Johannes van Houten (1828) revolutionized chocolate making by inventing a process that created an easily prepared powdered hot chocolate, which, in turn, led to the production of creamy, solid chocolate.

The thicker the chocolate, the better. In the photo, a spoon is standing in the middle of a cup of hot chocolate. "Chocolate con churros" is a typical dessert in Spain and South America. A churro is a fried-dough pastry which, in this case, is dipped in hot chocolate, Sugar is often sprinkled on top. A true Spanish delicacy.