History of Chocolate (Continued)
When the Spaniards were first introduced to the chocolatl drink, they found it too bitter for their liking and mixed it with sugar. The drink became popular in Spain and then spread quickly to other European countries. Because of its growing popularity, the Spaniards introduced sugar cultivation in Mexico and the cultivation of cocoa spread to Trinidad and other Caribbean islands to supply the growing markets across seas.
In the 17th century, chocolate truly exploded across Europe in France and England among the aristocratic community and exclusive chocolate houses were established for the aristocracy to enjoy the drink. It remained an exclusive drink among the aristocrats through much of the 17th and 18th century due to the high duties, which were placed on the cocoa beans. The duties were eventually lowered by the middle of the 18th century, greatly increasing the market for cocoa products.