Copper Chocolate Pot

During the 18th century, the preparing, serving and consuming of chocolate and coffee became a ritualistic affair for the middle classes. Americans drank hot beverages made from ingredients grown thousands of miles away—cacao beans and sugar from the Caribbean or South America and tea leaves shipped from China or India. They purchased special utensils to enjoy the ritual of hot chocolate at breakfast, or afternoon and evening tea. These drinks provided nourishment as well as opportunities for family and friends to gather around the cup. While it had been popular with upper classes for a century earlier, the desire to mimic the upper classes led to a proliferation of utensils and serving ware to enhance the experience.