Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate: The Distinct Difference

You easterners will understand that if you walk into a Starbucks and ask for "Cocoa," you might get a funny look.  (Similar to the one Westerners get when they ask for "Drip").  Allow me to set the record straight.  Hot chocolate, in my opinion, is scalded milk poured over chopped or shaved good bar chocolate and mixed until blended into a creamy concoction.  Hot chocolate is often un-fooled around with, as the flavor of good chocolate would be miffed.  Chocolate like Valrohna, Godiva, Ghiradelli.   Cocoa is a combination of cocoa powder and sugar, mixed with a bit of hot water, made into a slurry-like solution and topped with warm milk.  Cocoa seems to be a much better vehicle for spices or other flavors, as hot chocolate 

Basic Cocoa- waiting to be kicked up!

2 Tablespoons Cocoa

1 Tablespoon of Sugar- or to taste

1 Tablespoon of boiling water

3/4 cup of milk

Mix the cocoa and sugar in the bottom of a mug.  top with water, and mix with a fork or small whisk until blended into a syrup-like texture.  Add milk (either hot or cold).  If cold, heat the entire cup in the microwave for about a minute, or until hot enough for your taste.  

Consider adding cinnamon or hot red pepper with the cocoa and sugar.  Or try replacing some of the sugar with flavored syrup such as Caramel, Irish Cream, Raspberry, etc.  You can also add extracts such vanilla.  Or even Schnapps like peppermint!  

So I think they are distinctly different.  Wikipedia disagrees.