How was chocolatl different to the chocolate that we drink today?

Chocolatl, the ancient Mesoamerican drink, was quite different from modern chocolate drinks. It was made from ground cacao beans mixed with water, often flavored with spices like chili and vanilla, and typically served cold and frothy. Unlike today's sweetened chocolate beverages, chocolatl was usually bitter and unsweetened, reflecting the cultural tastes of its time. Additionally, it often held ceremonial significance and was consumed mainly by the elite or during rituals.