Both the Mayans and Aztecs used cocoa beans to make a drink known as chocolate. The beans were dried and crushed, and then mixed with water. The mayans drank chocolate hot, whilst the Aztecs drank it cold. Often flavourings, such as chilli or vanilla, were added . nevertheless, the taste must have been very bitter. In fact, the word chocolate is said to mean "bitter water". Chocolate was served on special occasions, such as rituals and royal feasts. The mixture was usually poured from a height into the drinking vessel to make a thick foam on the top.