While it may be easier to pour powder into a mug and add water, making real hot chocolate has become an edible work of art. From floral hints of lavender to hot chocolate that requires a spoon, these playful versions are certain to satisfy. We polled our Community Managers from around the country to find where the fireside drink goes gourmet.
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate (Chicago, IL)
This James Beard award winner features nine rotating versions of the drinkable treat ranging from Aztec Hot Chocolate to Lavender White Hot Chocolate.
Jacques Torres Chocolate (New York, New York)
Anything your sweet tooth desires can be found at one of their 10 current locations, but the singular item you should set your sights on is their Wicked Hot Chocolate. It ups the ante with allspice, cinnamon, ground ancho chilies, and smoked chipotle peppers—a combination that ensures you’ll never settle for packaged cocoa powder again.
Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA)
This bean-to-bar chocolate factory is loved by San Franciscans for their mugs of velvety, European-style hot chocolate served with housemade marshmallows and cookies. Their factory tour finishes with a cup of this signature beverage — a must visit in SF!
LA Burdick (Boston, MA)
Dark or milk, single source or custom blend, the drinking chocolate at LA Burdick is a product of shaved, lux chocolate, steamed whole milk, and three decades of expertise.
Soma (Toronto)
Chocolate lovers rejoice just at the sight of SOMA’s extra rich hot cocoa. From the classic to the spicy variety, they’ve got your chocolate cravings covered. For an extra dose of sweet,try their Mayan chocolate shot.
Hot Cakes (Seattle, WA)
The S’mores Hot Chocolate is the crowd pleaser. With smoked chocolate, a floating roasted marshmallow, and salted caramel crumble on top, this rich cup of cocoa will satisfy the sweetest of teeth.
Cafe con Leche (Detroit, MI)
Go for the Las Chulas Champurado, a warm, thick, chocolate-based South American drink often served for the most special occasions. Other favorites include the chocolate a la taza and hot chocolate.
Kopplin’s Coffee (Minneapolis, MN)
They serve both a house and specialty hot chocolate that Yelpers describe as “heavenly”, “silky”, and “to die for”. Their current specialty cocoa features Valrhona, a premium imported chocolate created in a small town of Tain-l’Hermitage in France (subject to change, here is the updated menu).
