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Cozy Up this Winter: 14 Hot Chocolate Stops You’ll Adore On Your East Coast Travels
There’s nothing quite like the delightful dance of a snowflake ballet outside while you’re cozied up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. In the East Coast’s inviting chocolaty enclaves, each cup offers a swirl of warmth and magic. And these hot chocolate havens promise the perfect sweet escape from the winter’s bite, offering cups so divine that they might make you rethink ever leaving their sanctuary.
From vintage charm to chic sophistication, each stop on this winter wonderland tour brings something unique. Laden with rich, velvety goodness, these destinations are a snug embrace against the chill.
Each sip transports you to a world where the crisp air and snow-kissed paths are merely a picturesque prelude to the gooey, chocolatey goodness that awaits within.
Gelato Fiasco – Portland, Maine
Strolling into Gelato Fiasco feels like stepping into chocolate heaven. Located in Portland, this haven brews its signature hot chocolate by melting its luscious gelato before it hits the freezer – one might say they are cocoa wizardry at its finest.
Did you know a single sip contains the essence of creamy perfection that transforms an otherwise chilly day into a cozy adventure? With each cup, you’ll be treated to a decadent dance of flavor.
L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe – Walpole, New Hampshire
L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe offers a sophisticated sip of single-origin chocolate magic. Crafted from shavings hailing from regions like Grenada and Madagascar, each cup boasts a distinctive richness that warms even the frostiest winter hearts.
The shop curates an ambiance as inviting as its beverages, where chocolate lovers convene, adding layers of gourmet indulgence to this cozy New England retreat.
Caffe Vittoria – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in one of our favorite East Coast cities, Caffe Vittoria serves a luxurious “Cioccolatto Caldo” that makes winter sips unforgettable. It is velvety, Italian-style richness under a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
Side note: Caffe Vittoria is a legend in the making. It was the first Italian cafe in Boston, founded in 1929, and it continues to delight with its timeless charm. You’ll find yourself ensconced in cozy elegance, savoring every decadent drop.
Hot Chocolate Bar at the Chanler – Newport, Rhode Island
Drawing visitors with its fire-lit coziness, the Chanler showcases its artisanal hot chocolate made from the finest Valrhona chocolate. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Cliff Walk, guests can enjoy a cup prepared with exquisite care, highlighting Valrhona’s unparalleled quality.
No ordinary winter getaway, this stop melds French indulgence with New England charm, offering chocolate worth every snowflake outside. And each cup promises a delightful escape into cocoa craftsmanship.
Caffe Social – Norwalk, Connecticut
Caffe Social dazzles hot chocolate aficionados with its extensive selection of 11 distinctive varieties, each more indulgent than the last. Offering flavors like Nutella, S’mores, and Oreo white, this cozy spot ensures a delightful experience for every palate.
We know you will appreciate that Caffe Social turns chilly days into a chocolate lover’s paradise, skillfully blending creativity and warmth in every cup. It basically transforms winter into a season of rich indulgence.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain – Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain stands out among the rest in New York, offering a whimsical spin with their own special blend of cocoa. Crafted meticulously, it’s steamed with whole milk and topped with a flourish of shaved chocolate.
What sets this charming spot apart? Their innovative frozen hot chocolate, crowned with homemade marshmallow fluff, promises a flavor sensation unlike any other. Here, every cup demonstrates cocoa creativity and nostalgia – combining old-school charm with modern twists.
The Bent Spoon – Princeton, New Jersey
At The Bent Spoon, patrons delight in a sumptuous hot chocolate experience made from 61% fair-trade chocolate. And this isn’t just any chocolate – it’s delightfully finished with house-made honey-vanilla bean marshmallows that elevate the luscious drink to new heights.
Known for its dedication to quality ingredients, this cool spot offers an indulgence that speaks to both ethical sourcing and culinary excellence. This makes it a go-to destination in Princeton for choco-connoisseurs.
Scout Cafe – Wilmington, Delaware
Scout Cafe offers an enchanting addition to its hot chocolate menu with the whimsical Unicorn Hot Cocoa, featuring rainbow marshmallows. The playful presentation appeals to children and adults alike, capturing the joy of every sip.
It’s a standout treat with a vibrant twist on traditional hot cocoa, ensuring even the most discerning sweet tooth finds satisfaction. And it’s a sugary adventure perfect for those cold winter days that we can’t wait to try.
The Charmery – Baltimore, Maryland
The Charmery in Baltimore forges a hot chocolate wonder akin to sipping a warm, thick chocolate delight, enhanced by a 1-ounce scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor. Marshmallows, freshly made in-house, crown this indulgence, transforming each sip into a dreamy experience.
Beyond deliciousness, The Charmery stands out for its unique pairing of ice cream with hot cocoa, creating a taste sensation that’s both rich and refreshingly cool – perfect for winter comfort with a twist.
Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company – Lexington, Virginia
Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company elevates hot chocolate indulgence by starting with their own handcrafted chocolate truffles as the base. This transforms an ordinary cup into a rich, velvety dream.
Known for its artisanal flair, Cocoa Mill stands out in the chocolate world by marrying traditional techniques with inventive creations. How they approach the treat sets their hot chocolate apart, offering a smoother and more luxurious taste than your average version.
Escazu Chocolates – Raleigh, North Carolina
Located in the beautiful city of Raleigh, Escazu Chocolates caters to adventurous tastebuds with their “historic hot chocolate” menu, boasting a quirky selection from the 1600s. A standout is the “Spain 1631,” the first published chocolate recipe featuring star anise, cinnamon, almonds, hazelnuts, cornmeal, and chilies.
And this intriguing blend isn’t just a drink – it’s a flavorful history lesson in a cup, inviting patrons to savor the rich culinary traditions of the past with every delightful swallow.
Drip – Columbia, South Carolina
Drip stands out by skillfully creating a hot chocolate with a decadent blend of two chocolate varieties mixed with heavy cream and milk. This delightful concoction – not just rich but utterly indulgent – is easily memorable for anyone who craves something extra special on a chilly day.
Unique in its approach, Drip promises a chocolate experience that’s smooth, full-bodied, and distinctively satisfying. It’s a true testament to the fine art of chocolate-making.
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen – Helen, Georgia
In Helen, Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen whisks visitors away to a Bavarian wonderland. And their distinguished hot chocolate, a celebration of rich, dark chocolate crowned with whipped cream, stands out in this Alpine re-creation.
This charming shop blends delicious indulgence with a dash of European nostalgia, highlighting their attention to detail. Located among the charming facades of yesteryear, each drop transports you to a cozy winter scene, showcasing their commitment to enjoying an unforgettable chocolate experience.
Exquisito Chocolates – Miami, Florida
Exquisito Chocolates, located in the heart of Miami, crafts a divine hot chocolate starting with single-origin Ecuadorian chocolate. These delightfully rich treats are shaped into hot chocolate spoons, inviting patrons to enjoy a flavorful, personalized experience by stirring them into hot milk.
Not just stopping at a singular indulgence, this innovative approach also offers a variety of flavors, such as traditional cinnamon, peppermint, and marshmallow, ensuring a satisfying choice for every chocolate aficionado.
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