It’s Time for Hot Chocolate!

National Hot Chocolate Day is January 31 – but you can celebrate this wintry treat all month! Whether you like it with extra whipped cream and marshmallows, cinnamon or a bit of spice, there are lots of options around town. Here are just a few spots to try!

Alon’s Bakery & Market
Get a classic cup of hot cocoa or add caramel or whipped cream. Pair your selection with a fresh-baked buttery croissant, muffin or strudel. 1394 North Highland Ave. NE and 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta.

Sugar Factory
Along with shakes, sundaes and a floor-to-ceiling candy wall, this fun spot also has over-the-top hot chocolate! Try the Pink Unicorn – pink hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, pink and blue chocolate sauce, and star sprinkles. 1080 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

No Mas! Cantina
Try the Chocolate Mexicana, traditional Mexican hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon, or Chocolate Azteca, made with Abuelita chocolate, cinnamon and chile de arbol. 180 Walker St. SW., Atlanta.

ChocoLaté
Choose a cozy chair or sofa at this organic café to enjoy hot cocoa made with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate. 2558 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta and 2094 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur.

Café Intermezzo
This popular coffeehouse and bakery’s offerings include Deluxe Truffle, hot chocolate with caramel syrup, and Mexican hot chocolate with vanilla and cinnamon. The White hot chocolate is a blend of cream, dutch chocolate, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Atlanta, Dunwoody and Alpharetta.

Make Hot Chocolate at Home!
Hershey’s Hot Cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa
Dash salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups (1 qt.) milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the first four ingredients in a saucepan and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add milk and vanilla, and heat over low heat to desired temperature.
Source: hersheyland.com

Fun Toppings and Mix-Ins
Marshmallows
Whipped cream
Cinnamon
Caramel or chocolate syrup
Chocolate chips
Toasted marshmallow with crushed graham crackers
Peppermint sticks or crushed peppermint candies
Peanut butter

A Chocolatey Trend: Hot Cocoa Bombs

They’re popping up everywhere! These chocolate orbs are filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles and other edibles. Place one in a mug, slowly pour hot milk over it, and watch it open to reveal the tasty contents. Purchase the ready-to-use treats in stores, or try making your own with a kit.