You may think you know hot cocoa, winter’s quintessential beverage. But these Northern Virginia spots are serving creative, over-the-top, extra special versions that will take your taste buds for a delicious new ride.
Carbonara’s Boozy House Made Hot Cocoa
For the absolute ultimate in decadence, head to Carbonara for their seasonal hot chocolate cocktail. This drink features a blend of vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, Nutella, milk chocolate, milk, and cream that is topped with marshmallow fluff which is scorched and dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Colada Shop’s Chocolate de la Abuela
This nostalgic hot chocolate features a cup of frothy, super chocolatey hot chocolate that is topped with an oversized, pillowy, chocolate-powder-dusted chocolate marshmallow. 244 19th Court, Suite 35, Arlington; 2811 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington; 2920 District Ave, Fairfax
The Conche’s Frozen Hot Chocolate
For an icy version of the classic, sample this frozen hot chocolate, which comes in three flavors: cookies and cream topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings; s’mores, which is crowned with a toasted marshmallow and served with a thick chocolate syrup rim covered in gram cracker bits; and salted caramel, drizzled with caramel sauce. Too cold for the frozen version? No problem, get their hot hot chocolate, which comes in dark, milk, or white chocolate versions, as well as a pumpkin chai flavor. All their hot and frozen drinks can be made boozy with a shot of your favorite liquor. 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE, Ste. J108, Leesburg
Rice Culture’s Matcha White Chocolate Hot Chocolate
Infused with matcha, this white hot chocolate arrives with a massive dollop of bright purple ube marshmallow fluff. The venue is also featuring a traditional hot chocolate this season, with an equally as pretty green pandan marshmallow fluff topping. 14408 Chantilly Crossing Ln., Chantilly
SoftSpot’s S’mores Hot Chocolate
SoftSpot’s steaming cup of hot cocoa has become a social media sensation. The store serves it up with a marshmallow-fluff rim that is bruleed with a torch until charred and a generous dollop of house-made whipped cream. It’s available in three versions: a classic preparation finished with dark chocolate drizzle; a salted caramel version with Maldon sea salt and caramel; and a peppermint version finished with crushed peppermint candy. 13905A Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
Feature image courtesy SoftSpot
