No matter your age, hot chocolate will put a smile on your face. Luckily, we have some spectacular venues to enjoy that delicious cup. The big question is are you a marshmallow-on-top sort of person, or do you prefer your cocoa crowned with whipped cream? Regardless, below are some of the best places to snag this age-old treat.
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Hot Chocolate Hot Spots
151 Coffee :: multiple locations :: Enjoy a handcrafted chocolatey drink from this coffee joint, which has several spots around the Fort Worth area.
Avoca Coffee Roasters :: Fort Worth :: Chocolate ganache with textured milk. Need we say more? Order online or in person from all three locations in Fort Worth.
Black Coffee :: Fort Worth :: This spot made our 2020 Favorite Things list, so you KNOW the sweet drinks are good. Pair it with a strawberry guava pop tart, and you have a match made in heaven.
Brewed :: Fort Worth :: For a mom’s-night-out hot chocolate, Brewed is the place to go! You can enjoy a traditional hot cocoa made with either milk or dark chocolate swirled into perfectly steamed milk. Or if your hot chocolate needs a little something special, try The Grasshopper, which is hot chocolate mixed with housemade mint syrup. Last suggestion — order the s’mores latte sans caffeine and lick the crumbs off the graham cracker rim. Yummy! The moment you step into Brewed, you will become an immediate fan.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Spill the Tea :: Guide to Tea Shops & Cafes in North Texas <<
Buon Giorno Coffeehouse and Roasterie :: Grapevine, Fort Worth :: You can get your hot chocolate piping hot or frozen at Buon Giorno. If you’re game for something different, try the frozen white hot chocolate. Decadence and delight are two words that come to mind. But, if you are a cocoa traditionalist, the European hot chocolate will not disappoint. Whichever suits your taste, you want to be sure to pair your drink with a housemade pastry. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
Cherry Coffee Shop :: Fort Worth :: Thoughtfully crafted, Cherry’s housemade chocolate syrup in steamed milk can be ordered extra hot or at a mild kid’s temp. The foam art is also top notch here.
Dwell Coffee & Biscuits :: Burleson, Crowley, Fort Worth :: You know what pairs well with a biswich (Dwell’s signature buttermilk biscuit sandwich)? A hot chocolate!
Panera :: multiple locations :: You and your littles will swoon over Panera’s signature cocoa with chocolate chip marshmallows . . . yes, I said chocolate chip marshmallows!
Race Street Coffee :: Fort Worth :: Order hot cocoa but make it fancy with a lavender or spice-infused house syrup. Or keep it regular with hot chocolate, kids hot chocolate, or peppermint hot chocolate — all of which are even better with Race Street’s famous house toasts.
Sons Coffee :: Fort Worth :: Order a custom cocoa drink in person or schedule a pick up online. Options include almond milk, oat milk, or keto-friendly heavy cream, along with syrups like lavender, vanilla, and honey (some with sugar-free options).
Starbucks :: throw a rock; you’ll hit one :: If you are having a warm drink emergency, hit the drive-thru at Starbucks — it makes a satisfying and darker chocolate drink.
Hot Chocolate at Home
Hot cocoa bombs — round chocolate balls that melt into the perfect cup of cocoa — are all the rage. You can find them at several bakeries, as well as chain stores like Target and Walmart.
Try one of the recipes below and you may just have a line of people out your door because you now serve the best hot cocoa in town.
Traditional Style
- 6 cups milk
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (You can use bittersweet or white, but I like milk chocolate best.)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Stir over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is perfectly melted and incorporated. This recipe is simple and delicious but definitely NOT low cal. 
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Mexican Style
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 block Abuelita chocolate
- Ground cinnamon to taste
Heat milk and cinnamon in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Place Abuelita tablet in the milk and cinnamon mixture, and whisk until the tablet starts to dissolve.
Carefully transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth, then return to the stove. Whisking contantly, heat the chocolatey mixture until it reaches your desired temperature.
Top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Serve with pan bolio, pan dulce, or enjoy by itself.
Do you have a favorite recipe or know of a hot spot we missed? Let us know!
