(WBBM Newsradio) – When running around to different holiday activities and shopping, hot chocolate is a classic treat that gets you in the spirit of the season and warms you up after time spent in the bitter Chicago wind.
From classics like booths in the Christkindlmarkets, to coffee shops and concession stands at area holiday events, here’s a look at some of the hot chocolate WBBM tried this season. Below you’ll find a list of nine places to get hot chocolate in the Chicago area with details about price and any specialty offerings.
Ancient Grounds Coffee
Located in Lakeview East, this coffee shop is offering a seasonal hot chocolate with some extra toppings. Ancient Grounds opened this past summer and has gotten attention on social media for the interesting specialty coffee drinks and food offered.
For the holiday season, a peppermint cocoa adorned with marshmallows and a mini candy cane bring some festive cheer. Their regular hot chocolate, the Not So Hot Cocoa, offers a classic sweet taste with Ancient Grounds house made chocolate sauce in steamed milk.
Location: 1022 W Belmont Avenue
Cost: $3.25
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Website: https://ancientgroundschicago.com/
Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate
It’s a staple of Chicago’s Christkindlmarkets. This rich hot chocolate will keep you warm and fueled as you make your way through the booths of Christmas markets.
Whether you get it in a souvenir mug or in a to-go cup, each is topped with homemade whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie. Dogs can even enjoy their very own pup-cup.
People looking to enjoy the decadent treat even after the Christkindlmarkets are closed can do so by purchasing their hot chocolate mix online or at their stands in the Christmas markets.
Locations: Chicago, Wrigleyville, and Aurora Christkindlmarkets
Cost: $10 to-go cup, $16 souvenir mug
Hours: See Christkindlmarket location hours
Website: https://bobsbelgianhotchocolate.com/
Mindy’s Bakery
A Wicker Park stop by pastry chef Mindy Segal, the fast-casual pastry shop serves up the drink of its predecessor Hot Chocolate.
A rich, sweet hot chocolate is topped with a homemade gelatin marshmallow covered in powdered sugar. Bags of the classic, a dark and even a Mexican hot chocolate can be purchased in store.
Location: 1623 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Cost: $5.75
Hours: Wednesday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Website: https://www.mindysbakery.com/
Offshore at Navy Pier
Dine in the “world’s largest snow globe,” that is, according to Navy Pier, and enjoy a variety of hot chocolates with and without alcohol.
The menu’s new addition of Cozy Corridor offers customizable hot chocolates that come in three flavors - salted caramel, peppermint, and classic cocoa - and can be covered in a variety of toppings. For those looking for a little something extra, the drinks can be spiked with Baileys.
Location: 1000 East Grand Avenue
Cost: $7 NA, $14 w/ alcohol
Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday; times vary
Website: https://www.offshorerooftop.com/
Pete’s Coffee
With multiple locations around Chicago, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and get a hot cocoa from this coffee chain, making it perfect for when you are on the go.
To celebrate the holiday season, Pete’s is offering a seasonal peppermint hot chocolate.
Locations: 1000 W. North Ave., 400 North Michigan Ave., 10 S. Lasalle St,. 222 South Riverside Plaza, 41 East 8th St.
Cost: $4.40
Hours: Hours vary by location
Website: https://www.peets.com/pages/store-locator?stockist-query=Chicago,%20IL%2060613,%20USA
Ralph’s Coffee
If you’re shopping along the Mag Mile, find Ralph’s Coffee tucked into the shops. While all the other hot chocolates on this list have been sweet, the hot cocoa at Ralph’s offers a more bitter taste.
The coffee shop attached to the Ralph Lauren store offers some seating, but if you’re stopping on the weekend, options fill up quickly.
Location: 750 Michigan Avenue
Cost: $3.50
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Website: https://www.ralphlauren.com/ralphs-coffee-locations-feat
United Chocolate Works
Another stop at the Christkindlmarket is United Chocolate Works, where your hot chocolate will, in fact, feature the works.
With options ranging from basic to over-the-top, these hot chocolates come with more than just whipped cream. Depending on your price point, you can get a large piece of belgian chocolate that melts right into the drink.
Locations: Chicago and Wrigleyville Christkindlmarkets
Cost: $7-$16
Hours: Market hours, open through Dec. 24 in Chicago and Dec. 31 in Wrigleyville
Website: https://unitedchocolateworks.squarespace.com/markets-23
XO Marshmallow
A store that really appeals to the kid in all of us, XO Marshmallow offers a wide variety of marshmallows and hot chocolate flavors.
This store offers by the far the most variety, from classic to lavender white hot chocolates. These were also the sweetest.
Location: 2730 N. Clark Street
Cost: $3.95 - $4.95 for a small
Hours: Closed Monday; Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Website: https://www.xomarshmallow.com/