When the temperature drops, it’s time for hot chocolate. This rich, creamy childhood classic gets a sophisticated twist thanks to the fine chocolatiers and baristas in the Lower Mainland. The tough part is deciding whether you want your hot chocolate with or without whipped cream!
The Mayan spiced chocolate at this Gastown café is incomparable. The reason: all of the organic chocolate at East Van Roasters is made in house – “bean-to-bar” as they like to say. These guys roast own cocoa nibs and prepare the chocolate on site; you can only experience the depth of flavour in each cup!
The talented baristas at Revolver are known for their talented handling of pour-over coffees, but they are equally skilled at steaming up the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Sip on your creamy smooth hot chocolate adorned with a steamed milk rosette as you admire the beautiful café. Located on the edge of historic Gastown, the café’s stunning interior is just as noteworthy as the impressive drink menu. Be sure to take a moment to glance at the intricate nail art on the wall, which highlights coffee-growing regions from around the world.
Owner and artisan Anne-Genevieve has been recognized as one of Canada’s 10 best Chocolatiers. Her drinking chocolate is a truly decadent experience; with its high ratio of silky smooth chocolate to steamed milk, this luxurious treat will have you savouring each chocolatey sip.
Have you been searching for the milky hot chocolate from your childhood dreams? Le Petit Belge will end your hunt. Their creamy filled-to-the-brim hot chocolates are topped with a generous tower of fresh whipped cream and finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate. This frothy, thick Belgian-style drink will bring out the inner kid in all of us!
It is tough to beat a chocolate café with a liquor license! Theirry is world-renowned for its array of chocolate confections, and the spiked liquid chocolate drinks here are a decadent indulgence. Enjoy your cocoa for grown ups in a variety of delightful combinations. Sample the winter rose hot chocolate with a splash of aromatic vanilla vodka and cassis, or get into the holiday spirit with a pepperminty polar bear hot chocolate with St Remy à la Crème liquer.
Mink brings three generations of chocolate knowledge to Vancouver, making them experts when it comes to gourmet hot chocolate! It is no surprise many locals indulge their sweet tooth with these gourmet drinks, which are created with a velvety smooth ganache chocolate. The only decision you have to make is whether you want a robust dark hot chocolate made with 70 per cent cocao or the milder sweeter notes of the classic hot chocolate, made with 38 per cent cacao.
Be marveled by the exceptional taste of the Aztec hot chocolate from Thomas Haas. This rich velvety smooth hot chocolate gets an extra kick thanks to the addition of chipotle and ancho chilli. This spicy delight must be enjoyed with one of their gorgeous tarts; I love the pear almond, which is created with slow-poached pears, almond cream and a touch of cinnamon.
Everyone knows Beaucoup Bakery makes the flakiest butter croissants in Vancouver, and the best way to enjoy one is with a steaming hot mug of hot cocoa on the side. Sip away at their creamy hot cocoa as you soak in the sunshine in this adorable bakery. Don't forget the mini gingerbread square that is served with every hot drink!
Old Crow Coffee Co. is a must visit when in New Westminister. Located on the edge of the city, this little coffee shop comes alive within moments of opening, definitely a local favourite! Take solace from the Vancouver cold with a nice big frothy cup of their signature hot chocolate. Try your hot chocolate with almond milk for a delightful change.