/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71753703/shutterstock_377015674.0.jpg)
Welcome to Ask Eater Atlanta, a dining advice column in which the editor and regular contributors to the site answer questions from readers. Have a question? Send it to atlanta@eater.com for consideration in a future installment of the Ask Eater guide.
“What are the best spots in Atlanta to get hot chocolate? I’m talking straight hot chocolate, nothing boozy or too wild.” — SS
There may be no better time of year to indulge in a rich cup of hot chocolate than during the dark days of winter, which for Atlanta often means cold rain and clouds dominating the forecast. For some people, a mug of hot cocoa is simply a pick-me-up to satisfy a sweet tooth, while others find warm comfort in a cup of hot drinking chocolate.
The history behind hot chocolate as we know it today is a long and winding tale, one which likely began in Mexico and Central America well over 3,000 years ago. It’s believed drinking chocolate or xocōlātl originated with the Mayans who ground cocoa seeds into a thick paste and mixed it with water, cornmeal, and ingredients like chili peppers. The drink continued to evolve through the centuries in the Americas, with the addition of vanilla and other spices flavoring the mixture. Then, through the invasion and eventual colonization of Central and South America by Spain in the 15th century, the conquistador Hernán Cortés would bring drinking chocolate to Europe, where it was further adapted and hints of sweetness were added to cut its bitterness. This led to the invention of cocoa powder by the Dutch in the 19th century, and later the chocolate candy bar in England. Now variations on hot chocolate are found all over the world.
Today, hot chocolate frequently consists of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder heated with milk and sometimes topped with marshmallows, sprinkles of cinnamon, or even chocolate shavings.
Below are six spots around Atlanta serving delicious versions of hot chocolate we think are worth checking out this winter.
Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate — Krog Street Market
This bean-to-bar micro chocolate factory inside Krog Street Market sells single-origin dark chocolate bars made from carefully sourced cacao, as well as chocolate bars with names like Kissed Mermaids using Costa Rican cacao, coconut milk, and vanilla bean-infused sea salt. But during the cold months in Atlanta, it’s hard to beat a rich cup of hot dinking chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows from Xocolatl. During the summer, the shop even offers frozen drinking chocolate.
French Broad Chocolates — Ponce City Market
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24293535/269706993_10159455055546005_6242577038192480856_n.jpeg)
The celebrated Asheville, North Carolina, chocolate shop is now open at Ponce City Market. And it sells more than just bonbons, salted caramel brownies, and chocolate bars. The shop also serves its popular hot sipping chocolate. The rich and decadent drinking chocolate here is made with steamed organic milk and creamy French Broad chocolate and is definitely meant to be sipped and savored.
yAAAs! Cookies — Glenwood Park
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24293564/242804941_3011846089089723_2154496277161867727_n.jpeg)
While it might be known best for its cookies (try the chocolate pecan and snickerdoodles), this Glenwood Park shop just down the street from 3 Parks Wine also serves some seriously good hot chocolate. Milk chocolate chips are melted down and mixed with two-percent milk and vanilla bean. The drink is then topped with whipped cream, caramel, and almond pieces.
Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop — Capitol View
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24293587/275171905_837958034269828_7389357219173626342_n.jpeg)
If you haven’t checked out this congenial coffee shop on Sylvan Road in Capitol View, make it a point to do so soon. Owned by Kristel Valencia, it’s hard to resist ordering a horchata latte or the cajeta latte made with goat milk caramel. But on a chilly day in Atlanta, the Mexican hot chocolate at Cafexito is the move. A semi-sweet variation on hot chocolate, the drink is made with bittersweet chocolate and milk mixed with hints of warm cinnamon spice and chili.
Cafe Intermezzo — Midtown, Dunwoody, Alpharetta
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24293634/120948086_3412581442156399_1691905102741195041_n.jpeg)
A perennial date spot in Midtown, especially for decadent desserts paired with coffee, wine, or a nightcap in the evenings, Cafe Intermezzo is also a great place to indulge in a creamy cup of hot chocolate. It’s basically dessert. There are five variations on the drink found on the menu, including traditional cups of hot chocolate mixed with steamed milk, cream, and rich Dutch chocolate topped with shaved chocolate and semi-sweet cups of Mexican hot chocolate. Cafe Intermezzo includes additional locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta.
Dil Bahar Cafe — Norcross
This Pakistani bakery and cafe in Norcross is a true family affair where the owners are handling the cooking, greeting and seating folks, and even occasionally serenading guests during lunch and dinner. Dil Bahar Cafe features a great variety of Karachi-style chaat as well as other dishes like Masala fries, chicken rolls, and savory, deep-fried kachori served with sabzi (mixed vegetables). Make sure to get dessert here, including the shahi tukray (bread pudding) or falooda paired with a hot cup of chai. The cafe also serves hot chocolate during the colder months topped with halal marshmallows and whipped cream. Halal.