Now that it has dipped into the 30s, it's officially cold. What better way to warm up than with a rich chocolatey beverage? From boozy options to drinking chocolates, here are seven of the best hot chocolates to warm your winter in San Francisco.
William Werner, the pastry mastermind behind this, is serving 80% Valrhona hot chocolate so thick, the violet marshmallows served with it sit on top of the dark drink more than float in it. Also of note is their drinking caramel (made with heavy cream), which has the taste and viscosity of melted salted caramel ice cream from BiRite (in the best way). This cup is served with toasted buttered croissant shavings.
Photo by Eva Frye
Over in Hayes Valley, Jason LoGrasso kicks up a Carthusian Hot Chocolate at Rich Table's bar. Valrhona dark chocolate ganache melts into Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe, Chartreuse, and cream, all whipped until frothy. Pineapple marshmallows finish on top.
St. Benoit Creamery milk meets TCHO drinking chocolate for an extra creamy version at Blue Bottle-Heath. It's served nice and frothy in a handsome Heath ceramic mug.
Photo by Eva Frye
Christopher Elbow's Fine Chocolates has a number of fun drinking chocolates, like Coconut Curry, with yellow curry, dark chocolate, and coconut milk; or Roasted Hazelnut, with hazelnut praline, hazelnut butter, and dark chocolate. They're all topped in fluffy handmade marshmallows.
Photo by Eva Frye
Right now, Phil Ogiela is testing chocolate goodies at Dandelion's flagship store on Valencia. If hot chocolate sounds too warm and heavy, try their iced chocolate with lemon and vanilla, cold-brewed and served like iced tea. You can get one of these light and refreshing dairy-free drinks as soon as the cafe opens mid-January.
Photo Courtesy of Jardiniere
For a South-of-the-border flavor, check out Jardiniere's take: Mexican cinnamon steeped in cream, melted chocolate, topped in a dollop of whipped cream and Taza's Spicy Chocolate shavings. Mini churros and dulce de leche come on the side. Order it with optional Casa Noble Reposado tequila for a boozy twist.
Jane on Fillmore uses half Guittard 63% chocolate and half Valrhona 72% chocolate for a ganache that's sweet enough for a kids hot chocolate, but sturdy enough for a mocha. Homemade marshmallows come standard on top.
Where else can you find a good hot chocolate around here?
