’Tis the season for a cozy cup of hot cocoa—whether you believe in chocolate before breakfast or spiking the classic (holly jolly, indeed!) for a pick-me-up (hey, get chip-faced… no judgment!). Here, we drop knowledge like it’s hot… chocolate—and dare you to ace it.
1. Which local sweet spot serves up a history lesson in each sip with hot cocoa selections dubbed Spain, 1631; Xochiaya; and Italy, 1670?
a. Lucettegrace
b. Videri Chocolate Factory
c. Escazu Chocolates
d. The Chocolate Boutique
2. La Farm Bakery offers a scratchmade hot chocolate mix (inspired by owner Lionel Vatinet’s dad, George) that includes Belgian chocolate, sugar, spices and cream imported from what country?
a. Peru
b. France
c. Germany
d. Chile
3. Which Raleigh chef features a decadent chocolate souffle on its menu that’s pretty much hot chocolate in dessert form?
a. Scott Crawford
b. Ashley Christensen
c. Sunny Gerhart
d. Sean Fowler
4. For some farm-fresh holiday feels, which local farm is hosting a Winter Lights celebration complete with hot cocoa and s’mores, outdoor holiday movies, and a photo op with Santa Claus himself?
a. Cathis Farm
b. Page Farms
c. Raleigh City Farm
d. Phillips Farms
5. What year did iconic sweet spot Videri Chocolate Factory open its doors and start making us melt by serving up such sweet selects as its sipping chocolate (aka its single-origin chocolates in a rich 2-oz. pour—literally melted chocolate for sipping!)?
a. 1998
b. 2006
c. 2011
d. 2013
6. Which local cocktail spot serves up an adult version of your childhood favorite with its boozy hot cocoa drink?
a. Bittersweet Raleigh
b. Killjoy
c. Atlantic Lounge
d. Foundation
7. Which local distillery sells a Damn Fine Chocolate Liqueur that, when combined with hot chocolate mix and fernet, makes a mean boozy and sweet bev that’s ideal for sipping around the fire on cold winter nights?
a. Young Hearts Distilling
b. Pinetop Distillery
c. Durham Distillery
d. Olde Raleigh Distillery
8. So seedy! Harmony Farms in-house cafe features a raw hot chocolate made with cacao, dates and what other superfood?
a. Chia seeds
b. Flaxseeds
c. Pumpkin seeds
d. Hempseeds
9. Escazu Chocolates offers eight different varieties of hot cocoa (!), so you’re guaranteed to never bore your sweet tooth this season. Which of these varietals cannot be found on its menu?
These are the best hot chocolate spots in Raleigh—hands down.
Rachel Simon
There’s no better way to spend winter than curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a movie and a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand (especially this year, right?). Luckily, Raleigh is home to plenty of great ops for the toasty beverage—whether you prefer yours in its classic original form, topped with whipped cream or mixed with a flavor (think chai or peppermint). So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that’ll also warm you up, head to one of these seven excellent hot chocolate spots around the city and grab a cup to go.
Tupelo Honey
Benelux Coffee 402 Oberlin Road Operating since 2010, Benelux is known for its roasted coffee and Belgian-inspired “wafels”—but don’t miss out on the eatery’s hot chocolate. It’s creamy and flavorful, and regulars can attest that it goes great with one of the cafe’s signature crispy wafels. $3.50 for 12-oz. cup
Escazu Chocolates 936 N. Blount St. Long considered one of the Triangle’s premier shops for all things chocolate, Escazu boasts the best cup of cocoa in Raleigh, bar none. The store, which gets its name from the district of Escazu, Costa Rica, prides itself on bean-to-bar chocolate and offers a range of confections, ice creams and, of course, hot chocolates. On average, there’s about 10 varieties from which to choose, including mocha, white chocolate, peanut butter and a few “historic” flavors inspired by recipes from the 1500s. Still, you also can’t go wrong with the original—it’s delicious and creamy, the perfect balance between standard cocoa and a thicker dessert-like treat. $4.75 for 10-oz. cup
Global Village Organic Coffee 2428 Hillsborough St. When you stop at Global Village for a breakfast sandwich or cup of coffee, don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate. Steamy and flavorful, the beverage can also be made spicy if that’s your thing—why not give it a go and see if you can handle the heat. $2.35 for small cup
Hereghty Heavenly Delicious 2603 Glenwood Ave. Nestled in the Glenwood Village Shopping Center, Hereghty’s hot chocolate is just one option among its many sweet offerings, which include scones, tiramisu, creme brulee and more. Enjoy a tasty regular cup or add in peppermint to spice it up—really, you can’t go wrong with either. $3.25 for 8-oz. cup
The Morning Times 10 E. Hargett St. Open since 2016, The Morning Times has been a staple in DTR. The fare is impressive, but so, too, is its selection of drinks—including hot cocoa. The cafe’s version comes with whipped cream. And if you’re craving something a little extra, try enhancing it with a flavor shot. $3.50 for 12-oz.
Tupelo Honey 425 Oberlin Road Tupelo Honey is a go-to spot for Southern food fans, known for its savory dishes like fried chicken, and shrimp and grits. With such a hearty menu, it’s easy to overlook the spot’s hot chocolate, but that’d be a mistake. Served as a regular cup or fancified with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle, it’s a sweet, rich drink that’s great on a cold winter day. $3 for standard cup
Videri Chocolate Factory 327 W. Davie St. Another Raleigh staple for chocolate lovers, Videri offers allergy-friendly bean-to-bar products ranging from salted caramel bonbons to soft-serve ice cream, in addition to its beloved selection of hot chocolates. Cups come with a choice of local dairy or vegan oat milk, and while the regular hot chocolate is perfectly fine, it’s the company’s sipping chocolate that’s the real crowd-pleaser—tasting just like the warm, decadent melted chocolate bar it is, this sipper is a heavy but can’t-miss treat for dessert fans. $3 for 2-oz. sipping chocolate; $3.50 for 8-oz. hot chocolate; $.50 each for whipped cream or peppermint syrup add-ons
