Hot chocolate isn't something you get to drink year-round in Texas (unless you're a masochist, that is).
Which is why it's all the more delicious treating yourself to during Austin's winter months. Since those colder days have finally decided to show up, we decided to get a jump start on where to sip hot chocolate in Austin. See our picks for the beverage below.
Contributed by Emily Gibson
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photo via instagram
Various Locations
Lick is known for their artisan ice cream flavors and natural ingredients. For their specialty hot chocolate, they employ this same philosophy and use locally-made SRSLY Chocolate. You can also spice up your cup by adding some scoops of your favorite Lick ice creams. When the temps here in Austin drop below 50, their frosty hot cocoas are just $5 in stores! An added bonus? It can all be made vegan.
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Photo via Instagram
Various Locations
Calling those with sweet teeth! Quack’s is an Austin go-to for some of the best desserts. And if you’re in the mood for a little hot cocoa to go with your pastries, cookies or cakes, Quacks has got you covered for all of it.
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Photo via Instagram
Various Locations
Got a hankering for hot chocolate at 3:30 a.m. on a Tuesday? No problem. All three of Bennu’s locations are open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. So you don’t have to settle for cocoa powder and hot water - you can get a traditional or Mexican hot chocolate any time a craving strikes.
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Photo via Instagram
121 Pickle Rd
1300 E 4th St
Included on Cosmic Coffee’s plentiful menu is hot chocolate made with local Texan milk and Ghana chocolate. This hot chocolate is sweet, creamy and topped with whipped cream for those who want a little more sweetness. And since we all know winter in Austin is still usually temperate, you can enjoy your drink on either of Cosmic’s large outdoor patios.
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Photo via Instagram
5353 Burnet Rd
Monkey Nest aims to be both environmentally and socially conscious so that you can enjoy your hot chocolate guilt-free. Pair your warm cup of hot chocolate with some of the coffee shop’s international food menu items or pastries.
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photo credit: Derrick F.
218 W. 4th St
Halcyon are masters of all things hot drink related, and that most definitely includes hot chocolate. Not only do they have several delicious varieties to choose from, but also the option to spike your drink with your chosen booze for a little extra warmth.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
This time of year, Mozart's is as worth visiting for its Christmas lights game as for its delicious hot chocolate. Fortunately, you can go ahead and show up for both. And even when the lights are gone, you still get to enjoy a steamy hot cocoa with a lake view.
Various Locations
With several locations around town, you can count on Medici for a perfectly made cup of hot cocoa. Grab one of their awesome pastries as a side and you'll really be set.
photo credit: VergeCampus
Various Locations
With multiple different locations spread out across Austin, there's no better or more convenient spot to get your hot chocolate fix than Epoch Coffee. Our pick? Check out the North Loop location so that you can do some vintage/record shopping beforehand.
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Photo via Instagram
100 Congress Ave (Lobby)
Inspired by a San Fran coffee kiosk, the java masterminds behind this spot are all about delicious French-pressed coffee. And along with high-quality brew, the Patika people turn out baked goods like orange-rosemary scones, chipotle-corn muffins and lemon-lavender cookies—all of which, we hear, pair perfectly with their hot cocoa (warm or iced). Isn't it great when life works out like that?
Got another favorite place for hot chocolate?
Holler!
