The winter season is cold, brisk and often dreaded by many here in Northern Virginia. But perks of freezing weather include the little things, like warming up after a long day outdoors by sitting near a fireplace and cuddling under a furry blanket. Or, if you’re a sucker for sweets, you can take advantage of this time of year by delighting in as many servings of hot chocolate as you can.
To make the most of your final days of the season, we’ve gathered a list of where to find homemade hot cocoa worth savoring in the Northern Virginia region. And the best part is, you can sip these sweet creations from the comfort of your own home.
Artisan Confections
Made fresh in-house by the staff of Artisan Confections, the Bittersweet Hot Chocolate will take you right back to your childhood days with every sip. Made from primarily dark chocolate, the cocoa is bitter, yet tangy, and ready in minutes. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington & 2910 District Ave., Suite 170, Fairfax; $16
Blüprint Chocolatiers
The 10-ounce Drinking Chocolate from Blüprint Chocolatiers is made within the on-site kitchen of the Old Town-based shop. Owners Kim and Bruce Gustafson have been perfecting their Copenhagen-inspired, rich cocoa—made from ground dark chocolate and mini dark chocolate chips—as well as their other various chocolate creations, since 2005. // 1001 King St., Alexandria; $15
Fleurir Chocolates
Made from a combination of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and vanilla beans, Fleurir Chocolate’s Bittersweet Hot Cocoa is one of a kind. The blend is rich and creamy, warming you up on a cold winter’s day from the comfort of your home. // 110 S. Payne St., Alexandria; $14.95
Schakolad Chocolate Factory
While you won’t find a powder-heavy mix at family-owned Schakolad Chocolate Factory, you will delight in a modern twist on the warm, chocolate creation: a chocolate disk made of all-natural ingredients. Simply heat up the disk in the microwave or on the stove, add milk and you’ll have a seasonal dessert worth making yourself. Or, if you’d rather purchase ready-to-sip hot cocoa from the storefront in Arlington, the shop makes hot white chocolate, hot dark chocolate and even frozen hot chocolate for around $3. // 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington; $15
Sweet Signatures
Skip the store-bought chocolate syrup and turn to Sweet Signatures, where you’ll find a housemade Mocha Sauce to satisfy any sweet tooth. While primarily used for cups of hot chocolate sold within the store, if asked, the staff is able to create an 8-ounce bottle for you to take home and warm up with milk for yourself. // 22446 David Drive, Suite 174, Sterling; prices vary
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