Ready to warm up your winter the good old-fashioned way? We've rounded up these sweet spots that are serving everything from classic hot cocoa to themed renditions you won’t find anywhere else! These treats are all family friendly and non-alcoholic, but if you're looking for an adult spin on cocoa, make sure to check out our Hot Chocolate Inspired Cocktail list here.
Breakaway Cafe, Dover
The Halva Hot Chocolate
Warm up this winter with a delightful twist on the classic hot chocolate at The Breakaway Cafe. This unique creation combines the richness of hot cocoa with a sweet, nutty finish, thanks to a special house-made syrup featuring honey, vanilla, and tahini. The tahini, with its smooth, savory flavor, adds an unexpected depth that elevates the drink into something truly comforting, evoking the cozy, timeless feel of sitting by a crackling fire in an old colonial New England home. If you’re looking for something beyond the usual hot chocolate experience, this is the winter sipper you’ve been waiting for!
Dancing Lion Chocolate, Manchester
Drinking Chocolate
Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or simply looking to experience something new, a visit to Dancing Lion Chocolate is a must for anyone in search of a truly exceptional and culturally rich drinking chocolate. This tiny Manchester chocolate shop serves their Drinking Chocolate hot and frothy in a traditional bowl, just as it was prepared by the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. Whether enjoyed in the shop or taken to-go, this beverage is more than just a drink; it's a spiritual experience, connecting you to an ancient tradition and rich cultural heritage. James Beard award-winning author Rowan Jacobsen gave it this review in his book Wild Chocolate, “Dancing Lion Chocolate has the best drinking chocolate I've tasted.”
Granite Grind, Lancaster
The Peppermental
For a truly New Hampshire twist on a classic winter treat, this hot chocolate recipe starts with the rich, creamy goodness of whole milk from Hatchland Dairy Farm. The drink is elevated with indulgent Ghirardelli chocolate, creating a deep, velvety base of cocoa perfection. To give it a refreshing, minty kick, the hot cocoa is infused with The Granite Grind’s own Peppermint Syrup, adding just the right amount of minty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. To finish it off: their homemade peppermint marshmallows, made in-house for that extra special touch.
Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery, Dover
Hot Toddy
You’re in for a treat this winter with the gourmet hot chocolate menu at Lickee’s & Chewy’s featuring 13 indulgent flavors. A standout favorite is the Hot Toddy. While it’s non-alcoholic, it still packs plenty of rich, comforting flavor. The secret to the Hot Toddy’s charm is the addition of Bourbon Caramel Tornai—a luscious, sweet caramel syrup that’s infused with bourbon flavor (without the booze!). This adds a rich, deep sweetness that beautifully complements the creamy, velvety hot cocoa. And to top it all off, the drink is crowned with handmade toasted marshmallows, which add a delightful crunch and smokiness that perfectly balance the sweetness.
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington
Hot Chocolate at 4000 ft.
Imagine sipping on a cup of hot cocoa with some of the most breathtaking views New Hampshire has to offer—4,000 feet up on Mount Washington! What makes this hot chocolate experience so unique is not just the drink itself, but the incredible setting. Hop aboard the Mt. Washington Cog Railway for a scenic winter ride to Waumbek Station, perched high on the mountain. Once you arrive, enjoy your warm, comforting cup of cocoa by a crackling campfire, the perfect spot to unwind and take in the crisp mountain air. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas, from the southern Presidential Mountain range to the Canadian border. An authentic New Hampshire winter moment – experiencing the warmth of hot cocoa with the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains.
Proba Café at The Bookery, Manchester
White Chocolate Latte
Proba Café’s White Chocolate Latte is the perfect winter beverage to warm you up from the inside out! Made with Ghirardelli White Chocolate, this creamy delight is combined with smooth, steamed milk to create a rich and velvety base that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finished with a festive candy cane garnish, this latte is as a treat for the tastebuds, a deliciously comforting way to embrace the season!
The Common Man Roadside, Hooksett
The S’Mores Hot Chocolate
Warm up this winter with a S’Mores Hot Chocolate, a cozy, indulgent treat bringing the beloved flavors of a classic campfire treat into your mug! Inspired by the S’mores donuts served at The Common Man’s Café, the base of this hot chocolate is a rich, velvety blend of dark chocolate shavings and cold milk, steamed together to create a smooth, chocolatey foundation. But what really makes this drink special is the unique toppings: a generous drizzle of toasted marshmallow syrup adds that signature campfire sweetness, while whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs give it that authentic S’mores flavor, we all know and love.
Two Bees Café and Patisserie, Dover
Salted Caramel Honeycomb Hot Cocoa
Head over to Two Bees Cafe for a hot cocoa creation that combines comfort, indulgence, and a touch of fun. Their Salted Caramel Honeycomb Hot Cocoa is a true winter treat that hits all the right notes. It starts with their house-made rich dark chocolate, which gives the cocoa a deep, velvety richness, then blends seamlessly with the salty-sweet flavor of caramel for the perfect balance. Crunchy bites of honeycomb candy are added to bring a delightful texture and an extra layer of flavor. Dip in a fresh-baked croissant for the ultimate indulgence on a frosty winter day.
