January is nobody’s favorite month in the Pacific Northwest, but there is one silver lining: It’s peak hot chocolate season.
I’d like to think I know a thing or two about hot chocolate. Do I have any real qualifications? Perhaps not — but I’ve sampled a lot of them in my day. (Also, my name is quite literally Cocoa, so that has to count for something.)
Hot chocolate might seem like a straightforward drink, but Bellingham’s cafes take surprisingly varied approaches. That’s why, in the name of science, I set aside an afternoon to sample different versions around town. The sugar crash was (mostly) worth it.
Most decadent cup: Chocolate Necessities
When given the choice, I prefer my hot chocolate on the intense, almost decadent end of the spectrum — bonus points if it’s thick enough to stick to the back of a spoon. Chocolate Necessities’ version hits these marks.
This spot is unique in that customers can choose the amount of cocoa in their drink, ranging from white to 72% dark. It also offers sipping chocolate, which is a step up from hot cocoa and — somehow? — even richer.
I asked the staff to make me their favorite combo, and ended up with a 65% dark hot chocolate plus a touch of Mexican spice. The drink was velvety, complex and almost satisfying enough to stand in for a meal.
Even with more hot chocolate ahead of me, I found it difficult to stop sipping. (In retrospect, I probably should have saved Chocolate Necessities for last.) My only real note is that the Mexican spice was subtler than expected, but given the chocolate’s depth of flavor, I didn’t mind.
Bonus recommendation: If you like hot chocolate with a spicy kick, head down the block to Caffe Adagio and try the Mayan hot chocolate. Adagio’s standard hot cocoa is fairly traditional, but the hint of heat sets this drink apart.
Best elevated take on tradition: Evolve Chocolate + Cafe
As with Chocolate Necessities, Evolve Chocolate + Cafe offers both hot chocolate and sipping chocolate, but I sprung for the more classic hot cocoa. I didn’t regret it: This cup reminded me of a childhood snow-day treat, with some added grown-up flair.
Evolve’s hot cocoa is made from 85% dark chocolate, but the bitterness is balanced with organic cane sugar and just a hint of smoked sea salt. It also comes served with a healthy dollop of vanilla whipped cream. These quality ingredients make what would otherwise be a run-of-the-mill drink into something truly special.
Evolve also gets bonus points for its location in the Village Books mezzanine, which is one of my favorite rainy-day hideaways. Can you imagine a better way to spend a wintery Sunday afternoon than cozied with a cup of hot chocolate overlooking Fairhaven?
Bonus recommendation: Narrative Coffee also excels at no-frills hot chocolate with top-quality ingredients. This version features small-batch chocolate from Ritual Chocolate, local milk from Grace Harbor Farms and simple syrup.
Most impressive toppings: Locus of Bellingham
For some folks, the most important ingredient in hot chocolate is chocolate itself. For others, the toppings make or break the experience — and if you fall into the latter category, the deluxe hot chocolate at Locus is your best bet.
This hot chocolate starts with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, which is then topped with a generous serving of house-made vanilla whipped cream. It’s finished with torched marshmallows and, finally, additional chocolate drizzle.
I enjoyed how the vanilla whip melted into the cocoa as it cooled, and the marshmallow skewer was a satisfying final touch. The actual drink, however, was underwhelming for my taste. Made with chocolate syrup instead of cocoa, it had a definite nostalgic quality, but the flavor was outshone by the whipped cream and marshmallows.
I’d still recommend this cup by merit of the toppings alone, but know that you’re in for a different — albeit extremely Instagrammable — experience compared to other items on this list.
Healthiest hot cocoa: Refresh Juice Co.
By the time I made it to Refresh Juice Co., I’d already sampled a dangerous amount of hot chocolates. The sugar high was setting in. The cashier informed me I had something (chocolate sauce) on my nose.
Things were starting to go downhill.
Given the state of affairs, I was excited — albeit skeptical — about the prospect of a “healthier” hot chocolate, or rather, hot cacao. The idea of ordering hot chocolate at a juice bar might sound odd, but this version left me pleasantly surprised.
Refresh makes its hot chocolate from a mix by Retreat Drinks, a Gig Harbor-based business specializing in small-batch, better-for-you hot cocoa. If you (like me) could drink hot chocolate every day, you might consider investing in a jar. Refresh sells them in three flavors: classic, peppermint and Mexican spice.
I opted for the peppermint version, which had a subtle candy cane aftertaste. While far from an indulgence, this drink was more satisfying than expected. Refresh makes its version with oat milk, which paired nicely with the earthiness of the cacao. On days when I want a comforting treat without the sugar crash, I’d absolutely order this again.
Final bonus recommendations: While some days call for healthy hot chocolate, others call for boozy hot chocolate — and if it’s the latter you’re after, Redlight Kitchen & Bar should be your first port of call. The Redlight Hot Cocoa has lovely herbal undertones thanks to the addition of Fernet Branca liqueur. A word of warning, though: It’s stronger than it tastes.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
