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Adobe Stock | Photo by Vladislav Nosik
Indulge in warm hot chocolatey goodness throughout the winter months from some of the Hudson Valley’s best cafes, bakeries, and more.
There are times when only a mug of hot chocolate (preferably topped off with a marshmallow or whipped cream dollop) will do to warm the soul. While a number of local shops specialize in the traditional chocolate-cum-milk combination, some offer newer, more intriguing variations such as spicy Mexican blends with chili or refreshing options with cool peppermint.
Regardless of whether you like your cocoa sweet, spiced, or over-the-top chocolatey, you’ll find just the mug for you in the Hudson Valley.
2 Alices Coffee Lounge
Cornwall-on-Hudson and Newburgh
Don’t let the name fool you; this coffee shop also serves up a mean hot chocolate. While hot cocoa is a staple on the menu year-round, keep an eye out for seasonal specials like the Mayan Mocha Latte (with spicy chocolate and espresso), Triple Chocolate Hot Chocolate (full of syrupy dark and white chocolate plus cinnamon-spiced mocha), and a Frosted CBD Gingerbread Latte.
The Alternative Baker
Rosendale
This shop’s Belgian hot chocolate is made in the Parisian style, which means it’s more liquid chocolate than watery cocoa powder. The liquid-gold ganache makes it so next-level tasty that whipped cream isn’t really necessary. Don’t forget to try the Italian-inspired caffe cioccolato, which blends coffee with Belgian hot chocolate for those who crave a caffeine fix.
Art Café
Nyack
Made with real cocoa powder and pure peppermint oil, Art Café’s seasonal peppermint hot chocolate is not to be missed. Throughout the year, the Nyack eatery keeps both a classic hot chocolate and a white chocolate rendition on the lineup as well.
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Godiva Café
Woodbury Common Premium Outlet, Central Valley
This chocolate maker sells numerous chocolate candies along with cups of dark hot chocolate with the option of whipped cream. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials like the dark hot chocolate full of deep, rich dark chocolate morsels, or the cinnamon spice version, which gets a warm zip from Aztec Spice truffles and cinnamon.
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Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.
Beacon
You know Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. for its light-as-air, all-natural marshmallows…but did you know the brand’s Beacon storefront serves stellar hot cocoa, too? It makes sense, given that hot chocolate + marshmallows go together, well, like hot chocolate + marshmallows. El Guapo Ancho Chile hot chocolate and Sweet Chai O’ Mine white hot chocolate round out the unique seasonal offerings that will keep you warm on all your Hudson Valley adventures.
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Lucky Chocolates
Saugerties
A local favorite for candies and truffles, the Saugerties chocolate destination also serves a stellar hot cocoa. The drink pairs perfectly with a piece of Lucky’s homemade peppermint bark.
Emack & Bolio’s
Albany
This is a sweet tooth’s paradise. Not only does this shop serve homemade hot chocolate with hot fudge and steamed milk, but it also cranks out ice cream, smoothies, pastries, and handmade chocolates. Warning: You may find it very hard to leave.
El Guacamole
Poughkeepsie
El Guacamole and Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe have teamed up for one of the best hot cocoa experiences in the Hudson Valley, an explosion of bold flavors. Their hot chocolate bombs pack chipotle chili and a shot of Kahlua into one delicious mug. A children’s version omits the Kahlua in exchange for extra Abuelita chocolate.
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Samuel’s Sweet Shop
Rhinebeck
Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have great taste in chocolate, as evidenced by the cocoa-packed delights that decorate the Hudson Valley storefront’s shelves. Rhinebeck’s sweetest celebrity-owned candy shop also pours a delicious hot chocolate that’s decadent in every way.
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Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar
Hudson
A mainstay in Hudson, Verdigris is an icon among local chocolate lovers. Specialties include the Mexican hot chocolate, a spicier blend with some kick, says owner Kim Bach, and the Angelina, which tastes like melted ganache and was inspired by the Parisian shop, Angelina, where Proust and Coco Chanel are said to have rubbed shoulders with a fashion-forward clientele.