Lemonade in the summer, apple cider in the fall, but what drink dominates the winter? Hot chocolate. This liquid deliciousness is especially popular in Northern Virginia, where several places known for their hot chocolate. Whatever the flavor, hot chocolate truly symbolizes the winter. After much investigation, it has been determined that many people in the area prefer Starbucks’ hot chocolate over others; however, don’t sleep on some other local shops that offer a creative twist to winter’s favorite drink.

Big Bear Café located in Northwest Bloomingdale’s is a neighborhood favorite. Because of its great environment, this cafe attracts many families to try their famous hot chocolate (and homemade marshmallows).

Artfully Chocolate is another nearby eatery, located in Alexandria, that owes its fame to fancy hot chocolate beverages named after famous actresses. Some favorites include the Marilyn Monroe which is topped with white chocolate and peppermint flavorings along with the Liz Taylor which uses infused lavender and the Judy Garland that adds rainbow sprinkles for flavor.

Co. Co. Sala in the Penn Quarter makes it hard to choose which hot chocolate to consume with many options including: white, dark and milk chocolate, as well as salted caramel, chipotle, peanut butter and pumpkin cocoa.

Serendipity 3 in Georgetown gives a spin on the normal idea of hot chocolate with a slushy like frozen chocolate. People all over Georgetown love the drinks here for their chilly taste.

A favorite store nearby for all people is Starbucks and, not surprisingly, it has a variety of flavors for hot chocolate. These include peppermint hot chocolate with delicious vanilla flavored syrups and whipped cream on top.

Tenth grader Jillian Bartholomew especially likes the peppermint hot chocolate, saying “it tastes like Christmas… and it’s wonderful.”

Another favorite is the salted caramel hot chocolate; This drink is filled with creamy mocha sauce and crushed toffee nut pieces as well as sugar and sea salt.

We are lucky to have so many great hot chocolate stores nearby especially during the frigid winter. All have their own creative twists and additions but at the heart they are all still the same beverage that we enjoy. Hot chocolate is a great drink to enjoy but also reminds everyone that the holidays are finally here.