As the air grows sharper and snowflakes begin to swirl through the District, Washingtonians instinctively turn toward the comforts that make winter feel magical. Few things embody that cozy seasonal ritual quite like a steaming cup of hot chocolate. 

Cafes across the city are leaning fully into the charm of the season. Some are crafting towering creations crowned with massive, pillowy marshmallows, while others mix together velvety Belgian chocolate for a more refined indulgence. We set out to try the District’s hot cocoa offerings.

Here’s what we found: 

Bread and Chocolate’s Hot Chocolate (4.5/5)

Anya Malhotra | Reporter

Just a 10-minute walk from campus is Bread and Chocolate, a breakfast and lunch restaurant where I was immediately greeted by the smell of fresh pastries oozing out of the display case. The cafe was quiet when I went on a Tuesday morning with a few customers eating breakfast while the staff put up their holiday decor of Christmas garlands and a tree, creating a festive atmosphere.

I ordered their medium hot chocolate, which cost a steep $6.59 and was served in a 16-ounce cup. The drink arrived at the table quickly in a to-go cup and was piping hot, which I appreciated as I was trying to defrost from my frigid walk over. The drink had a smooth, velvety texture with a rich chocolate flavor. The drink — which used milk-chocolate as the base — was complemented by a slight bitterness from dark chocolate that prevented it from becoming overly sweet, which I much enjoyed. The foam on top added an airy texture that went well with the creamy body of the drink. It ended up being quite filling and hard to finish due to its whole milk base, though the cafe also offers almond milk, oat and even a water-based version for those who prefer something lighter.

Though the price felt a bit high — something in the $4 to $5 range would be more appropriate given the size — this hot chocolate definitely satisfied my craving for something warm and sweet as the city grows colder. 

Baked & Wired’s Hot Chocolate (4.5/5) 

Brady Eagan | Reporter

Baked & Wired, an artsy and quaint cafe that has amassed a large following on Instagram because of its picture-perfect cupcakes, sits on Thomas Jefferson Street in Georgetown. The shop is a 20-minute bus ride and walk from campus, manageable for students, faculty and staff alike craving a quality hot chocolate.

Entering the cafe, customers are greeted by decorations for the holiday season, like green garland drooping over the windows and oversized ornaments and snowflakes hanging about. The holiday decorations were around the already present creative decor adorning the space year-round, like their colorful wall art and twinkling cotton clouds hanging from the ceiling.

Baked and Wired’s hot chocolate comes in two size options — 12 ounces ($6), which I ordered, and 16 ounces ($6.50). Customers can also add homemade, dense whipped cream with mini chocolate chips on top for a few cents, which I opted to do. The bakeshop provides various milk options for the hot chocolate, like whole, almond, oat, soy and 2 percent, which I appreciated, though I opted for the classic whole milk. The hot chocolate itself is made with Callebaut, a Belgian chocolate brand, which is rich and creamy but not too decadent.

My drink did not come out very hot, which was a little disappointing, so I drank it quickly before it went cold. There was a layer of chocolate froth sitting between the whipped cream and the drink, making for a fun textural experience as well. The hot chocolate went down very smoothly, as I found myself gulping it down eagerly. Baked & Wired may end up becoming a new regular stop on my future trips to Georgetown.

Dolcezza Hot Cocoa (5/5)

Maggie Crisp | Reporter

Dolcezza Gelato — with seven locations across the District, including its stylish Palmer Alley shop — has long been known for sourcing ingredients from local farmers and serving some of the city’s most decadent treats. Stepping inside feels like a brief escape from the gray winter outdoors as warm lighting glows from mid-century fixtures, sleek counters wrap around the space and barstool seating invites customers to linger.

There was no wait when I went at around 5 p.m. on a Tuesday evening, and the friendly barista immediately took my order for a large hot chocolate with whipped cream ($8.70). I felt briefly conflicted on the size options because Dolcezza only offers drinks in large and small sizes, and I would have preferred a medium. Their menu errs on the pricier side, with the drinks ranging from $5 to $9.

Their hot cocoa, made with Valrhona chocolate, strikes a balanced taste that is thick and rich, without excessive sweetness. The generous amount of whipped cream was velvety, did not melt too quickly and added to the lusciousness of the drink. A dusting of cocoa powder was an elegant touch, though it came with a bitter taste that I didn’t expect but enjoyed. The larger size was ideal for savoring slowly for over an hour, a warm comfort at the end of a chilly day during finals season.

S’mores and More’s Hot Chocolate with a Mocha Marshmallow (4/5)

Kya Hoffman | Reporter

Smore’s and More is a mobile hot chocolate vendor known for its intricate dessert toppings and variety of flavors is located in the middle of the D.C. Holiday Market, outside the National Portrait Gallery. The silver van stands out with its flashy neon “Hot Chocolate” sign, disco lights and friendly workers. Next to the neon sign sit several machines stirring the beverages and keeping them warm.

I ordered a small regular hot chocolate ($4), which came with whipped cream and sprinkles and added on a mega mocha marshmallow ($6.95) for a total of $10.95. I opted to add the marshmallow to make the drink more fun but was surprised by its price — my only guess was that it was because it was quite large. The shop also offered flavors like peppermint, Mexican-style — made with cinnamon and a hint of chili — and cinnamon as well as special marshmallows, but I picked the regular hot chocolate because I was not as interested in the other flavors. I retrieved my drink immediately after I paid from the same counter where I ordered.

The hot chocolate tasted slightly burnt, which may have been because it was in the machines for a long amount of time. Despite the drink lacking in overall flavor, the generous sizing complete with the warm marshmallow, whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles more than made up for it. I was concerned about the drinkability due to the toasted marshmallow balancing delicately on top, but I was able to bite into it and drink the hot chocolate without spilling or getting a chocolate goatee. 

Although a bit pricey, the beverage was an ideal shopping companion, keeping my hands warm as I browsed the other stalls in the chilly weather. The steep price will likely keep me away from returning but enjoyed the one-time treat before finals.