As the chill of winter sets in, you need something to help you stay warm. Why not turn to the cozy embrace of a cup of steaming hot chocolate? Luckily, Madison is replete with numerous cafes and coffee shops offering this delectable treat. Stop by one of the following establishments to warm your belly while satiating your tongue.
Madison Chocolate Company
Head to Madison Chocolate Company for a cafe that specializes in all things chocolate. While their specialties are truffles and baked goods, that doesn’t stop them from offering one of the best cups of liquid chocolate in the entire city. And that’s exactly how many patrons describe these thick, gooey beverages — as liquid chocolate. They are a take on the European style of hot chocolate, where chunks of chocolate are literally melted into a drink. In other words, these cocoa libations are a must-try.
Madison Chocolate Company is located at 729 Glenway St., and they’re open every day of the week for varying hours.
Moka
With three locations throughout the Madison area, Moka is the perfect place to stop if you need a respite from the chilly outdoor air. Step inside this quaint cafe and place an order for the seasonal peppermint white hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon. This drink will warm both your body and mind as you slowly unwind after a long day in the cold. Don’t worry if you have picky kids along with you, as Moka also serves up more traditional hot chocolate that’s served warm, instead of hot, to prevent accidental burns.
Stop by 2910 E. Washington Ave., 5227 University Ave., or 7402 Mineral Point Rd. any day of the week to grab your hot chocolate to go.
The Java Den
The Java Den is your standard local cafe, offering up numerous espresso drinks, handcrafted frappes, and Rishi Tea. However, where they truly excel is their hot chocolate. Instead of the usual milk chocolate, they use dark chocolate paired with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream for a delightful midday pick-me-up. Pair your hot chocolate with one of their muffins, scones, or cinnamon rolls for a complete sugary meal, or go the healthy route with sandwiches and salads from nearby La Brioche.
The Java Den is closed on the weekends, so it’s a good place to stop if you need a little warmth on your way to or coming home from work. The store is located at 1022 W. Johnson St.
Cafe Domestique
Cafe Domestique doubles as a thriving coffee shop and bike cafe, offering a home for all of Madison’s cyclists to gather and talk shop. Their hot chocolate comes in a respectable 12-ounce size and features a rich, creamy texture. To double up on your chocolate consumption, try pairing it with a chocolate chip cookie for added flavor.
Stop by 1408 Williamson St. any day of the week to take advantage of all this great cafe has to offer.
Madison is truly a hot spot for all things chocolate. Capitalize on this during the next cold day by stopping at one of these locations that offer the best hot chocolate in the city.
“Hot Chocolate with Cinamon” via Flickr by Theo Crazzolara. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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