During Lexington’s bitter cold snap this past weekend, Editor Alexis was on a mission to try some of the city’s best cups of hot chocolate. Findings show that you can kick a hot chocolate craving at just about any of Lexington’s coffee shops, but here are some standouts. Pro tip: I asked for all of my beverages to be made in a “for-here” mug.
Best dressed
The Greenery: Coffee + Social Space, 206 W. Main St.
This downtown cafe always has creative seasonal specials, so when I saw “Candy Cane Crunch,” I knew it would be a hit. This drink features dark chocolate, peppermint, and crushed candy on top. Pro tip: This drink originally comes with espresso, but I removed it.
The fudgiest of them all
Chocolate Holler, 101 W. Loudon Ave. Ste. 162
A longtime Lexington favorite, this spot now located in Greyline Station offers multiple flavors of hot + iced chocolates, sipping chocolates, and a full coffee bar. I went with a classic hot chocolate, but consider upgrading to a sipping chocolate for a rich drink made from melted chocolate.
Best whipped
Coffee Times Coffee House, 2571 Regency Rd.
I enjoyed a regular hot chocolate from Coffee Times, and not only was it surprisingly rich, it was topped with fluffy whipped cream, which is always made in-house.
Honorable mentions
The Human Bean, Various locations
This is my go-to recommendation for a quick jolt as their Bright Energy drinks are my favorite, but don’t pass up any of their chocolate-based drinks. Pro tip: They also have a frozen hot chocolate, and their chocolate sauce can be made sugar-free.
High on Art & Coffee, 523 E. High St.
Calling all whipped cream lovers. High on Art & Coffee also makes homemade whipped cream, featuring regular, chocolate, caramel, and rotating flavors.
