How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day Around Sacramento

Nothing warms the soul more than sipping a hot beverage on a cold winter day. And while coffee is great, there’s just something about a sweet, creamy mug of hot chocolate. And we’re not the only ones who think it’s amazing — Jan. 31 marks National Hot Chocolate Day to give this unappreciated indulgence the recognition it deserves!

Whether curled up by the fire or warming up after a day on the slopes, hot chocolate is the perfect treat. Not only does it warm you from the inside out, it also has health benefits! Hot chocolate contains numerous antioxidants and other compounds believed to reduce circulation and improve heart health. Plus, if it’s made with milk, you get the added bonus of calcium and minerals.

Hot chocolate is also very versatile. You can have hot chocolate made with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. You can top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles. You can add flavors such as peppermint, cinnamon, and even chili powder for a little kick. Or, you can add a bit of rum or schnapps for even more kick! Some people even mix red wine and hot chocolate for a unique flavor combination.

Craving a cup of hot chocolate? Luckily, there are numerous spots throughout the greater Sacramento region where you can pick up a cup. Following are some of the most popular.

Ginger Elizabeth | Midtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Ginger Elizabeth

This gourmet chocolate shop in Midtown Sacramento is THE place for hot chocolate in the Sacramento region. They serve traditional hot chocolate as well as European-style sipping chocolate. You can also buy a tin of their hot chocolate mix to go, made with Valrhona 53 percent couverture chocolate. Pair it with their Oaxacan spice syrup to make a Mexican hot chocolate at home!

Shorty’s Doughnuts | Placerville

This cheery donut shop in Placerville not only has donuts in every imaginable flavor, they also have hot chocolate and house-made marshmallows in flavors like peppermint and pumpkin spice. They even make their own cocoa mix in-house. You can taste different flavors with hot chocolate flights or try gelato, cookies or other baked goodies.

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The Pour Choice | Auburn

Photo courtesy The Pour Choice

This craft coffee bar and tap room in Auburn is best known for its gourmet coffee beverages and large selection of local beers. But they have a bit of a following for their hot chocolate as well. And if you’re hungry, you can grab a cookie or a cinnamon roll to go along with it.

Morgan’s Mill | Woodland

Morgan’s Mill in Woodland is, at its core, a coffee shop. But they also serve hot chocolate, and you can add whatever flavored syrups you’d like to personalize it. You know what pairs well with hot chocolate? Waffles! And they have several different kinds, including Nutella and cinnamon sugar.

Le Cadeau, a Chocolate Boutique | Sacramento

Photo courtesy Le Cadeau

Located in the Lyon Village Shopping Center, Le Cadeau is a great place to get a box of chocolates for your special someone (or yourself). In addition to truffles, barks and bars, they also make hot chocolate on a stick. All you need is hot milk and marshmallows!

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Grandpa’s Cellar | Camino

Photo courtesy Grandpa’s Cellar

The good news is you can get a hot chocolate flight at this apple orchard in Camino, with flavors like caramel, peppermint, and toffee pecan crunch. The bad news is you can only get them three months out of the year, as they’re only open from September through November. But it’s worth the wait for the oversized mugs topped with a heaping pile of whipped cream and flavored syrup.

Crepeville | Davis & Midtown

With locations in both Davis and Midtown Sacramento, Crepeville is a longstanding favorite for both sweet and savory crepes. They also offer hot chocolate to go along with those crepes, made with Ghirardelli milk chocolate and steamed milk. They also offer Mexican hot chocolate, complete with a cinnamon stick.

Ticket Chocolate | Loomis

Photo courtesy Ticket Chocolate

Granted, this Loomis-based chocolate company doesn’t have a storefront. But their delectable treats are sold online and will satisfy your hot chocolate craving. They sell hot chocolate on a stick with flavors like salted caramel and hazelnut. They also have hot chocolate bombs. And, if you’re serious about your hot chocolate, you can pick up some hand-crafted artisan marshmallows too, with flavors such as vanilla and caramel.

Café Xocolatl | Midtown Sacramento

The Aztec word for chocolate is Xocolatl, so this little chocolate-themed café in Midtown Sacramento is aptly named. They sell chocolate from all corners of the globe. Their house hot chocolate is made from Guatemalan cacao and coconut sugar, or you can try their ceremonial cacao.

Estelle | Sacramento

Photo courtesy Estelle

With locations in both the Arden Arcade area and Downtown Sacramento, this bright café, bakery and patisserie offers all types of French-inspired delicacies, from soups and sandwiches to cakes and croissants. They also serve hot chocolate and drinking chocolate, and you can add whatever flavor syrup you’d like to make it your own.

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