For a hip hot chocolate experience, head over to Urban Roast in the District. It’s conveniently located near the Gallery Place/ Chinatown Metro stop and is oozing with holiday cheer. The Hot Chocolate Flight lets you try each of their 5 signature hot cocoas (the coconut one is unexpectedly delicious) and the little cups are great for small hands. Go for brunch and pair your drinks with the Rise and Shine Tray to fuel up for the cold winter days.

Ice cream and hot chocolate? Two polar opposites marry at Lil City Creamery in their Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Float. Choose any of their farm fresh ice cream flavors (made with milk from “uber-pampered grass-fed Jersey cows”), like Pink Peppermint Chocolate Chip or Ginger Snap, and they’ll add it to a hot cup of decadent Ghirardelli hot cocoa. Mr. Brown’s Park is located just steps away and offers a great place for enjoying your hot cocoa.

This popular Downtown Annapolis coffee and ice cream shop makes hot chocolate a priority! All of their syrups and sauces are made in house and their selection is impressive. On the menu you’ll find these tempting hot chocolate options, making it hard to choose just one: Classic, Peppermint, Candy Land, Peanut Butter and Mexican (this one has cinnamon and spicy ancho chili, so only for the most adventurous).

When winter arrives, Gruto’s Soft Serve in Purcellville closes shop and The Chocolate Palette opens in their place. Expectations are high for a store specializing in chocolate, and they do not disappoint. Their “Sipping Chocolates” (slow down and enjoy) come in four flavors: Aztec Life (a hint of spice), Classic, Italian Job (described as luxurious and thick) and Salted Caramel (sweet n’ sassy). Don’t forget to grab some hand made chocolate to go since this store is only open through March 15th.

From the classic curb appeal to the seasonal latte art, Cafe Georgetown will give you all the winter feels and whip up some instagram-worthy hot chocolate. Choose from the classic with Ghirardelli syrup, steamed milk and topped with cocoa powder, or the current seasonal offering of Peppermint. The cafe can also customize “latte art” on your hot chocolate (must use whole or skim milk). Download the Ripples Drink App and you can send any picture to be featured on your drink!

Located in the quaint, picturesque town of Haymarket (off 66 near Gainesville) you’ll find a little piece of heaven in a historic house. Serving not only decadent cupcakes, but some impressive hot chocolate, Cupcake Heaven is worth the drive from the city. Silky and smooth, their gourmet cocoa pairs nicely with daily cupcake flavors such as Cookies n’ Cream or Red Velvet (cream cheese frosting option, please) or weekly rotation flavors such as Mexican Hot Chocolate or Banana Carmel.