Utah Valley's Top Hot Chocolate Spots

Tis the season for fires, blankets, sledding, and hot chocolate! Hot chocolate warms the soul. There's nothing like curling up on the couch to a good movie and sipping some rich and delicious hot chocolate. I've had my fair share of hot chocolate and here is my (personal) list of the best places to get hot chocolate here in the Valley.

1. Hot Lava at Sodalicious, Provo

In case you missed our post on Sodalicious earlier, you have to stop by and get a Hot Lava. This rich, thick, creamy drink won't disappoint. My taste buds were in instant heaven when this delicious drink hit my mouth. And if that isn't enough, get one of their million drink combos! You can't go wrong with a Your Mom Extra Dirty ;)

2. The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe, Provo

The Cocoa Bean has over 10 amazing flavors to choose. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I've been there enough to list off a few of my personal favorites: white raspberry, hazelnut, vanilla, and pumpkin pie.

3. The Chocolate, Orem

If you haven't been here get yourself there stat! This place is too adorable for words. The cozy house-feel makes everything taste even better. Their gourmet hot chocolate is to die for! Choose from regular, mint, hazelnut, and spice.

4. 7-11, any location in the US

Call me crazy for adding this one, but 7-11 honestly has some of THE BEST hot chocolate I have ever had. The hot chocolate is rich and creamy and not watered down and you get to mix your own flavors! They have a new almond joy flavor which I highly recommend! You can't beat the price either, it's only $1 for the small size which is usually plenty. And that my friends is a deal!

For all of you Starbucks hot chocolate lovers, (I know you're out there) I didn't forget about you. Here is a copy-cat recipe so that you can get your Starbucks fix right at home!

Ingredients:
1/4 C. water
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 C. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Garnish: whipped cream

Directions:
1. Combine the water, cocoa, and sugar in a 16-oz microwave safe pitcher, like a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Zap the mixture on high for 30 seconds, or until hot. Stir well to create the chocolate syrup.
2. Add the milk to the chocolate syrup and microwave the mixture for 1-1 1/2 minutes, or until hot.
3. Add the vanilla and pour the drink into a 16-oz mug

Makes one 16-oz (grande size) serving

I like caramel with my hot chocolate

Well, the cold is officially here! Love it or hate it, this is the time to break out the hot chocolate and unpack the pink snuggies hidden under your daughter's bed. With snow on the ground, we are giving you our list of fun 'dos' for this next week.

 

Do 1: Watch A Christmas Carol

This family outing will be as timeless as the play. Nothing makes memories like the warm charm of the Hale Center Theater combined with a Dickens classic. I've been to Hale Theater many times and am always taken with the ambiance and the quality of the performances. Treat your kids to the giving side of the holidays with A Christmas Carol. It's a great date night and an even better evening with the family. You'll be surprised how enjoyable it is for your younger kids!

Do 2: "Lights on" in Provo

 

I know I know, ANOTHER tree lighting ceremony. However, downtown Provo isn't your run of the bunch outlet mall. Downtown Provo is the gem with a personality to match you lovers of the holidays. The fun starts Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m. Santa himself will be illuminating the lights outside of the City Center, so bring some of the kids. There will be caroling and hot chocolate afterwards. It's always fun to walk around and see the downtown lights. You will be in walking distance of the new temple, the new Nuskin building, and dozens of great restaurants.

  Do 3: Tim Tam Slams

This is my personal favorite treat. It's yummy, and it is also really fun to say out loud. If you're unfortunate enough to not know what Tim Tams are, let me explain. Tim Tams are a heavenly wafer cookie with delicious chocolate filling, and of course, a chocolate exterior. Tim Tam "slams" are Tim Tams dipped in hot chocolate. Try biting off each end of the Tim Tam and drinking hot chocolate through it. The Tim Tam becomes a straw that melts and gets all gooey. The melted chocolate on peoples' faces also makes for good Christmas card pictures (hint hint).

-Wren