Sweet Sips

Find the best cups of cocoa to warm up this winter.

When the cold sets in for the foreseeable future and a coat becomes your daily essential, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your (gloved) hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate. But not all cocoa is created equal—some boast rich, velvety layers of melted chocolate, while others stand out with tasty twists such as toasted marshmallows, peppermint, or fresh whipped cream. Whether you’re planning a family outing after ice-skating, a sweet treat between shopping stops, or just a solo moment of silence, here’s where to find the best hot chocolate around town.

Big Spoon Creamery

You’d have to live under a rock to not know about some of the tastiest ice cream in Birmingham, but did you know that, come chillier temps, Big Spoon serves their version of hot cocoa? Their Hot Sipping Chocolate is a blend of top-quality dark and milk chocolate that’s topped with a torched-to-crispy-melty-perfection house-made vanilla marshmallow.

Caveat Coffee

For a classic and creamy cup of cocoa, Caveat Coffee hits the spot every time. If you’re feeling adventurous (or if you’re dairy-free), sub in macadamia milk and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Make use of the convenient drive-thru to place your family’s order before heading out to look at Christmas lights.

Chocolatá

Visit this divine chocolate shop in Forest Park, which uses single-origin chocolate ethically sourced from South America, and take home a container of their hot cocoa mix or sipping chocolate. The cocoa mix contains dark cocoa powder from Ecuador, chocolate chips, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, while the rich sipping chocolate is made with solid chocolate, sugar, and cayenne pepper for spice.

Church Street Coffee and Books

Come for a Breakup Cookie, stay for the simple—and simply delicious—hot chocolate. You can order a traditional cup, or go the peppermint route. Either way is sure to please at this Crestline Village bookshop that’s been a staple of the community since 2011.

Frothy Monkey

Head downtown or over to the Homewood location to warm up with Frothy Monkey’s standout hot cocoa, featuring steamed chocolate milk from Hatcher Family Dairy in College Grove, Tennessee. Feeling fancy? Customize your cup with a pump of hazelnut, vanilla, or banana syrup, or ask for a drizzle of mocha or caramel sauce.

O.Henry’s

With locations all around town, including Homewood, Mt. Laurel, Hoover, Highland Park, and Vestavia, grabbing a toasty cup of hot chocolate is convenient no matter where you live. This longtime Birmingham coffee shop serves up a ho-ho-holiday favorite with a minty twist: plenty of peppermint, fresh whipped cream, and a festive crushed candy topping.

Pour: Mobile Coffee & Cocktails

Co-owner Rebecca Posey calls Pour’s made-from-scratch hot chocolate “a cup of comfort with its creamy, chocolatey goodness topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a chocolate syrup drizzle—or all of the above!” Though the mobile coffee company isn’t set up to sell to the public, you might be lucky enough to attend an event where they’re serving—or just book your own!

Red Cat Coffee House

This coffee shop has been serving Birmingham since 2008 and now has three locations: Pepper Place, Railroad Park, and UAB Highlands Hospital. Their motto—coffee is for everyone—speaks for their winter hot chocolate selections, too. Enjoy a creamy cup with peppermint or coconut, and be sure to add an extra-generous amount of whipped cream. You can also check out their winter drink menu, with features such as a candy cane, gingerbread, or s’mores latte.

Red Mountain Expresso

Though this little drive-thru-only hut in Homewood does offer a delicious hot chocolate in three sizes, we recommend one of their rich neighborhood-named coffee drinks. Choose from the Broadway (white chocolate and caramel latte), Hollywood (caramel and hazelnut latte with cinnamon), or Vulcan (white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon).

Seeds Coffee Co.

This West Homewood hot spot boasts a cheery, chilled-out atmosphere, so it’s worth sipping your mug in-house. Folks love the deep, not-too-sweet taste of Seeds’ hot chocolate, and we love that you can order it “kids temp” for smaller sippers. Add a pump of peppermint or vanilla for an extra-sweet layer of flavor.