Commentary by Anna Skinner
For years, I have been a self-christened coffee fiend, coffee snob, coffee addict – take your pick – and I didn’t waste time with non-caffeinated beverages. Why drink something delicious when you could drink something that kick starts your day? But, I set my assumptions of those sinful non-caffeinated beverages aside as I toured Hamilton Co. searching for the best hot chocolate havens.
Dark Hot Chocolate
The Quirky Feather Confectionary, Carmel
This little café opened quite recently, and I enjoyed their coffee so I chose to try their hot chocolate. They offered three varieties – dark, white, or tuxedo, which was a mix of the two. I chose dark, as I am not an overly-sweet person. It was phenomenal. The dark chocolate was not overbearingly sweet, but not bitter like some darker chocolate beverages or snacks can be. And the best part? The whipped cream is made in house with real whipping cream and not from a packet. It was a nice touch on a classic hot chocolate. A generous chocolate drizzle on the homemade whipped cream topped the hot chocolate off and rated it a 10/10 on my snobby scale.
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate
Mama Bear’s Bakery and Café, Geist
I don’t frequent the Geist side of Fishers very much, but I made a special trip out there after discovering that Mama Bear’s had some of the best hot chocolate in the state. If there was an award for this, I’m pretty sure it would be hanging on the ski lodge-esque café’s walls. Their hot chocolate was made with a toasted marshmallow syrup. It gave the smooth, creamy taste of the traditional hot chocolate topping which I preferred over the foaminess from actual melted marshmallows. The baristas also donned the top with cute latte art and a dash of cinnamon to customize the beverage. Craving whipped cream? They can top your hot chocolate with that instead of the milk designs.
Frozen Hot Chocolate (Spiked)
Langton’s, Carmel
This one is for the parents. Send your kids next door to a more family friendly café or bakery and cup your hands around this frozen delicacy. Crafted with Patron XO Incendio, Ghirardelli Chocolate Liqueur, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur and topped with a fluffy whipped cream, this was a unique take on a spiked hot chocolate. Another twist? It’s actually served over ice. Yet, as you may guess, despite the iced beverage, Langton’s version of hot chocolate will do the job of warming you up even though it’s frozen. The Incendio gives the drink a little kick, but it’s not unbearable for the mild taste buds out there. Whether it’s a cold or warm day, treating yourself to this spiked nectar of the chocolate gods will warm your soul.
