Brr! It’s cold outside. I have fond childhood memories of playing outside in the snow with my sisters and coming inside to a mug of hot chocolate. But it’s not just for kids. On a cold winter day hot chocolate is the perfect childhood or adult treat! Want an idea for a fun family date night? Take your kids out for a special treat and warm up with a cup of local chocolatey goodness. I have added some additional favorite treats from these local shops for your family to enjoy!
Café Strudel
300 State St. Cayce
Café Strudel is a local favorite brunch (and lunch) spot. Located in a charming 1920s era building that is full of character, patrons can enjoy an adult hot chocolate from their full bar or stick with the traditional favorite. While you’re there, peruse their selection of fresh baked sweets and decedent cakes showcased in their front display – the perfect compliment to your favorite hot beverage.
Drip
1441 Main St. Columbia & 729 Saluda Ave. Columbia
Drip has two downtown Columbia locations and is a local favorite! They use two different types of chocolate pasteurized with heavy cream and milk. It’s close to life changing. They have a few house made sauces for lattes — a honey vanilla, honey habanero, and a rose cardamom. Their espresso milkshake is heavenly. Drip makes and bakes all of their scones, muffins, biscotti, cookies, biscuits, mayonnaise, and tapenades.
Glaze’n Specialty Cakes
1925 S. Lake Dr. Lexington
This cute, local bakery has delicious cupcakes, pastries, and fresh coffee — all with a small town feel. Their lemon and white chocolate cupcake is absolutely divine and the banana pudding flavored cupcake is a favorite too! They also make cakes for special occasions upon request. What I love the most is they make their customers feel extra welcome, and they offer a wide variety of cupcakes in the shop daily so it always feels like a treat when you visit.
Kaminsky’s
930 Gervais St. Columbia
My husband treated me to Kaminsky’s for my birthday and it was so delicious! If you like Hummingbird Cake you MUST try theirs. My husband loved their Butterfinger Cake. The cream cheese icing is divine. Their coffee is excellent too. They have a lot of options for your sweet tooth. And hot chocolate lovers can enjoy an adult version from the bar or the traditional favorite everyone loves. It’s definitely a treat for the kids.
Silver Spoon Bake Shop
2507 Devine St. Columbia
Silver Spoon Bake Shop’s owner, Erin, is from rural South Carolina. If you are looking for local, Silver Spoon is the place to go! All of their coffee and espresso comes from a local roaster, Turtle Creek, which complements all of their lattes and baked goods perfectly. The mocha and hot chocolate are made in house using imported Belgium chocolate which sets them apart from other similar drinks. Their must try items are their salted caramel brownies, caramel pound cake, and bacon cheddar biscuits. Their bakers work hard to put out a good product for others to enjoy. Their treats are made in the shop daily.
Sweet Cream Company
1627 Main St. Columbia
Their hot chocolate is creamy and delicious! Choose from classic, cayenne, peanut butter, or cinnamon flavors. Their coffee is locally roasted too. The atmosphere is family-friendly and the ice cream is one of a kind. It’s not your typical boring ice cream — Sweet Cream uses rosemary, cardamom, local fresh blackberries, and organic dairy because “great ingredients inspire creativity.” And this statement is definitely true!
Your House
Don’t want to leave the house? My fellow contributor, Brittany, has an amazing hot chocolate recipe you can make at home! Here’s my personal favorite from her collection…
Hot Chocolate #1
In a medium saucepan stir together:
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1/3 c hot water
Whisk constantly over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Keep stirring and boil one minute.
Add: 4 c of milk (I used 3 c of 1% and 1 c of cream or all whole milk).
Heat gently until it is hot and at serving temperature. At this point you can add whatever you like to flavor it. 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract, vanilla, ground cinnamon, instant coffee, maple extract, rum extract, orange liqueur. Pour into 4 mugs and serve. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.
