Nothing takes away the chill of winter like a cup of hot cocoa made with rich melted chocolate or topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. Enjoy unique variations of this guilty pleasure at local Wichita coffee shops, each putting their personal spin on the festive beverage. Mix it up or go for a classic blend, whatever your preference there’s a place for you to stop in for a cup of hot chocolate in Wichita.

Cocoa Dolce Chocolates

Head to the state’s only chocolate lounge (at three locations) and indulge in not only delicious handmade, artisan chocolates, but a delicious Mexican hot chocolate made with bittersweet chocolate, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla - or for brave souls looking to add a bit of spice, the Mayan hot chocolate combines dark Belgian chocolate, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, ancho chili and crushed almonds. Pair that with a Tahitian vanilla bean marshmallows and a chocolate chip cookie for an especially delicious treat. Other hot chocolate options include Belgian (dark chocolate and vanilla), dark mint and Amico (dark and milk chocolate mixture with cinnamon).

Churn & Burn

If you find yourself craving ice cream but wanting something warm, head to Churn & Burn for a cup of its house specialty hot cocoa that is so rich it tastes like a scoop of chocolate ice cream was heated into a drink. Like its ice cream, Churn & Burn makes this drink from scratch with milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and cocoa then tops it with house-made whipped cream.

The Donut Whole

Conveniently located in downtown Wichita, The Donut Whole wants you to chase your morning donut delight with tasty hot cocoa, made to order. The baristas behind the coffee bar make hot chocolate in dark or milk chocolate every day of the year. It is created with fresh steamed milk, including dairy free options such as soy, almond, oat and coconut milk.  

Fairmount Coffee Co.

This community coffee house offers a delicious hot chocolate made from Holy Kakow chocolate sauce. Located in Portland, Oregon, Holy Kakow use natural ingredients to make their sauces in small batches. Patrons can get this same chocolate sauce as part of their coffee orders or dress up their hot chocolates with other flavors upon request.

Headshots Bar & Grill

Enjoy hundreds of video and board games at Headshots Bar & Grill. In between playing games, treat yourself to a variety of hot beverages from their specialty café, including their sweet, soothing hot chocolate.  Visit them in December and you’ll find several varieties of spiked hot chocolates in their Harry Potter pop-up bar.

Il Primo Espresso Caffè

Craving chocolate with a little added spice? Try Il Primo’s dark chocolate and peppermint hot cocoa. With its own house blend of artisan cocoa, a sweet peppermint syrup and a rich dark chocolate sauce, you’ll love this flavorful drink!

Leslie Coffee Co.

Swing by Leslie Coffee Co. for a rich blend of steamed milk (substitute Oatly oat milk or Pacific coconut milk) with housemade chocolate sauce made from brown sugar, dark chocolate bars and cocoa powder. Top it off with some marshmallows (optional, but strongly recommended).

Reverie Coffee Roasters

Reverie Roasters keeps mocha simple, allowing the handmade chocolate sauce and fresh roasted espresso to be the highlight of this year-round specialty beverage. The key is to use high grade cocoa powder, locally produced honey, and a little granulated sugar to make a chocolaty sauce to pair with freshly pulled shots of Boneshaker Espresso. Pour a beautiful latte art design into your cup using steamed whole milk from Hildebrand Farms Dairy, and you can now indulge one of Wichita's most popular mochas.

Sunflower Espresso

Wichita’s only café and coffee food truck really delivers when it comes to hot chocolate. At Sunflower Espresso, they start with steamed milk and sweeten the deal with real chocolate ganache and a touch of vanilla. Find their rolling café as it pops up all over the city, serving expertly made espresso drinks and more, or settle in on their cozy patio to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa.

If coffee is more your style, every single place on this list offers amazing and unique specialty drinks. Learn more by taking a coffee tour in Wichita.