YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has been going on 6 years strong, with 80 participating partners, Calgarians have over 90 chocolatey goodness to choose from, including 31 spirited drinks.
So, let's get started! Here are some of my favorite hot chocolates.
"The Avalanche" by
Euphoria Cafe
www.euphoriacafe.ca
5403 Crowchild Tr. NW
403-313-0503
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| The Avalanche @ Euphoria Cafe |
"Classic hand crafted hot chocolate made with freshly melted semi sweet chocolate, steamed almond milk (for me), topped off with an avalanche of torched marshmallows, salted pretzels, caramel drizzle, and a dash of cinnamon."
My thoughts:
The torched marshmallows were nicely done, and the saltiness of the prestzels complimented the sweetness of the hot chocolate. I wasn't able to taste the caramel or the cinnamon much, but that didn't bug me. It is definitely more of a "classic" hot chocolate, without any other flavours in the mix.
"Will You Accept This Rose?" by
Blenz Coffee
www.blenz.com
702 7 Ave. SW
403-264-8630
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| Will You Accept This Rose @ Blenz Coffee |
"Single origin dark chocolate infused with organic chai and a touch of rose finished with cinnamon whipped cream and a light sprinkle of rose petals."
My thoughts:
This hot chocolate was very lovely, the rose flavour was quite prominent and suitable, but not over powering. A bit disappointed that I couldn't taste the chai, and didn't really like having to chew through the rose pedals either. But yes, if just judging on the flavour of the hot chocolate, it's great!
Hazelnut Haven by
Cafe Blanca
www.cafeblanca.ca
240 Riverfront Ave. SW
403-460-2002
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| Hazelnut Haven @ Cafe Blanca |
"A creamy thick hazelnut drinking chocolate covered with a fluffy layer of marshmallows and vanilla whipped cream."
My thoughts:
Out of all the ones I've tried, this one was my favorite. The staff scooped an ice cream sized chocolatey ball into the steamed milk making the hot chocolate taste like liquid Nutella! Mmmm...Yum. The blue icing, although non-conventional, had a really nice vanilla taste too. And who could forget the 2 complimentary shortbread cookies we got! Perks of going on Valentine's day I guess.
"Mayan Magic" by
Red Bush Tea and Coffee Company
www.redbushteaandcoffee.com
225 10 St. NW
403-270-7744
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| Mayan Magic @ Red Bush |
"Blended combination of natural cocoa, spices, caramel and dulce de leche, topped with whipped cream, a skewered cream puff with caramel sauce and a sprinkling of ground hot pepper."
My thoughts:
I have never quite tasted anything like this before, and was really impressed. The hot chocolate was actually spicy! The huge scoop of caramel melted as I stirred the drink and softened the blend of flavours to a perfect velvety bliss. This is definitely a hot chocolate you want to take your time with, perhaps on a long, comfy afternoon chat, while savouring every sip.
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