The best hot chocolates in Chicago

The most Instagram-worthy hot chocolate in the city can be found at this walk-up window in the West Loop. Sure, you can order a basic cup of cocoa, but you're here for the Hotter Chocolates—over-the-top creations that are crowned with a cloud of whipped cream and a mini doughnut. Spice up the night with an added shot of Jameson or Baileys. 

Stop by Chiqueolatte when your stomach is empty and your sweet tooth is strongest. The signature Van Gogh hot chocolate is a mountainous concoction of dairy and cocoa topped with a full waffle or donut. Indulge in this extravagant potion of sugar hot or iced. Don't worry—there's plenty of milder but equally delicious hot chocolate options on the menu, too. 

New Hampshire-based chocolatier L.A. Burdick brings its European-inspired sweets to River North through this adorable storefront. The State Street location doubles as a café that serves drinking chocolate, stunning pastries and, of course, dozens of tasty hand-made candies. First time vistors looking to warm up with liquid chocolate should dive into the Spicy Dark Hot Chocolate, a delicious mix of spice and sweetness that will be sure to satisfy your palate.

Mindy's signature bakery blend hot chocolate takes the beverage very seriously. If you're dreaming of wrapping your hands around a warm mug of decadent chocolate with massive, house-made marshmallows, this is your place. Sit down and select your perfect cocoa combo—be sure to check out their classic, dark and Mexican hot chocolate blends to enjoy at home.

Xurro's Chicago-wide reputation is primarily from its unforgettable and flavorful churro combinations. However, the diving into the churreria's Abuelita hot chocolate will not disappoint. The elixir is a perfect blend of vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa, of course. With a churro in one hand and this classic hot chocolate in the other, you have everything you need for the most comforting snack. 

This chocolateria should be on the list of every chocolate lover in Chicago. Sleepwalk has a delectable drinking chocolate mix that incorporates vanilla, cinnamon and cayenne into an unforgettable cup. The single pouches contain a puck of concentrated flavor perfect for a 12-ounce hot chocolate. If you're feeling risky, try a sip of the especially spicy Picante brew.

Move over "hot chocolate"—"drinkable chocolate" is here. This chocolate specialty store gets creative with a seemingly endless host of flavors. The Mocha X'Tasy is an explosive mix of espresso and caramel, while Mayan Magic boasts exotic chili spices to contrast the sweetness. Check out Cocoa + Co's unique options for your craziest cocoa cravings.

This version uses two very simple ingredients: ground chocolate and water. The finished product is less syrupy than its American counterpart, making it a good match for those who want something more refined. Other menu options include Aztec with chile and allspice and Mexico City Thick, a traditional pudding-like drink served around the holidays.

One sip at Katherine Anne Confections and you’ll know that this is really a test of will. Currently specializing in several varieties, grab a taste of the salted caramel mix with extra chunks of toffee or the Mexican blend that perfectly mixes cinnamon, cayenne and habanero. Other flavors include bourbon, caramel and SuperDark with 85 percent cacao. The chocolatier's process is to skip the ground cocoa and go straight for ground chocolate melted with milk and cream. If you finish a full cup of this stuff, please give us a virtual high-five.

This high-end chocolatier has a few boutiques where you can try the wild flavor combinations it's known for. If you're in North Center, grab a few mixes of the signature La Parisienne Drinking Chocolate mix to prepare at home. An infusion of rich dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla bean, this blend will surely sweeten up your day. 

While Edgewater restaurant Sfera is best known for its arancini, sandwiches and Sicilian street fare, don't sleep on the hot chocolate. There's a traditional version but we fancy the house specialty that features rich cocoa with Sicilian syrup—infused with citrus and spices—and three vanilla-citrus marshmallows.

This tiny, charming bakery offers a handful of pastries, tarts and croissants alongside a signature hot chocolate, gently flavored with orange peel and black peppercorn. Bittersweet's hot chocolate (it also comes iced) is a blend of fine chocolate, milk, cream and a scoop of whipped cream dusted with chocolate.