Where to Sip Rich Hot Chocolate in the Hudson Valley
By Barbara Ballinger and Kayla Sexton via HV Mag
Indulge in warm hot chocolate goodness throughout the winter months from some of the Hudson Valley's top bakeries and cafes.
There are times when only a mug of hot chocolate (preferably topped off with a marshmallow or whipped cream dollop) will do to warm the soul. While a number of local shops specialize in the traditional creamy combination, some offer newer, more intriguing variations such as spicy Mexican blends with chili or refreshing options with cool peppermint.
Regardless of whether you like your cocoa sweet, spiced, or over-the-top chocolatey, you’ll find just the mug for you in the Hudson Valley.
2 Alices Coffee Lounge
Cornwall, Newburgh
Don’t let the name fool you; this coffee shop also serves up a mean hot cocoa. While the classic version of the chocolatey drink is a staple on the menu year-round, keep an eye out for seasonal specials like the French hot cocoa, which is made with two different types of chocolate, cinnamon, and just a hint of salt.
Art Cafe
Nyack
Inspired by the cafes in Tel Aviv, Art Cafe offers a mix of traditional Israeli recipes and creative flavors. Throughout the year, the Nyack eatery keeps both a classic hot chocolate and a white chocolate rendition on the lineup to satisfy your warm beverage needs, whether you like it rich or sweet.
The Crafted Kup
Poughkeepsie
This Dutchess County coffee house is a mainstay in Poughkeepsie, with three locations scattered around the city. The menu covers every type of coffee and espresso beverage there is, and of course some rich hot cocoa. To spice it up, add a flavor shot like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or peppermint to your sweet drink.
Emack & Bolio's
Albany
This is a sweet tooth’s paradise. Not only does this shop serve homemade hot cocoa with hot fudge and steamed milk, but it also cranks out ice cream, smoothies, pastries, and handmade chocolates. Warning: You may find it very hard to leave.
The Freight House Cafe
Mahopac
With an interesting history and ties to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad branches, The Freight House Cafe is a refurbished building from 1872 that now serves brunch and beverage specials. Come in the summer for frozen hot cocoa with your choice of milk, or keep it classic in the colder months with the traditional hot chocolate.
Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.
Beacon
You know Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. for its light-as-air, all-natural marshmallows…but did you know the brand’s Beacon storefront serves stellar hot cocoa, too? It makes sense, given that hot chocolate and marshmallows go together, well, like hot chocolate and marshmallows. If you’re in the market for an over-the-top creamy cup of chocolatey goodness, hit this spot and indulge in a melty marshmallow treat.
The Maker
Hudson
Whether you’re staying, shopping, or dining at Hudson’s The Maker, don’t skip out on the cafe while you’re there. On the beverage menu, you’ll find the hotel’s specialty hot chocolate beverage, made with 68-percent dark chocolate, extra dark cocoa powder, and Nux Alpina walnut liquor.
Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters
New Paltz
This cozy New Paltz coffee shop is a staple on Water Street, with everything from matcha to beer for your sipping pleasure. We recommend the hot chocolate, which is made in-house with your choice of milk.
Ready Coffee
Wappingers Falls, Newburgh, LaGrange
If you’re craving a warm, chocolatey beverage on the go, Ready Coffee is the spot to visit. With a drive-up window for quick service, the popular Hudson Valley coffee spot serves more than just caffeine-crazed drinks, but also smoothies, energy drinks, and a delicious hot chocolate beverage.
Samuel's Sweet Shop
Rhinebeck
Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have great taste in chocolate, as evidenced by the cocoa-packed delights that decorate the Hudson Valley storefront’s shelves. Rhinebeck’s sweetest celebrity-owned candy shop also pours a delicious hot chocolate that’s decadent in every way.
The Snackery Bake Shop
Rye
This bake shop prides itself in putting a unique twist on retro American classics, with a complete line of special occasion cakes, treats, and more. Here, you’ll find comforting old flavors are renewed, and the hot chocolate is no exception. Served on its own or topped with a pastry, the hot drink is oh so sweet with unlimited toppings for $1.