22 places worldwide to drink amazing hot chocolate this winter

No chocolate is produced in France, but the chocolatiers of the country’s capital are experts in crafting delicious creations with everyone’s favorite treat. Go to icons such as Angelina’s, Laudurée (which also has amazing macarons), or Carette. Just be prepared to wait in line!

Ecuador is a huge producer of chocolates and exports tons of the stuff to Europe every year. So, if you ever visit this gem of a country, make sure to try the rich chocolate from the source. You can also sample the cacao drink, the healthier (and less sweet) version of hot chocolate.

Belgian chocolates are world-famous for a reason! The chocolate craftsmen (and women) sure know what they’re doing here. And hot chocolate pairs perfectly with a waffle and a stroll around Brussels’ Christmas markets.

Mexico is also a large producer of this delicious dessert. Oaxaca is home to many markets where you can buy hot chocolate and cacao freshly made. Often, the hot chocolate here is made with cinnamon and a bit of spice; it’s also extra frothy.

Colonialism in places like Mexico and South America brought chocolate to the Spanish capital. There, it’s commonly enjoyed warm, with Spanish hot chocolate being very thick and often paired with churros. In Madrid, check out local favorites Milagros, Siglo XIX, and Chocolateria de San Gines.

Malaysian hot chocolate is similar to coffee there: very sweet! Often made with condensed milk and egg yolk, it’s also available at cafes throughout the city in unique concoctions like orange-cardamom hot chocolate.

Switzerland is known for chocolate-making, and Zurich is the country’s foodie capital, so of course, fantastic hot chocolate is to be found there! You'll often find it in the form of a chocolate fondue.

The best way to stay warm in Windy City, USA, is to grab a warm drink. And what better way to do so than to sample a nice cup of cocoa from local faves — Chiqueolatte and Mindy’s Bakery?

This tiny European capital doesn’t skimp when it comes to top-tier chocolate. Go to The Chocolate House or Ladurée’s location here.

South Africa’s foodie capital is the perfect place to sample amazing hot chocolate (should you need a break from all that wonderful SA wine.) Head to Honest Chocolate, Coco Safar, or Bread Milk and Honey.

Rain City is a great place to indulge in the best Canadian hot chocolates out there. Head to cafes such as Mink Chocolates, Bellaggio Cafe, and East Van Roasters (also serving some of the best espresso in the city).

Viennese Chocolate is similar to Viennese Coffee — lots of milk, whipped cream, and egg yolk, just without the coffee. Of course, if you want that you can add a caffeine boost for a very Austrian mocha. Favorite spots in Vienna include Cafe Schwarzenberg, Cafe Demel, and The Guesthouse.

Cheese and chocolate might sound like a bizarre combination, but Chocolate Santafereño is all the rage in Colombia. The delicious drink is made by adding a bit of salty white cheese to a well-frothed cup of hot chocolate.

Want to enjoy a bit of fika (the traditional afternoon Swedish coffee and sweets break) without having a second (or third) espresso? Swap your cappuccino for a hot chocolate! Swedes really know what they’re doing, and it goes great with pastries such as cardamom bread and kanelbulle (cinnamon rolls.)

Visiting snowy Montreal in winter? Warm up with delicious hot chocolate from the city’s best spots such as La Diperie, C’ChoColat, and Automne Boulangerie.

Mexico’s capital is an ideal place to enjoy Mexican hot chocolate. Check out well-loved cafes like La Rifa, Le Caméléon, and Oscuro Puro.

The Philippines might not be the first place that comes to mind when you envision sipping a cup of cocoa. But tsokolate, the local drink, is sure to delight! Made from cacao tablets, whisked to perfection, it’s the perfect breakfast drink to enjoy on your next vacation!

Danes love a good, warm drink throughout the day. But if you want the best hot chocolate in Copenhagen, head to either Bastarđ Cafe or Lagkagehuset.

Argentines love their chocolate, especially in liquid form! A favorite version in the country is using a stick of chocolate to stir warm milk, eventually melting the whole thing into a warm cup. 

The home of Ghirardelli is, of course, a great location for hot chocolate enthusiasts. You could spend weeks wandering the city without taste buds becoming bored — or cold!

The Baltic countries are experiencing a surge in visitor interest, especially during wintertime. Tallinn has one of the best Christmas markets on the continent and delicious hot chocolate throughout town!

Japan might have more of a reputation as a tea country, but its capital has some up-and-coming spots for hot chocolate. Make sure to check out Theobroma for spicy drinks and Minimal for more classic fares.