Is there anything better than a cup of hot chocolate, either on its own, creamy and sweet, or with additions; orange zest, cinnamon, and marshmallows? We believe it’s the perfect pick-me-up when out and about, or an energy boost if you’re not looking for coffee. But who makes the best in Edinburgh?
All of the options on this list are great choices, offering something unique so you won’t be disappointed with any of them;whether it be flavours or complexity, sweetness or texture. Without further ado, here are the 6 best hot chocolates in Edinburgh.
6. Aemilia — Portobello
Set in the idyllic seaside neighbourhood of Portobello, Aemilia would fly under the radar when on the hunt for the best hot chocolate. Why? Well, besides being a pasta shop, it mostly focuses on savoury foods, including pasta, sandwiches and a deli counter. However, their Italian hot chocolate is a sleeper hit, and a must-try.
This creamy hot chocolate is topped with hand-whipped cream and, for the finishing touches, a toasted homemade marshmallow! Now, what’s better than that?
5. Moo Pie Gelato — Royal Mile
Another strange contender you may think, at first? But rest assured, though Moo Pie Gelato specialise in frozen treats, they also make stellar hot chocolate. Moo Pie uses actual melted chocolate to make all of their hot chocolates, with the dark/milk combo of 55% and 33% respectively being one of our favourites! The perfect melding of complex cocoa flavour and milkiness from the milk chocolate works like a dream.
What’s more, you can get a toasted marshmallow rim to finish off your hot chocolate…or, why not be a devil and try it with a scoop of gelato to really amp up the decadence? Go on, we won’t judge.
4. The Marshmallow Lady — Canonmills
Found in Canonmills, The Marshmallow Lady is a lovely little shop that creates unique marshmallows. Some of their highlights include a Custard Cream marshmallow, After Eight, Flumps, Parma Violets and cherry Bakewell. And, as we’ve discovered through the rest of this list, what’s the best companion to a delicious marshmallow? Hot chocolate.
Pair your hot chocolate with their variety of toasted marshmallow options. We’re partial to an Oreo marshmallow, but you could go rouge and try their Irn Bru one instead…let us know how that goes.
3. Hotel Chocolat — Princes Street
Hotel Chocolat is one of the most recognisable names on this list, mostly because they’ve cemented themselves as legends of the chocolate industry. While perusing their excellent range of all types of chocolate, why not grab a hot chocolate from their in-house cafés?
Hotel Chocolat has a huge range to choose from, from simple classics like 50% milk chocolate and their 70%, to more creative variations, like the 50% salted caramel, 70% chilli-dark, and 70% mint-dark hot chocolates. Known for their famous Velvetiser, you can be content knowing your hot chocolate will be the smoothest and creamiest it can be!
2. Knoops — George Street
Born from the creator’s German childhood, Knoops has become a mainstay of the UK, with two stores popping up across the city. Known for a wide range of chocolates, including many single origins and complex flavour profiles, Knoops allows complete customisability of your drink.
Want a sprinkle of salt, go ahead. Feeling like a dash of orange or cinnamon, go for it. Or looking to get creative? Try a pinch of pimento, Szechuan pepper, thyme, lime or turmeric. Really, your imagination is the limit. Plus, they offer iced chocolates for those looking for a delicious drink to cool them down instead.
1. The Chocolatarium — Canongate
Found just off the Royal Mile, The Chocolatrium is a chocolate-lovers paradise. Walk in the doors and be met with an abundance of chocolatey scents. With a wide range of chocolate bars and unique flavours to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, the crown jewel, and one of the best things on offer, is the rich 55% dark hot chocolate they have on tap.
Richer than other hot chocolates you’ll be used to, The Chocolatarium uses oat milk to add a nutty sweetness to the drink that is made the Belgian way, ending in a thick and creamy chocolate drink. What’s more, if you experience one of their chocolate experience tours, you receive a cup of their hot chocolate included with the tour. What more could you ask for?
