Columbus, OHHot Chocolate

Winans has poured coffee and hand-dipped chocolate in German Village since 1961, and 614NOW gives its Frozen Hot Chocolate a shout for taking the classic cup year round. Marketing director Lindsey Reiser told the magazine the goal was a fun way to enjoy the comforting essence of hot chocolate no matter the season. The drink blends Winans' own hot chocolate mix with creamy milk, then adds whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. Order it frozen in summer or ask for it hot on a cold South Third Street afternoon.

614NOW singles out the Peppermint Hot Chocolate at this Italian Village bakery and cafe, a drink customers return to year after year. Co-owner Jeff Excell told the magazine the goal was balancing airy marshmallows against bold chocolate and a refreshing peppermint essence, built on the cafe's own homemade chocolate syrup for a drink the magazine calls thick, rich and dark. Order the Peppermint Hot Chocolate alongside a pastry from the case, which is what the North Fourth Street room is built around.

This German Village pastry shop takes its Valrhona Hot Cocoa seriously, per 614NOW, building it on a house-made chocolate sauce from the French chocolate brand. Coffee bar manager Jade Rahe told the magazine the dark chocolate carries hints of sweet spices and roasted vanilla, blended with steamed Snowville whole milk or Chobani oat milk and topped with house vanilla bean whipped cream. Order the Valrhona Hot Cocoa with oat milk if you want the dairy-free route through the same recipe.

Owner Lisa Boyle told 614NOW the appeal of her Grandview shop's hot chocolate is its simplicity: pure melted chocolate and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. The magazine notes a choice of two percent, oat or almond milk, plus add-ins like Nutella for anyone who wants to build past the essentials. Order it plain first to taste the melted chocolate on its own, then ask about the Nutella add-in on a return visit to the Northwest Boulevard cafe.

614NOW calls this Clintonville taqueria's Mexican Hot Chocolate a blend of tradition, spice and warmth, made with authentic Mexican tableta chocolate, cinnamon and a hint of sweetness, whisked with a molinillo for a frothy finish. Owner Marcelina Soriano told the magazine the recipe is inspired by the flavors she grew up with, the kind that makes you feel like you are sitting in your abuelita's kitchen. Order the Mexican Hot Chocolate alongside tacos on Indianola Avenue.