Winter is almost upon us, and as the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a comforting, warm mug of hot chocolate. Whether you prefer your cocoa with a spicy kick or drizzled with chocolate sauce, we’ve found six local Indianapolis-area businesses—all at least co-owned by women—where you can treat yourself to a cup of chocolatey goodness.
Amanda Kerkhof and her husband Kevin own Hitherto Coffee + Gaming Parlour in Greenfield. They’re offering a “Pecan Orgeat Hot Cocoa,” with house-made pecan nut and Belgian chocolate sauce, topped with vanilla whipped cream and Nutkrack candied pecans. You can snag yours for $4.75.
Rachel Priddy’s Rose & Lois in Carmel sells a luscious hot cocoa crowned with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce for $5. You can also indulge in this delicious drink at their booth at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt the next time you’re there browsing.
Lori and Bill Sonner are the local partners behind the DeBrand Fine Chocolates location at The Shops at River Crossing near The Fashion Mall at Keystone. Their decadent hot chocolate is made with melted discs of the famous DeBrand chocolate in either milk or dark varieties, and it is available in three sizes: Petite for $4.50, Grande for $6.95, and Ridiculous for $12. Bonus: The Petite and Grande sizes can also be served over ice.
A local favorite, Sundae’s Homemade Ice Cream on 79th Street sells an affordable and ultra-tasty hot chocolate for $2.50. Made with freshly steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, you can also add flavored syrup like caramel or peppermint for added pizzazz.
Neidhammer Coffee Co. on East Washington Street is owned by Kristy and Joel Walsman. Their sweet and spicy “Mexican Hot Chocolate” is made with house-made chocolate syrup and a dash of chili powder for $4.50.
Lick Ice Cream is owned by sisters Meredith Kong and Kelly Ryan and located downtown in The Garage Food Hall in the Bottleworks District. The company offers a “Hot Chocolate Float” for $7 that floats a scoop of the ice cream flavor of your choice like “French Vanilla Cognac” or “Brown Butter Cookie Dough” in a glass of hot chocolate that’s freshly made to order.
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer in Indianapolis who thinks chocolate is a food group.
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