The end of winter can be a cold and gloomy time that begs for nothing but comforting food and drink. These are the best hot chocolates to warm you up before the spring sunshine arrives.
A good hot chocolate is a soul-warming treat, whether you have it plain or pimped up with cream and marshmallows. From mud-thick dark hot chocolate to unusual flavours and even drinking fudge, our favourite hot chocolates will see you through the cold weather.
1. Lakeland hot chocolate selection
Lakeland
What is it? Can't decide on your favourite flavour? Now you don't have to, thanks to this hot chocolate selection from Lakeland. Each box contains eight different flavours and eighteen servings. Although the instructions call for a hob and a small saucepan, a microwave does the job well enough.
Why we love it? You can never have too many options. The hazelnut hot chocolate tastes a bit like Nutella, while the chilli leaves a lovely tangy aftertaste at the back of your tongue. And if white chocolate is your thing, you'll definitely love this unusual inclusion.
Where can I buy it? Available online and in-store for £11.99.
2. Whittard peanut butter hot chocolate
Whittard
What is it? Whittard is a brand well known for selling fine teas and coffees, so we had high expectations for this hot chocolate. Oh, did it deliver...
Why we love it? The aromas are reminiscent of a Snickers bar's delicious blend of peanut and chocolate. Then there's the silky consistency, deliciously dark colour and well-balanced richness. It even tastes good when made with just hot water. Trust us, you have to try it.
Where can I buy it? Available online and in-store for £7.00.
3. Fudge Kitchen drinking fudge selection
What is it? This drinking fudge can be bought in gift boxes or selection packs (including dairy-free options) and features flavours including sea salt caramel, mint and orange. Be warned though: the liquid fudge is extremely sticky and squeezing it into a cup is a messy business.
Why we love it? The flavours were divisive – we thought the caramel tasted more like marzipan, found the mocha choca had a strong aniseed flavour and noted hints of Fanta in the orange – but we enjoyed the originality of the range. You might love it or hate it, but it's well worth a try.
Where can I buy it? Available online for £10.00.
4. Montezuma's mint drinking chocolate
Montezuma's
What is it? British chocolatiers Montezuma's are known for their commitment to fair trade and produce everything from beautiful dark chocolate bars to tequila truffles and chocolate lager. They also offer three drinking chocolates: dark, mint and mochachino.
Why we love it? We love an After Eight, so we're a bit obsessed with this mint drinking chocolate. It comes in individual chocolate discs that can be dropped right into a mug of hot milk. Just beware, once you've fixed yourself a drink (or two), it takes a lot of restraint not to just eat the chocolate straight out of the bag.
Where can I buy it? Available online, in-store and in Waitrose, John Lewis and others for £6.99.
5. The Hot Choc Club subscription boxes
What is it? This hot chocolate subscription service offers a choice of three, six or twelve monthly deliveries. Their numerous selections include everything from Ecuadorian dark chocolate buttons to hazelnut milk chocolate flakes, so you're sure to find something to suit your tastes.
Why we love it? The flavours we tried were hot chocolate just as it should be – indulgent, warming and comforting. We particularly loved the stirring sticks, which are both fun to use and take the fuss out of the process. Reluctant to commit to a subscription? You can always buy a one-off box for yourself or delight someone else with a themed gift set.
Where can I buy it? Monthly subscriptions start from £10.00.
6. Charbonnel et Walker drinking chocolate
Charbonnel et Walker
What is it? Branded the chocolate drink, this hot chocolate comes from British chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walker. Using fine chocolate flakes, the recipe is said to date back to 1875 when it was created by Madame Charbonnel herself. All it requires to make are a few heaped teaspoons of the chocolate, a bit of hot water and some warmed milk.
Why we love it? It's not too sweet and you can easily adjust the intensity of the chocolate flavour by adding more or less flakes. Top tip – add the chocolate to the hot water and heat it in a microwave for thirty seconds or so until melted. This ensures a smoother, richer texture once you add the warm milk.
Where can I buy it? Available online and in Waitrose for £8.00.
7. Paul chocolat chaud
What is it? Hot chocolate from the French bakery chain PAUL has earned somewhat of a cult status among hot chocolate connoisseurs. Unfortunately, there isn't a PAUL branch on every corner so this ready-made hot chocolate in a carton fills the gap. All you have to do is microwave for a couple of minutes et voilà – a steaming mug of PAUL's best for you to enjoy.
Why we love it? It's thick, indulgent and extremely chocolate-y (basically chocolate ganache in a mug). Cocoa comas are guaranteed with this one.
Where can I buy it? Available online and in-store for £5.95.
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