The leaves are beginning to fall, the heating is officially on, and the Manchester rain has become a frequent being in our lives after a moderately dry summer. And there’s only one drink to enjoy as a wondrous, winter warmer in Manchester: the classic hot chocolate. From those warming enough to defrost our cold, unbothered hearts, to those sweet enough to class as a dessert, we’ve rounded up the best hot chocolates to try in Manchester.
1. Black Milk
Cult fave dessert spot Black Milk always hits the spot, so it’s no surprise that their hot chocolate offering is just as exciting as the dessert menu. Emulating the dessert parlour‘s famous milkshakes, hot chocolates come complete with a whole lot of cream with treats stacked on top, too. Black Milk, 88 Oldham St, M4 1LF.
2. Slattery
The monarchs of chocolate around our ends, Slattery offers up a seriously indulgent hot chocolate with rich flavour, foamed hot milk, chocolate on top and even marshmallows. For those who prefer white or dark chocolate though, there are drinks themed around those flavours, too – as well as the option to include chocolate-dipped strawberries into the mix. Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6GE.
3. Cocoa Cabana
Ancoats’ very own chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana offers chocolate in a number of varieties – from cakes to cocktails and yummy hot chocolates. The hot chocolates at this Manchester shop and cafe are extra special here, however, with twenty flavours to choose from. Whether it’s peanut butter or chocolate orange that floats your boat, there’s a little something for everyone – with each topped with melted marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder. Plus, you can even enjoy their August Gloop-inspired special for the ultimate indulgence. Cocoa Cabana, 7 Murray St, Ancoats, M4 6HS.
4. Caramello of Didsbury
Caramello of Didsbury is well-known for its sugary-sweet offering, and their hot chocolates are just as tasty as the rest of their menu. Choose from classic, Nutella, Lotus or Peanut Butter, each served with cream and colourful marshmallows – making it perfect for the ‘gram. Caramello of Didsbury, 10 Whitechapel St, Didsbury, M20 6UB.
5. Ezra & Gil
One of Manchester’s best dog-friendly spots, Ezra & Gil is the Northern Quarter‘s go-to for a filling breakfast and yummy hot drinks. Choose from a number of gorgeous coffees, or stick with a classic hot chocolate – each created with a little bit of ‘latte art’ that makes it almost too good lookin’ to drink. Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, M1 1FR.
6. Albert’s Schloss
Bloomin’ brilliant in every way, Albert’s Schloss really knows how to do a hot chocolate in the colder months. The classic is on the menu all year round, however, winter is when it really gets special for Schloss. Last year’s boozy specials included cherry liqueur, spiced rum and fig liqueur. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
7. 19 Cafe Bar
19 Cafe Bar: home to some of Manchester’s best comfort food. On your next treat day, treat yourself to a nice stack of pancakes, accompanied by one of their super-naughty hot chocolates which are piled high with cream and sprinkles. Drool. 19 Cafe Bar, 19 Lever St, M1 1BY.
8. Knoops
Serving 20 different flavours of hot chocolate, Knoops brought the choccy fun up to Manchester in April 2023 to give Mancs an indulgent experience. The brand specialises in hot chocolate, with the menus at Knoops listing percentages of the chocolate from 28 percent white to 44 percent milk all the way up to 70 percent dark and 100 percent extra dark. Plus, the marshmallows here are like huge fluffy pillows. All of the varieties at the Manchester shop are available as hot chocolates, and six are also available as milkshakes. Knoops, 68 Cross Street, M2 4JQ.