Trust us when we say, we’re adding a little extra pizazz to our drinks this season. Whether it’s a Baileys hot chocolate you love, or a sneaky bit of rum – we’ve rounded up the best boozy hot chocolates to try this winter in Manchester, some sans booze but much more substance to make up for it.
1. Cocoa Cabana
Available at Freight Island’s Winter Island this festive season as well as their two Manchester cafes, Cocoa Cabana is serving up the most luxurious (and boozy) hot chocolates – with the choice of Baileys, brandy, whiskey or rum to spice things up a little. Available in a variety of flavours, guests can enjoy chocolate mint, white berry warmer, classic chocolate and more, topped with truffles, whipped cream and drizzles of rich chocolate. Freight Island, 11 Baring St, M1 2PZ.
2. Manchester Christmas Markets
The home of all things festive in Manchester city centre, the Christmas Markets are back – with plenty of boozy drinks to enjoy this season. As well as your seasonal mulled wine, the Manchester Market bars are stocked up with all the good stuff, including boozy hot chocolates pimped up with Baileys and Amaretto.
3. Black Milk
Black Milk has brought back its delicious stacked hot chocolates, making Christmas just that extra bit delectable. Including a shot of Baileys, guests can choose from some seriously incredible festive treats (in true Black Milk style, of course) to accompany it, including spiced eggnog pancakes, mince pie sundaes and for even more booze, a warm boozy Christmas pudding. There’s also a heavenly pistachio hot chocolate available, if you’re feeling a bit nutty this festive season, and the Freak Hot Choc topped with a homemade Funfetti Cookie. Black Milk, 88 Oldham St, M4 1LF.
4. Ramona
Ramona‘s new hot chocolates are particularly show-stopping, not only looking amazing, but tasting it, too. Aptly named ‘Hot Choco Fudge‘, the hot chocolate is made with creamy chocolate, fudge pieces, melty toasted marshmallow and loads of squirty cream – all absolutely drenched in the Ramona house butterscotch sauce… get us a bath full. Ramona, 40 Swan St, M4 5JG.
5. Bar Hutte
One of Manchester’s most festive bars – Bar Hutte – is back for Christmas, bringing the perfect backdrop to enjoy a boozy hot chocolate. Make your classic hot chocolate Irish, before enjoying the unique karaoke huttes, Bombardinos and live music to listen to when the singing gets a little too much. Bar Hutte, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN.
6. Albert’s Schloss
Back for the winter at Albert’s Schloss, guests can wind down in the alpine-style bar with a delicious hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream, cocoa powder and a dash of Grey Goose vanilla or orange. Making for the perfect warming treat, the new festive drink joins Glühwein and honey spiced cider on the new winter menu, which also boasts stunning alpine dishes such as French onion soup served in a haus baked sourdough and spiced apple strudel. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
7. Mala
Offered alongside a stunning festive menu within this secret garden tucked away in the Northern Quarter, Mala has concocted a number of boozy festive drinks. Although not exactly a hot chocolate, Mala boasts a campfire mocha by Coffee Rituals. With the option to make it boozy and topped with toasted marshmallows, as well as give us that caffeine kick to get us through the festive season, it’s an indulgent and dreamy concoction to enjoy this Christmas. Mala, 8 Dale St, M1 1JA.
8. Knoops
The newest spot in Manchester dedicated to hot chocolate, Knoops is of course offering a festive option for its first Christmas in Manchester. Famous for their incredibly huge marshmallows consisting of different flavours, Knoops have a very special gingerbread marshmallow option this season, providing the spicy warm flavours of Christmas all in a hot chocolate. OK, as far as we know, there aren’t any boozy versions to try, but we couldn’t miss out this massive name in hot chocolate, and you never know when the booze might creep in… Knoops,68 Cross St, Manchester M2 4JQ.