Hot Cocoa Treats & Eats

The Market on Water Street Stop by The Market on Water Street for your cup of housemade hot cocoa, ready to top off to taste with an array of sprinkles, candies, traditional and creative mixins from their specialty hot cocoa bar.

Muddy Waters Coffeehouse Head on over to Muddy Waters Coffeehouse for two special hot cocoa treats — last year’s favorite “Liquid Brownie” steamed milk mixed with dark chocolate sauce, caramel and hazelnut syrups and “Bourbon Caramel Hot Chocolate,” steamed milk with dark chocolate sauce, caramel and bourbon syrup, both topped off to perfection with whipped cream and a saucy drizzle. Alcohol-inspired, yet alcohol-free for kids of all ages.

The Kraken Coffeehouse For three unique hot cocoa options, stop by The Kraken Coffeehouse. Try a luxurious, grown-up winter treat, “Matcha White Hot Chocolate” filled with antioxidants and all-day energy for your holiday hustle. For something sultry that warms you from the inside out, sip a “Mexican Hot Chocolate” — cozy-in-a-cup with cinnamon, cayenne pepper and dark chocolate. Or maybe you crave a timeless, cool classic, “Peppermint Hot Cocoa” — sweet & smooth with the perfect balance of peppermint and dark chocolate.

Montero’s Restaurant Montero’s Restaurant is mixing up their alcohol-free hot cocoa with classic chocolate faves from Twix to Kisses to mix into your mug of happiness.

Cypress Creek Everyone in your family will love Cypress Creek’s array of specialty drinks featuring a housemade hot cocoa complete with a Gingerbread Chef (for the littles) and spiked for extra warmth for the the over-21.

The SweetEasy The SweetEasy offers a full hot chocolate menu a variety of flavored syrups blended into their hot chocolate. And, for hot cocoa not in a cup, they have whipped up a light, fluffy, crispy hot cocoa macaron topped with chewy marshmallow bits.

Ghost Harbor Brewing Company Visit Ghost Harbor Brewing Company for TWO seasonal craft beers offered on tap or canned,  including “House of the Maker” Mocha/Vanilla Latte Stout and “Dawn of Beginning” Vanilla Latte Stout brewed with locally roasted coffee beans from Muddy Waters Coffeehouse.

Pine & Porch Stop into another local favorite, Pine & Porch to sip an array of cocoa-brewed stouts and porters in their cozy cabin-inspired shop or in their backyard, if it’s not too nippy.

The Mills Downtown Bistro Back by popular demand, “The Dirty Snowman” is back at The Mills Downtown Bistro — a luxurious hot chocolate à la mode with vanilla ice cream, Godiva Chocolate and Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueurs and loads of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for you and your special snow buddies. On December 9 and 17 (5:30 – 7:30 pm) enjoy hot cocoa on a wagon ride pulled by Randy Williams’ mules, Jim & Jake!

2 Souls Wine Bar Another returning favorite “Murray Magic” includes 2 Souls Wine Bar’s elegant red wine hot chocolate made with warm cocoa and a Murray Wines red blend topped with smooth whipped cream and a light dusting of cacao powder.

Paradiso Roma Ristorante To keep the holidays buzzin’, Paradiso Roma Ristorante’s “Sleigh No More” is a bourbon-spiked cocktail featuring a hot cocoa bomb then topped off with toasted marshmallow.

Seven Sounds Brewing Company Fireside sipping “Chocolate Fantasy” along the riverfront at Seven Sounds Brewing Company is just what Santa ordered. This special seasonal Imperial Stout is made with vanilla, coconut and cocao nibs. ABV 11.5%, 10 oz pours

Coasters Downtown Draught House When you’re looking for an extra shot of cocoa inspiration, check out Coasters Downtown Draught House’s line up of hot cocoa shooters like rum-infused “Upside Down” and Godiva & Bailey’s with whip!

Big Boss Burritos Big Boss Burritos is serving up a traditional “Mexican Hot Cocoa” infused with cinnamon and served with a crispy cinnamon sugar-coated churro. ¡Feliz Navidad!

Elizabeth City Pizza Company You won’t be able to resist Elizabeth City Pizza Company’s “Cocoa Bombe Dessert” — a delicious pairing of vanilla and chocolate gelatos, cherry, slivered almonds and a dash of cinnamon all hugged by a chocolate shell. Yum!

Hoppin’ Johnz Hop on over to Hoppin’ Johnz for their “Hot Cha Cha Cha” featuring white chocolate hot cocoa, chocolate vodka, RumChata cream liqueur and Godiva white chocolate liqueur.

Avdet Brewing Company Head on over to Avdet Brewing Company for their “Hot Chocolate Milk Stout” on draft. This refreshing dark craft beer features crisp notes of chocolate and hazelnut. Perfect for Santa Season!

Mustang Cafe at Alligood Commons Stop by Mid-Atlantic Christian University's new Mustang Cafe at Alligood Commons for the MACU “Coco Smoke Bomb” — a handcrafted double Dutch hot cocoa, with a time-released cherry smoke, homemade MACU colored whipped cream with a candied bacon finish to simply delight all your chocolate-loving sensibilities.

Electric Garden For a 100% plant-based indulgence, make your way to Electric Garden for their festive “Cacao No Cow” Smoothie or Bowl made with Banana, Strawberry, Cinnamon, Oat Milk Dark Chocolate Cacao, Vanilla, Dates, Honey & Avocado.

Fitness Warehouse And just in time for your New Year resolutions, Fitness Warehouse will offer cocoa-flavored protein shakes and nutritional treats to match their holiday decorations.