Things are heating up at Summit Pointe in Chesapeake; several businesses are having a Hot Chocolate Tour through Jan. 31.
Stop by six — more may be added — for the Yuletide favorite. There are no prizes for completing the mission but cocoa lovers will leave with holiday spirit.
My strategy on a recent balmy Tuesday was to start my tour along Belaire Avenue with an alcoholic beverage and end with one. I began inside Cork & Bull Chophouse and ordered the bourbon salted caramel hot chocolate ($9) at the bar. The scent was calming and reminded me of Werther’s Original candy. Bourbon was in charge but played it smooth with the chocolate. Each sip finished with a yummy, sweet buttery profile. Regular hot chocolate is also available.
Next, I drank a frosted mint hot chocolate ($4 small) at Pale Horse Coffee. I enjoyed the cool minty taste — it wasn’t like mouthwash and felt similar to the first cool day after a hot summer. Refreshing.
I headed across the street to Toastique for a peppermint mocha hot chocolate ($5). The decadent beverage captured the holidays with its coconut whip (dairy-free) topped with crushed peppermint candies and drizzled with chocolate syrup. I wanted the cocoa-licious moment to last but I had other drinks to sleigh.