Photo by Nataly Behnia

Starbucks releases its limited edition cups around the holiday times and it is very popular amongst WCHS students.

For many WCHS students, hot chocolate is a holiday staple. Anywhere students go for the holidays, hot chocolate will be around the corner. However, where can students truly get the best hot chocolate?

Starbucks:

Starbucks is the place some may consider the biggest attraction amongst the WCHS community. They are known for their coffee, matcha and most of all their refreshers, but they are also well-known for their hot chocolate.

Creamy and smooth is how the Starbucks hot chocolate feels on your tongue. The chocolatey delight has a nice balance between sweetness and cocoa. It is a chocolaty treat ideal for people looking for a fun hot chocolate experience, topped with a big scoop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

It is true that Starbucks may be on the pricey side for hot chocolate costing $4.45 for a grande size, but some may say that you can’t put a price on the enjoyable taste of their hot chocolate. They also have a variety of syrups and flavors to add to the hot chocolate, making it customizable and even better.

Dunkin’ Donuts:

Dunkin’ is a go-to spot for many looking for a quick and affordable drink. The Dunkin’ at Cabin John shopping center is another common destination for many WHCS students looking for a quick and reasonably priced hot chocolate fix’. They will not be disappointed, as the Dunkin’ hot chocolate strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and cocoa flavor. The whipped cream gives a slight sense of flavor to the delicious chocolate.

Even while it might not have the same creative flair as some other options, Dunkin’s hot chocolate is a dependable option for a delightful and reasonably priced treat, with a medium Dunkin’ hot chocolate costing $2.15.

McDonald’s:

McDonald’s, a global fast-food giant, surprises with its hot chocolate offering. With the McDonald’s at Cabin John Mall deciding to stay open after an outpouring of community support, , they are still open and able to sell their delicious hot chocolate.

The hot chocolate at McDonald’s is unexpectedly rich and creamy. The whipped cream on top provides an amazing flavor, and the chocolate taste is there but not too much. Overall, it is a very light taste — not too heavy and not too chocolaty. For those who weren’t expecting such a delicious hot chocolate from a fast-food restaurant, it is a welcome surprise.

For people who are constantly on the go, it is a great option because of its affordable pricing — a medium hot chocolate costs $2.09— and ease of use.
Trader Joe’s:

Trader Joe’s takes a chance on store-bought hot chocolate by providing a simple and unique option for a treat at home. Rich and heavy, the Trader Joe’s sipping chocolate tastes more like a dessert than a drink. It has a complex flavor attributed to it being made with dark chocolate.

Additionally, it is easy to prepare: just combine it with milk and warm it. As such, Trader Joe’s hot chocolate is a good option for students who would rather sip their favorite warm beverage in the comfort of their own homes, even though it might not have the same atmosphere as a coffee shop. The Trader Joe’s hot chocolate costs $3.99 for 10 packs.

Colada Shop:

Colada Shop may be a more underrated cafe in Cabin John shopping center for WCHS students. They offer a very unique flavor to hot chocolate, adding a unique and memorable touch to the hot chocolate market by adding a hint of Latin flair.

High-quality Venezuelan chocolate is used to create their signature delicious hot chocolate. Spices like cinnamon offer a delicious flavor and give the hot chocolate a hint of warmth and distinctive flavor. The drink is perfectly laid out, with a dash of cinnamon on top and an optional addition of espresso for those who want a little extra kick.

The Colada Shop’s hot chocolate is a must-try for individuals who like to experiment with different tastes, even though it may be more expensive. One medium hot chocolate costs $5.15.

Every restaurant offered a different version of this traditional drink; Starbucks’ version was rich and extravagant, McDonald’s offered a more homey and comforting option, the Colada Shop stood out with its unique touch inspired by Latin culture and Dunkin’ shocked with its simplicity yet delicious flavor.