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Best Hot Chocolate In OC

hot chocolate
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Hot cocoa is something that invokes memories for a lot of people. Whether you had the instant kind with the fossilized marshmallows or someone took the time to melt some chocolate in warm milk, you probably have memories of hot cocoa. From traditional to Mexican to adult hot cocoa, here are some of the best places in the county to revive those memories of your childhood.

Bruxie FB
(credit: Bruxie)

Bruxie
292 N. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-3900
www.bruxie.com

When it comes to chocolate, Belgian chocolate is generally considered the top of the line. Bruxie uses Belgian dark chocolate in its hot cocoa and it doesn't take long to realize just how amazing this makes the hot cocoa. It is rich, creamy and more or less like a chocolate cream pie in a cup. Plus, Bruxie has some sweet waffle sandwiches (including a sinful s'mores sandwich) that go perfectly with the rich cocoa.

Hot chocolate kean coffee
(credit: Ramone Valerio)

Kéan Coffee
13681 Newport Ave., Suite 14
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 838-5326
www.keancoffee.com

It's not surprising that Kéan has a great hot cocoa considering its reputation for coffee drinks. Although a bit different, don't shy away from this Mayan-spiced hot cocoa. It is incredibly flavorful and includes a healthy dose of cinnamon and spices that make it a nice alternative to your standard cocoa. You can get it topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate, which come highly recommended.

Related: Best Coffee Shops in OC with Tasty Menus

hot chocolate
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Prego Ristorante
18420 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 553-1333
www.pregoristoranti.com

If you're looking for an adult version of hot cocoa, Prego is the place to go. Here you'll find two different versions of the beverage. One is made with Bailey's, Frangelico and Kahlua. It is topped with whipped cream (made in house) and chocolate and it will absolutely warm your bones on those cool winter days and evenings. The other version is made with Rumple Minze and topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy. It will definitely help you unwind during the busy holiday season.

hot chocolate wikipedia
(credit Wikipedia)

Rooster Cafe
750 St. Clair St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 754-1944
www.eatatrooster.com

Rooster Cafe is one of those places that feels like a best-kept secret when you visit it for the first time. It's close to the shopping centers The Camp and The Lab, but finding it takes a little seeking. When you enter, you see a breakfast joint that has a cool atmosphere even though it's a busy little place. The Mexican hot cocoa is wonderfully creamy and perfectly spiced. It's great on its own, but it would also go well with some of the menu items like huevos rancheros or a fine breakfast burrito.

Warm Up With A Mug Of Hot Chocolate
(credit: Thinkstock)

J.C Beans Coffee House
34114 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-4700
www.jcbeans.com

If you're drawing or describing a cozy scene, some things you might include are a fireplace, a book and a nice hot beverage. JC Beans has all of those things, not to mention a great location in Dana Point. You can enjoy a delicious hot cocoa by the fire while you read a book from the used-book library inside the store. In other words, it's pretty hard to find a cozier place in Orange County to enjoy your hot cocoa.

Related: Best Orange County Coffeehouses Where You Can Read

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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