11 of the best hot chocolates from independent cafes in Edinburgh to warm up a cold day

The Marshmallow Lady Hot Chocolate

We have learnt to appreciate small pleasures over the last few months.

One of these is hot chocolate - the perfect sugar delivery system for the miserable winter months.

In order to make a living with takeaway options, in recent months Edinburgh’s independent cafes have been creating the most rococo of versions.

We’ve had enough marshmallows, sprinkles, booze and chocolate chunks to blow Mr Tumnus’ mind.

Even if takeaways options are put temporarily on hold, hopefully these suggestions will provide something to look forward to.

Bruleed Orange Hot Chocolate from Honeycomb & Co (www.honeycombandco.com)

This limited-edition takeaway offering, available at least until the end of January (subject to regulations), features 70 per cent cocoa Dominican chocolate, chocolate orange ganache and a Terry’s Chocolate Orange segment. Yes please.

Mint Aero Hot Chocolate from Mimi's

Luxurious Hot Chocolate – The Marshmallow Lady (www.themarshmallowlady.com)

You’ll probably need to skip lunch and dinner to justify the calories splurged on this feast of a drink. It doesn’t contain any old Flumps, but The Marshmallow Lady’s own gourmet toasted mallow fluff (or cream), as well as chocolate flakes from local chocolatier Edward & Irwyn.

Mint Aero Hot Chocolate - Mimi’s Bakehouse (www.mimisbakehouse.com)

This minty number is available as a special from Mimi’s original Leith branch (they’re now also at Corstorphine, as well as the City Arts Centre, Royal Mile and Lauriston).

Soderberg cardamom hot chocolate

Cardamom Hot Chocolate – Soderberg (www.soderberg.co.uk)

There’s lots of sweet and balmy cardamom in our favourite hot chocolate from Soderberg. It’s one for sophisticates who can’t thole marshmallows and squirty cream.

Secret Vanilla Latte - Modern Standard Coffee (www.modernstandardcoffee.co.uk)

It’s not exactly a hot chocolate, but here’s an alternative sugar powered treat, available from this brand new cafe. It features a shot of their special recipe vanilla syrup, to power you through the nearby Meadows. Their hot chocolate is made from top notch fino de aroma cocoa.

Modern Standard Secret Vanilla Latte

Baileys Hot Chocolate - Decanter (www.decanterbruntsfield.co.uk)

Defy your dentist with this combination of whipped cream, marshmallows and Baileys, available on Sundays at this restaurant, currently offering takeaway.

Lemongrass White Hot Chocolate – Artisan Roast (www.artisanroast.co.uk)

We’ve been tipped off about this silky number, which proves that Artisan Roast aren’t just masters of coffee beans.

Clipper Fairtrade Hot Chocolate - Cafe St Honore (www.cafesthonore.com)

One of Edinburgh’s best restaurants is currently running a general store and takeaway. The hot chocolate is good, but even better alongside a slice of their Ecclefechan tart.

Decanter's Baileys Hot Chocolate

Orange, Chilli and Clove Hot Chocolate - Love Crumbs (www.lovecrumbs.com)

As well as the high rise cakes, with inch thick icing, and the best brownies in town, the hot chocolate here is quite magnificent. There’s also a white chocolate variety.

Malted Hot Chocolate - The Little Chartroom on the Prom (www.thelittlechartroom.com)

As well as oysters, and dishes such as bbq duck and black bean bun, this mobile offshoot of Edinburgh Little Chartroom does a very good malted hot chocolate.

Toasted Marshmallow Proper Hot Chocolate - Uplands Roast (www.uplandsroast.com)

This van offers a hot chocolate that’s conjured from milk chocolate, milk, milk chocolate blossoms, toasted marshmallows (in two sizes), a marbled white chocolate pencil and an organic cinnamon garnish.

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