Baby it’s cold outside. Really, really cold, not the welcome kind of winter weather we love to go out and play in. But go out we must, to work, school, walk the dog, visit the liquor store, whatever — trips that require pre-heating the car, multiple layers and fleece neck-warmers. Not much fun.
To warm you up and lift your mood, we suggest a time-honored remedy. No, not a shot of bourbon (although you could add one, after work) … but rich, creamy, hot chocolate. The real stuff, mind you, not out of a packet. The kind that if you were lucky, your Mom used to make when you came in from sledding.
Bundle up and hit one of these Portland places for hot chocolate. And go ahead, say “yes” to the whipped cream.
Public Market House, Monument Square
Offerings, which change regularly, include milk, white, dark and Aztec hot chocolate
434 Fore St.
As is the Italian way, they serve a rich drink made with two kinds of Belgian chocolate and whole milk
1 Diamond St.
43 Washington Ave.
620 Congress St.
67 India St.
Different flavors, such as white hot chocolate and Mexican (which contains hot sauce) vary by location.
2 Free St.
9 Commercial St.
Owned by the same company, both locations offer a simple, classic hot chocolate made with liquid chocolate and steamed milk.
425 Fore St.
Their drinking chocolate is made with chocolate gelato before it’s frozen. ‘Nuf said.
86 Middle St.
After an icy plate of oysters, warm your insides by sipping dark chocolate melted with just enough milk, topped with homemade marshmallows and a sprinkle of sea salt.
9 Monument Square
They serve hot cocoa, made with cocoa powder, milk and sugar. It’s also available flavored with peppermint and other syrups.
28 Brackett St.
Omi’s makes their own chocolate sauce, which they mix into warmed milk for a rich hot chocolate.
185 Middle St.
The Bard baristas use Monin dark chocolate sauce and whole milk to make their drinking chocolate. Each cup is lovingly topped with lovely latte art.