As the evenings become darker and the months get cooler, there's nothing better than wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of cocoa, marshmallows included.
The Mayans invented hot chocolate thousands of years ago, enjoying it ground with water and chilli peppers, but today? The city’s cafes and chocolatiers are taking hot chocolate to the next level, serving decadent versions made from real melted chocolate and garnished with extravagant toppings. So, if you're on the hunt for a cafe serving rich, velvety goodness, allow us to point you toward some of our favourite hot chocolates in Edinburgh.
The Ultimate Guide To Hot Chocolate In Edinburgh
Uplands Roast
If you're craving some really good hot chocolate in The Meadows, Edinburgh, then wander on over to Uplands Roast, home to a lightly scorched, marshmallow-topped dream of a drink, complete with cocoa shavings and a light dusting of cinnamon.
This gorgeous, woodland cabin began back in 2017 by mastering the art of Vietnamese coffee, and nowadays you'll find people visiting for both a caffeine hit and to check out its decadent, sweet sips, made with single-origin chocolate. Grab your mate, plan a sunset walk and order yourselves one of its popular drinks. P.S. There's a vegan version too.
Uplands Roast is where you'll find the home of The Proper Hot Chocolate.
Mary's Milk Bar
There are more than a few things fabulous about Mary's Milk Bar, the cute gelato and chocolate shop overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Not only does founder and Carpigiani Gelato University graduate Mary make everything fresh daily, but the bar and stools are made from 100% recycled milk bottles and tops.
The star of the show has to be the hot chocolate floats though, topped with your choice of seasonal gelato. You can grab this beauty every day in the Grassmarket, from 11am 'til 7.30pm.
Like Chappell Roan, we'll take this Hot to Gelato.
Knoops
If choosing the cocoa percentage of your drink sounds like a dream, then you're going to love Knoops' hot chocolate in Edinburgh. Founded by Jens Knoop, the cafe first opened in East Sussex in 2013 and has since expanded across the UK, with stores serving hot chocolates ranging from 28% cocoa to 100%.
Go wild and customise your beverage with the likes of sea salt, chilli and autumnal spices - you can even top it all off with a giant marshmallow to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Looking for a vegan hot chocolate in Edinburgh? Knoops can accommodate.
Coro Chocolate Cafe
The family-run Coro Chocolate Cafe can be found on Frederick Street, offering award-winning desserts to the masses alongside a killer hot cocoa. Expect to enter sugar heaven here, as these bad boys are topped with freshly whipped cream, marshmallows and a crunchy wafer.
Choose from Belgian milk chocolate, white or dark, or go that one step further and savour a Nutella affair. And if you're not in the mood for something hot? The iced hot chocolate is for you.
Get a load of chocolatey sweet nectar here.
The Marshmallow Lady
You may have heard of The Muffin Man but how about The Marshmallow Lady, who lives on Rodney Street? Her name is Nicole, and she has perfected the art of them: toasted, covered in chocolate - you name it, she can do it. But her shop in Edinburgh is about so much more than that.
Since opening in 2012, it's been serving steaming, Instagram-worthy Belgian hot chocolates topped with your choice of marshmallow. Flavours include the likes of Scottish raspberry, cookies 'n' cream (with a double stuffed Oreo) and salted caramel swirl to name a few. Phwoar.
These drinks certainly won't marsh your mellow, man.
Mimi's Bakehouse
Started in 2010 when founder Michelle Phillips sold her home to open a bakery cafe in Leith, Mimi's Bakehouse is a second-generation family business that serves nostalgic sweet treats and cute afternoon teas.
It's a vibrant, uplifting place to visit, with locations in the City Art Centre and Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park. Its menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect to find an attention-grabbing hot chocolate, featuring whipped cream and flavours like honeycomb and chai.
Lift your spirits with Mimi's warming, sugary delights.
Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat's chocolate shops are nestled in Edinburgh Castle and St James Quarter. You may recognise it for its famous velvetisers which help you make a silky smooth hot chocolate at home, but did you know it also whips up a mean drink in-store?
The boutique British chocolatier uses its own beans grown on its Rabot Estate cacao farm in Saint Lucia, simmering it with milk to create an indulgent drink that pairs perfectly with one of its brownies. Make sure to check out its award-winning salted caramel edition, made with 50% cocoa - you won't be disappointed.
A strong competitor in the race to be the best hot chocolate Edinburgh city centre's got going on.
Urban Angel
Hanover Street's Urban Angel sets you up nicely for the day with its delicious brunch dishes, but it also adds a spring in your step with its hot chocolate offering. The cafe was born in 2004, inspired by founder Gilly Macpherson's travels in Australia and New Zealand and desire to source ingredients at their best.
The hot chocolate uses a signature blend by Edward & Irwyn, and during the autumn months can be upgraded with a delicious spice mix, reflecting the flavours of the season. Order one of these comforting sips on a chilly morning and pair it with brioche French toast for a real sugar fix.
Start your day right with one of these signature sips.
The Milkman
Perched on the charming Cockburn Street in the heart of Edinburgh, The Milkman is a standout among the city centre's best cafés. Housed in a beautifully restored confectionery shop, this café carries a heartfelt story. Opened in 2015, it pays tribute to founder Mark’s great-grandfather, Huntly’s last horse-drawn milkman, whose silhouette proudly serves as the café's logo.
While it's known first and foremost for its delicious coffee, you'll find an excellent hot chocolate here. To enrich their drinks, they source their cocoa from local chocolatiers Edward & Irwyn and Chocolate Tree. Order a cup, get snug with a window seat and watch the world go by as you enjoy its delicate taste.
It's all about local suppliers at The Milkman.
Söderberg
Craving a taste of Sweden in the heart of Scotland? Söderberg has you covered. Indulge in golden, flaky cinnamon buns or sip on their signature Valrhona hot chocolates, with a sprinkling of cardamom and prepared with either organic, soya or oat milk.
With seven cosy cafes across Edinburgh, including spots near The Meadows, Stockbridge, and Broughton Street, plus two in London, Söderberg serves up authentic Swedish delights made from top-quality ingredients.
This spot is choc full of delicious sips and cardamom beauties.
Fancy going for a stroll with your hot chocolate? Check out our guide to pretty streets in Edinburgh.
