It’s the 2nd annual Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest here in our valley. We have the first scoop of all the hot chocolates and locations participating, from vegan to cocktails and everything in between. These are the best hot chocolates to taste during the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest. Noticeably missing this year are Karat Chocolate due to renovations as well as QB Gelato. They will be missed but we hope to see them next year!
Be sure to use #oknghotchocfest2023 on the hot chocolate trail and tag @okanaganhotchocolatefest as well as this year’s sponsor @valrhonausa to be entered to win the Instagram photo contest. Word is the grand prize is 2 Kelowna Foodie Cards and over $200 in gift certificates to the local participating locations!
We also cannot forget to mention that this year’s selected charity is the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Please consider making a donation at either the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival’s official website or directly to the Central Okanagan Food Bank either in person or on their website.
Additionally, get 20% any room stay if you’re coming in from out of town during the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest and looking for a great deal on a room! Use promo code “COCO” while booking online!
We can’t wait to see you all on the hot chocolate trail as we support local, give to a worthy local charity and taste some incredible hot chocolates!
Which ones are you looking forward to the most? Tell us in the comments!
Where: Black Rabbit Coffee, Kelowna
Flavour: Raspberry Chili Hot Chocolate
Kelowna’s newest coffee shop in the lower mission area is Black Rabbit. It moved into what was formerly home to Cafe XI but has since moved online. Black Rabbit on the other hand is a seasoned pro in hot chocolate festivals as the owner took part in the Calgary rendition back when she lived there.
Kicking it up with a spicy yet sweet hot chocolate and offering plenty of delicious baked goods to be paired along side. Be sure to check out this quaint coffee shop in the Playa Del Sol building with convenient parking next to the underground parking.
Where: Kin + Pod Chocolate, Vernon
Flavour: Bean to Bar S’more hot chocolate topped with house made marshmallows
Kin + Pod Chocolate is Vernon’s go to for coffee and chocolate, both ethically sourced! With specialties like chocolate soft serve, cowgirl peanut butter cups, espresso toffee sponge and so many more treats. No one to trust more than a chocolatier with your hot chocolate, especially one that focuses on ethically sourced chocolate!
Where: Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate
Flavour: Chai Hot Chocolate with Espresso Chantilly
Sandrine made our favourite hot chocolate last year, an earl grey hot chocolate. This year she does not disappoint with her Chai rendition and espresso chantilly whip. This hot chocolate is all about local collaboration. Her chai baking spices are made by local treature Aman Dosanj of Paisley Notebook pop up dinners. Sandrine also uses local coffee by Tug6, another Okanagan favourite.
A suggested pairing is her coffee macaron. Sandrine, another chocolatier, hails from France and brings the Okanagan authentic delights like croissant, baba au rhum, macarons and the most beautiful chocolates.
BONUS: Get 15% off your total purchase when you use your Kelowna Foodie Card!
Where: Third Space Cafe
Flavours: 3 Hot Chocolate Tasting Cups
Third Space Cafe is a charity run cafe that is so much more than just a coffee shop. All the profits go towards charity at the end of the day. A popular spot for quality brewed coffee drinks, lunch, charcuterie and cocktails – a perfect meeting space in the Landmark District.
Third Space is doing things a bit differently offering 3 hot chocolate tastings, one of which is vegan.
1. Lavender white chocolate with whip
2. Dark chocolate with vegan whip
3. Classic hot chocolate with marshmallows
You can add a shot of Kahlua or Baileys to one or each of these. As an alternative you can also choose one hot chocolate in a larger size to stay or to go.
Where: Bright Jenny
Flavour: White Cranberry Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Bright Jenny, formerly Canoe Coffee, is bringing the flavour with a white cranberry cinnamon hot chocolate. This beautiful cafe is a popular choice for a mobile office for many young professionals. It’s cozy atmosphere with cool vibes and ecclectic design features has long made it a staple on visitors and locals’ must-visit list.
Note: White chocolate is not dairy free but you can choose an alternative to cow milk in order to cut down on the lactose content.
Where: Beer Institute
Flavour: Krispy AF Hot Chocolate Bomb
An unexpected and delightful surprise to have on the hot chocolate train is the Beer Institute brewery! Their Krispy AF hot chocolate bomb features marshmallow fluff, graham cracker rim, winter ale syrup, and a rice krispy chocolate truffle garnish. Nothing more satisfying than a hot chocolate bomb!
BONUS: Use the Kelowna Foodie Card to get 2 for 1 wings!
Where: J’s Cafe & Bistro
Flavour: Hot Chocolate Chip
If you haven’t been to J’s Cafe in Kelowna be sure to make it a priority in 2023! Korean and Italian dishes are served up by the talented Chef Jacob. Egg drop sandwiches, bingsu bowls, UFO burgers, and so much more. His drinks like dalgona coffee and butter cream latte are oh so comforting. So you know his hot chocolate, just like last year, are going to be on point!
BONUS: Get 15% off your bill when you use your Kelowna Foodie Card!
Where: Bliss Bakery, Kelowna or Summerland
Flavour: Mayan Hot Chocolate Dark Chocolate
Last year during the first annual Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest, spice and heat were a definitely trend. But no one brought the heat like Bliss. If you loved spice last year get yourself to Bliss Bakery in Summerland or Downtown Kelowna. With their Mayan hot chocolate dark chocolate and cinnamon meet habanero heat – A traditional Mayan flavour combination to put a little heat into your winter.
Where: Train Station Pub
Flavour: Cranberry White Hot Chocolate Cocktail
The Train Station Pub is a staple in the downtown foodie scene. We love their brunch offers and it is one of the few places that serves up brunch 7 days a week! Try their pakora eggs benny!
The Train Station is also one of the few offering up a cocktail this year! The cranberry white hot chocolate comes with cranberry juice, cranberry liqueur, triple sec and fried sage. Incredible creative and a refreshing find along the Okanagan hot chocolate trail!
Where: Tea Bar, Big White Resort
Flavour: Immune Support Spiced Hot Cocoa
This year, after having seen all this year’s hot chocolate flavours, health conscious hot chocolates are definitely the top trend. Places like Goods Health & Wellness, Blissful Belly Whole Foods and the Energy Den are featuring vegan, sugar free or low sugar options with mushroom ingredients. The Tea Bar at Big White Resort is serving the immune support spiced hot cocoa it is served both gluten free and vegan with oat, almond or soy milk. The flavor profile is chocolate with a hint of spicy black pepper and pink himalayan sea salt. Options to have it served both gluten free and vegan with oat, almond or soy milk. This feature is a collaboration with Wild Remedies and contains the highest source of antioxidants on earth, is a mega-immune system boosting and anti-inflammatory.
Which hot chocolate are you most excited for?
