Vancouver’s 2018 Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its 8th run, so get your sweet tooth ready.

The annual celebration of all things hot chocolate is kicking off on January 20 and runs until February 14 – which means you have 22 days to try all 35 of the participating ‘chocstars’ at this year’s fest, all of which are local purveyors.

See also

There are a whopping 75 different flavours available during the 2018 fest, but here are our picks for the 10 most outrageous drinks.

‘Come To The Dark Side – Revisited’ from Gem Chocolates

A post shared by HotChocolateFest (@hotchocolatefest) on Jan 14, 2018 at 11:47am PST

Back by popular demand, Gem’s extra dark hot chocolate topped with Darth Vader’s image in dark chocolate. Available from January 28 to February 5.

Address: 2029 W 41st Avenue, Vancouver

‘Hot Ass Hot Chocolate’ from Mink Chocolates

Parisien dark sipping chocolate made with donkey’s milk. Available from January 20 to February 14 (or while supplies last).

Address: 863 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

‘Very Cherry Cocoa’ (Vegan) from Earnest Ice Cream

Coconut and cherry chip ice cream is drenched in dark hot chocolate for an affogato-style drink. Served with a house-made Cherry Haystack. Available from January 20 to February 14.

Address: Four locations in Vancouver/North Vancouver

‘Sealed With A Kirsch’ from Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery

Dark hot chocolate with Kirsch (no alcohol) served with a chocolate cherry ice cream sandwich. Available from January 20 to 26.

Address: 4090 Hastings Street, Burnaby

‘Chocobomb’ (Contains Alcohol) from Baggio Gelateria & Pizzeria

A warm, rich drink with liquid, organic dark chocolate, Triple Sec, Frangelico and steamed cream. Served in a large Porto glass garnished with a ring of dark chocolate, caramelized lemon, icing sugar and slices of waffle. Available from January 20 to February 14.

Address: 1089 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver

‘Wascally Wabbit’ From Bel Café

Carrot cake hot chocolate with Valrhona Dubey 32% blonde chocolate, warm spice and carrot crema. Accompanied by a cream cheese truffle.

Address: 801 W Georgia Street, Vancouver

‘Birthday Wishes’ from Butter Baked Goods

A post shared by HotChocolateFest (@hotchocolatefest) on Jan 13, 2018 at 10:37am PST



Topped with pink-tinted, vanilla whipped cream and a mini slice of birthday cake. Available from January 20 to February 14.

Address: 4907 MacKenzie Street, Vancouver

‘Donut Misu!’ from Cartems Donuts

Made with dark roasted coffee, authentic amaretto and a hint of nutmeg. Garnished with a white chocolate donut truffle. Available from January 21 to February 14.

Address: Three locations in Vancouver

‘The Tipsy Unicorn’ (Contains Alcohol) from Soirette Pastry Boutique

Strawberry and Peach Schnapps Hot Chocolate featuring Cacao Barry Zephyr topped with house-made Cotton Candy. Served with a Sparkling Magic Pretzel Cookie. Available from January 20 to February 14.

Address: 1433 W Pender Street, Vancouver

‘Strange Brew’ from Trafiq Cafe & Bakery

Vanilla, coconut, and 45% Colombian white chocolate custard finished with a chocolate milk froth. Accompanied by a Nanaimo Bar. Available from January 20 to 26 and February 10 to 14.

Address: 4216 Main Street, Vancouver

When: January 20 to February 14, 2018

Where: Multiple venues around Vancouver

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2018