Every February, Calgary has the sweetest community fundraiser through YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Cafés, bakeries, and restaurants across the city make their own unique takes on hot chocolate, from classic flavours to bold. Every sold cup raises funds for Calgary Meals on Wheels who support those in need. With over 100 businesses participating, the festival is a perfect excuse to explore the city and give back to the community. This is also a fun competition where you can rate each drink online and help decide who will take home the title of YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate.

I kicked off my Hot Chocolate Fest adventure with Higher Ground Cafe, and let me tell you, they set the bar high. Their Nanaimo Bar Hot Chocolate ($6.35 - $7.00) is a Canadian classic reimagined. It is made with coconut syrup, custard-flavoured whipped cream, and an option of alternative milks. This drink is a treat for the senses. Everything is homemade except the milk, since they don’t have cows… yet. The drink came overfilled to the top, and if you’re like me and tend to overthink where to start, it’ll overflow. So proceed with caution. The coconut pairs perfectly with the chocolate, and the Nanaimo bar chunks? They’re definitely the main character, pulling everything together. The drink itself is light and velvety. I was once skeptical of coconut flavour in drinks, but after this, I’m all in on coconut everything.

Next, I headed to Good Trade Coffee Co. to try their Tres Leches White Hot Chocolate ($6.95). While the YYC website listed “spices” as one of the ingredients, I only tasted vanilla and white chocolate. It was too sweet. The light sprinkle of nutmeg didn’t do enough to balance the overpowering sugar. The drink was creamy and hot, but it didn’t feel innovative. The ladyfinger was a nice touch, but overall, I wasn’t impressed.

AGGÜDO was next, and I almost gave up on the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Their Macaron Mocha ($9.99) was a basic mocha with a store-bought macaron that, frankly, didn’t taste great. The coconut flavour was barely there, and the overall taste was just too mild for my liking.

Hoping to find innovative contestants, I ventured to 17th Avenue next, one of my favourite spots for its creative vibes. Rosso’s Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate ($6.25 - $6.75) was fine, but it tasted just like a Tim Horton’s pumpkin spice latte—too sweet and not very exciting.

However, things started to look up when I tried the Orange Dream-sicle at Element Cafe. The cafe was definitely in festival spirit. They had a hot chocolate flight ($15.50) with three different flavours, and Orange Dream-sicle was hands down the best. The citrusy orange and the sweetness of white chocolate created the perfect balance. And don’t get me started on their whipped cream—it was the best I’ve ever tasted. Everything was house-made and added an extra layer of love to the experience.

Their second creation, Tipsy Banana, was fun and unique. It had crispy chocolate pearls and an animal-shaped cracker (adorable!) along with a definite rum kick. While I’m not a fan of hard liquor, if you like rum, this drink combines the coziness of hot chocolate with the boldness of a cocktail. It definitely gives you that “tipsy” feeling.

Choosing to stay on 17th Avenue was a great idea because Amato Gelato truly wowed me. Their Raspberry Fields Forever hot chocolate ($11.75) was balanced perfectly—not too sweet, not too tart. The raspberry flavour wasn’t tangy, which was a pleasant surprise. The texture was velvety smooth, and the Religieuse pastry on top was a game-changer. Imported from Paris, it paired flawlessly with the drink. One bite of the pastry, then a sip of the hot chocolate—pure bliss. Is this what it feels like to live in Paris? The mousse-filled pastry was incredibly creamy.

Next up, Silky Chestnut Whispers ($9.50) from MIK Coffee and Shop was nothing short of addictive. It was silky, chestnutty, and reminiscent of the Indian dessert Barfi. I had already tried five hot chocolates before this one, and I was stuffed, but I couldn’t help wanting more. This underrated gem was soul-satisfying and definitely a must-try.

At Qamaria Yemeni Coffee, their Pistachi-oh La La hot chocolate ($10.95) was a delightful pistachio-flavoured indulgence. If you’re a pistachio fan like me, you’ll enjoy this one. My only critique is that I would’ve loved even more pistachio taste. But that’s coz I can never have enough pistachio.

Finally, Begonia Bakehouse offered something completely different with their Happy Hibiscus ($10) hot chocolate. Made with ruby chocolate, hibiscus, and rose petals, it’s a tangy, floral twist on the traditional hot chocolate. It’s not too sweet and tastes like a warm mousse cake in the best way. It’s velvety, tart, and surprisingly satisfying—a unique treat that stands out in this festival. Okay, I might be biased because I work here, but this was hands down the most unique flavour I tried.

I love this festival. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and impact—supporting Meals on Wheels while sipping on some of the best (and weirdest) hot chocolates in town. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

Whether you’re a hot chocolate connoisseur or just looking to enjoy some fun and creative flavours, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is a delicious way to give back and try something new.

Arsh Kaur