Aspen's Best Hot Chocolate Spots

After a long day on the slopes, nothing warms the soul quite like a decadent cup of hot chocolate. Aspen has perfected this winter ritual, offering some of the most indulgent and creative hot chocolate experiences you'll find anywhere in the mountains. Here's your guide to a few of the best spots for this beloved winter treat.

Paradise Bakery

A beloved Aspen institution, Paradise Bakery's hot chocolate strikes the perfect balance between sweet and chocolatey. Their secret? A blend of three different chocolates and a touch of vanilla. The friendly staff will happily add extra marshmallows if you ask nicely.

The Little Nell

If you're looking for the ultimate luxury hot chocolate experience, head to The Little Nell. Their "Signature Hot Chocolate" is made with Valrhona Chocolate, steamed milk, and house-made marshmallows. For adults, they offer a selection of "elevated" versions, including one spiked with Green Chartreuse and topped with chocolate-mint cream.

Ajax Tavern

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern serves a "Mountain Hot Chocolate" that's perfect after a day of skiing. Made with Belgian chocolate and topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate pearls, it's rich without being overwhelming. The sunny patio offers prime people-watching of skiers coming down the mountain.

Sant Ambroeus

The newest addition to the hot chocolate circuit, the internationally known chain offers a different twist on hot chocolate.  Their “Cioccolata Calda” is made from their dense semi-sweet hot chocolate.  They claim this beverage lies somewhere between a drink, a pudding, and a ritual.

Local Tips

• Best time to indulge: Between 3-4 PM, when the afternoon skiing crowd starts coming down the mountain
• Most Instagram-worthy: The Little Nell's signature hot chocolate with its perfectly toasted house-made marshmallow
• Best value: Paradise Bakery, where you can pair your hot chocolate with their famous cookies
• Most unique flavor combinations: The Little Nell, where their seasonal menu often features creative variations

Create Your Own Tasting Adventure

When my boys were young, we used to fill winter afternoons with hot chocolate taste testing around town after school. We had such fun going to a new place each week and rating the hot chocolate based upon flavor, amount of whipped cream, temperature and such. Last Christmas, when our young friends couldn't join us for our annual holiday party, we invited them on an afternoon of hot chocolate tasting. My boys, now 24 and 21, led the way and recounted their favorites (many no longer available) from their youth.

To make it extra special, I purchased the littles a mug, a small notebook and some fun pens so they could write down their thoughts as we tasted, allowing them to choose their winner when we completed our tastings. Their comments were priceless! This tradition not only created lasting memories but also offered a delightful way to explore Aspen's cozy cafes and restaurants during the winter months.

Inspired by our family tradition? Why not create your own hot chocolate tasting experience and head out on a bright winter day, with Aspen Mountain as our backdrop, to gather outside Paradise Bakery and start your hot chocolate journey!

As you can see from the attached photos of their notes, the children's unfiltered reviews tell the real story. As Reggie wrote in their notebook: "My favorite hot cocoa was Paradise Bakery because out of all of them it had the best whipped cream and chocolate flavor." Meanwhile, Rya had a different take, favoring The Little Nell "because when they gave it to you it was just right and a lot of wiped cream." Both agreed that watered-down hot chocolate was their least favorite - proving that even our youngest critics have discerning tastes!

Here's how to create your own tasting adventure:

• Gather supplies: Small notebooks, fun pens, and maybe even special mugs for the tasters
• Create a rating system: Flavor, temperature, whipped cream quality, presentation, and overall experience
• Plan your route: Pick 3-4 locations within walking distance
• Take photos: Document the experience and everyone's reactions
• Encourage honest reviews: As our young critics showed, sometimes the most authentic feedback comes from our littlest tasters
• Make it annual: Turn it into a winter tradition with family or friends

Remember to check seasonal operating hours as some locations may have limited hours during shoulder seasons or special holiday hours during peak periods.