Victoria's hot chocolate festival is back this week

“Marshall’s Marshmallow Melt" available at the Q Bar and Veranda at the Fairmont Empress.

There's nothing quite like a steaming, frothy beverage to warm up in the winter, especially during the cold days we’ve had recently. Just in time to lift our winter spirits, the Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival has begun, running from February 1 to 28, featuring a variety of decadent hot chocolate creations crafted by more than 25 participating restaurants and coffee shops. The best part is that many of the offerings can be made for different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, or soy-free. 

Each participating business will offer unique hot chocolate experiences, with $1 from each purchase supporting the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre. The festival aims to raise $10,000 over the course of the month for the organization that provides care for sick and neglected animals.  

Q Bar and Veranda at the Fairmont Empress is offering a featured hot chocolate named “Marshall’s Marshmallow Melt," inspired by Paw Patrol’s firefighting dalmatian. This hot chocolate includes a spiced dog bone cookie, milk chocolate cremeux, roasted hazelnut, and gooey marshmallows. The drink is fired up with red sprinkles to match Marshall’s red hot gear and fire truck. This drink can be made gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and nut-free.

Flourish BeauTea is offering a beautiful strawberry hot chocolate in both its downtown and Langford locations.

Pure Lovin' Chocolate has a black forest hot chocolate made of rich hot chocolate, fair-trade chocolate, and creamy oat milk. Topped with coconut whipped cream, housemade candied cherry syrup, and gluten-free chocolate cookie crumble. This drink can be made gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and soy-free.