I love hot chocolate! It is so fun to grab a cup when out and about, especially on a chilly day. Over the last few weeks, I tried a dozen places where you can get hot chocolate in the Albuquerque area. Here are my favorites!
Senor Murphy Candymaker
303 Romero St NW
This little chocolate shop in Old Town has a fantastic Mexican hot chocolate! The spice mix was just right to leave a tingle in the back of your throat without being overpoweringly spicy. They also have a regular hot chocolate as well if you or your kids want to avoid the spice. Exploring Old Town is fun whether you’re hosting visitors or doing some local shopping, and adding in some hot chocolate can really enhance the experience of walking around on a cold winter day.
Rise and Roast
401 Eubank Blvd SE (other locations as well)
Rise and Roast is a donut shop that has a wide variety of hot chocolate flavors. I tried the location near the Kirtland Air Force Base Eubank gate and got the pistachio flavor. It was very pleasant! I want to go back to try the lavender honey, too. My daughter was excited to get a donut, which made it an extra fun stop! They were also among the cheaper local options.
Chocolate Dude
3339 Central Ave NE
Another local candy shop that sells hot chocolate, you can order it in dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties with toasted marshmallows or whipped cream on top. This little shop is located in Nob Hill and has a fun vibe with board games you can play with older kids (although my four-year-old enjoyed going through Scrabble tiles while we waited). I tried the dark hot chocolate; it’s creamy and delicious!
Eldora Chocolate
8114 Edith Blvd NE
Located just off Paseo, Eldora wins the prize for the most unique hot chocolate experience. You start by choosing your base (whole milk, oat milk, or water), then you select your chocolate blend. We tried the mole and the classic. Both were slightly bitter, and while my daughter wasn’t crazy about it, I loved the experience of trying something so different! We also tried the sipping chocolate with the single origin blend. It was much thicker than your typical hot cocoa. I would be interested in trying the single origin in the drinking chocolate. Their outdoor patio was nice for my daughter to explore while we relaxed and chatted.
Linda’s Dolci
8520 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite B4
I popped in here while my daughter was at school, but she would have loved to try a pastry had she been with me! This little Italian bakery had a large selection of desserts, and their hot chocolate was lovely. Italian hot chocolate is richer and more indulgent than I’m used to, with the consistency of pudding. I needed to eat it with a spoon! It was definitely on the bitter side of sweet, but in the best way possible.
January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day, so be sure to give one of these local faves a try!
Honorable Mentions
FiiZ
3301 Southern Blvd, SE #605, Rio Rancho
While not technically in Albuquerque, I tried the raspberry truffle, and the flavor was exceptional! It was so aromatic, too. I’d never gotten a hot chocolate from here before, and I’m glad I tried it. They have a lot of variety in flavors and are a pretty cheap option for hot chocolate.
Dutch Bros
Many locations!
Well known for their coffee, Dutch Bros also has an extensive hot chocolate menu. When I gave birth to my daughter a few years ago, we got Dutch Bros any time we were having a hard day (which in those early postpartum days was quite a bit!). They taste like their names (we once braved trying the jelly donut and it tasted EXACTLY like a jelly donut), and it’s always a decadent treat. Their hot chocolate tends to be very sweet. I sampled the horchata hot chocolate, and it might be my new favorite there!
Maverik
Multiple locations
Although I didn’t find it to be super special, Maverik definitely wins for the cheapest hot chocolate option! With costs ranging from $1.89 for a medium to $2.39 for an extra large, they can’t be beat in terms of price. They also have a counter with creamers, flavoring, and even mini marshmallows that you can add for no extra charge. If you’re looking to grab some cheap hot chocolate on the go, Maverik is a great place to stop!
Are you more of a coffee or tea person? Check out our best local recs for those, too.
Guide to Local Coffee in ABQ
Guide to Local Tea Places in ABQ
