A palace for Instagram bait, XO Marshmallow is allegedly the world’s first marshmallow cafe and features some of the prettiest hot chocolates in town, including a steaming cup of s’mores hot chocolate with graham cracker crumbs and a toasted marshmallow.

Rich and decadent, Bittersweet’s French-style hot chocolate is served with a scoop of whipped cream but isn't too sweet. This treat is a dessert unto itself, so it’s best to come prepared with a relatively empty stomach. Mochas are also on the menu.

Local roaster Dark Matter veers off the coffee path with Caravanserai, a cafe that specializes in Mexican drinking chocolate. Patrons can expect sweet, hot concoctions like Mayan Mochas (La Rifa Mexico City chocolate, Dark Matter cinnamon blend, cayenne) made with pre-colonial recipes and chocolate from Mexico City-based partner La Rifa Chocolatería.

Much has been written about the drinking chocolate at Katherine Anne Confections, and just a few sips will explain why. Patrons can choose from varieties including chai, salted caramel, peanut butter, and more, and top off their mug with house marshmallows or Kilgus Farm whipped cream.

Acclaimed chef Mindy Segal has closed her restaurant, Hot Chocolate, but fans can still find cups of her famous cocoa at her new bakery. Patrons can also buy her hot chocolate blends (medium, dark, or Mexican) by the bag, along with giant marshmallows that would make Stay Puft™ envious.

Local cafe mini-chain Fairgrounds has teamed up with luxury brand Vosges Haut-Chocolat on delectable cups of liquid love. Each one comes with a black salt coconut caramel marshmallow.

Stan’s is a well-known entity in Chicago for its doughnuts and coffee, but it also has seasonal hot chocolates, hot or frozen, and sometimes in special flavors like red velvet.

This indie “chocolate lab” began as a wholesale operation before blossoming into a chocolate retail wonderland in Lincoln Park. Belly-warming options include a slightly spicy Mexican hot chocolate.

Rick Bayless’s hot chocolates are just as famous as his tortas in River North. Choose from five concoctions, alongside an additional three that are mixed with coffee. If guests want a spicy kick, order the Aztec with chile and allspice.

Jojo’s usually garners attention for its colorful Instagram-friendly milkshakes, but when the weather turns cold its sweet-toothed staff feature a selection of sugary hot chocolates. Diners can try a classic cup, or amp up the occasion with a double chocolate or salted caramel variation (salted caramel-infused milk, giant marshmallow, chocolate-covered pretzel). Add some Bailey’s for $6. There’s also a location inside Water Tower Place.

BomboBar knows how to stand out from the cocoa crowd with design-your-own "hotter" chocolates that let customers choose from a chocolate or caramel custard, marshmallow or whipped cream, and tons of toppings like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, chocolate chips, gummy bears, and more. This year, the team has added a locally-themed “Made in Chicago” edition with blue sprinkles and doughnut toppers.

Come for the shop’s fine cocoa collection but don’t miss the luxurious collection of sipping chocolate and hot chocolate bombs. Unique options include Original Sin (signature classic dark), Kashmiri Chili (Saigon cinnamon, cayenne), Espresso, and Golden Spice (turmeric, ginger, cardamom). Coffee giant Starbucks selected owner Uzma Sharif as the official chocolatier of its world’s-largest location, and offers her South Asian-flavored chocolates in store.

“The Abuelita” (Spanish for "granny") is a popular choice, but don't be bashful. Make sure to order a churro to accompany that tasty beverage, available by the cup or gallon. After all, this is the Churro Factory.

Neighborhood landmark Back of the Yards Coffee infuses their hot chocolate with a healthy dose of caffeine. Try the “Xocolatte” with creamy espresso, house-made chocolate ganache, cinnamon, and chile ancho.

This cozy Hyde Park cafe connected to Piccolo Mondo specializes in Argentinean pastries, baked goods, and beverages. Try the traditional submarino from the espresso bar for a DIY hot chocolate. It consists of steamed milk served with a dark chocolate bar that drinkers stir into the glass themselves.