7 drinks we can't wait to try at YYC Hot Chocolate Fest 2026

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is back in full swing, and with over 180 different vendors taking part, there’s a whole lot of chocolately goodness to enjoy.

Until Feb. 28, dozens of restaurants, cafés, and bars in Calgary and the surrounding area will be sharing their hot chocolate creations with the hopes of snagging one of the coveted awards.

Hot chocolate enthusiasts can vote for their favourite hot chocolates in four categories: best hot chocolate, best spirited hot chocolate (for boozy offerings), most creative hot chocolate, and the brand-new Worth The Drive award to celebrate those participants outside of Calgary. The most-sold hot chocolate throughout the festival will also get an award.

The event also supports an excellent cause, raising money for Calgary Meals on Wheels. Up to $3 from each cup sold will go directly to the charity.

With so many exceptional drinks on offer, creating our own shortlist of beverages we need to try was no easy feat. But here are seven YYC Hot Chocolate Fest treats that we can’t wait to get our hands on before the month is out.

Smoked Creamy Peanut Butter “Rocky Road” at Little Chief

Inspired by the chef’s childhood memories, Little Chief’s offering uses house hickory-smoked peanut butter, roasted marshmallows, salted caramel peanuts, dark chocolate shavings, and a toasted Graham crumb.

Choco Affogato in a croissant cup at Poésie Co

A croissant cup, you say? Sign us up. The edible cup is filled with Mayan hot chocolate and a splash of decaf coffee, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Biscoff and banana hot chocolate at Otie Bakehouse

Taking inspiration from a dessert at its sister restaurant, Letty, Otie Bakehouse is bringing a delicious flavour combo of Biscoff and banana to its entry.

The drink combines white chocolate, milk, caramel, banana, Biscoff whipped cream, and a Biscoff cookie crumble for good measure.

Ixta Volcano hot chocolate at Frida’s Coffee Home

Tahini Bloom at 8 Cakes

For one of the most Instagrammable hot chocolates, you’ll want to check out 8 Cakes. It’s Tahini Bloom features hot chocolate infused with toasted tahini, which is finished with a hand-piped rose water marshmallow flower.