Courtesy of Flickr

It’s getting chillier outside – and in light of Toronto’s Chocolate Festival, what better drink to celebrate than a mug of hot chocolate. But don’t head to Starbucks to get a nasty, syrupy grandé whatever… try out these places instead:

1) SoMa Chocolatier – 55 Mill St. (Distillery district)
Your best bet is to order the Mayan Hot Chocolate, made with steamed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, chili and the chocolate maker’s “special spices.” Another hot drink of theirs is the Barcelona Hot Chocolate, which is made with roasted hazelnuts and cacao a la Gianduja.

Courtesy of Flickr

2) Pain Perdu – 736 St. Clair W.
Hot chocolate a la French. Order up a bowl (yes, a bowl) of this delicious drink made with chocolate ganache and you won’t be disappointed – especially since this place makes unbelievable croissants too.

Courtesy of Painperdu.com

3) Le Gourmand – 2177 Yonge St. (Eglinton)
There are few locatons of Le Gourmand, but simply put: it’s like chocolate cake melted and thrown into a cup. They made two versions (the Poulain Dark Chocolate or European Milk Chocolate) but both are delicious and perfect for your sweet tooth.

Courtesy of Flickr

XoXo
– The Cowgirls