Savouring the Sweetness: YYC Hot Chocolate Fest 2025 Recap
As February draws to a close, we at Progressive Edge Hygiene Instruments reflect on the warmth and joy this month has brought. Calgary’s annual YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has once again proven to be a delightful journey for our taste buds and a heartwarming experience for our community spirit. Having participated last year, we eagerly anticipated this year’s festival, ready to explore new flavours and support local businesses.
What is YYC Hot Chocolate Fest?
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is Calgary’s sweetest community fundraiser, running from February 1 to 28 each year. Organized by Calgary Meals on Wheels, the festival brings together local cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers in a friendly competition to create the city’s best hot chocolate. Participants craft unique and delectable hot chocolate creations, and for every cup sold, $1 to $3 is donated to Calgary Meals on Wheels, supporting their mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need. Festival-goers are encouraged to sample as many offerings as possible and rate their favourites, contributing to awards such as Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, Most Creative Hot Chocolate, and the Cup That Runneth Over Award for the most sold beverage.
Our Hot Chocolate Adventures
This year, we had the pleasure of sampling some extraordinary hot chocolates from local establishments. Here’s a recap of our favourites:
Alforno Bakery & Cafe: Crème Brûlée Hot Chocolate
Nestled in the heart of Eau Claire, Alforno Bakery & Cafe is renowned for its freshly baked pastries, artisan bread, and a menu that spans from brunch to dinner. Their Crème Brûlée Hot Chocolate stood out with its rich, velvety texture and a delightful caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of the classic dessert. While the generous foam added a luxurious touch, it was slightly abundant for our preference. Nevertheless, the drink was a decadent treat that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Fringe Coffee: Mom’s PB&J
Fringe Coffee, a cozy spot known for its creative beverages, took us on a nostalgic journey with their Mom’s PB&J hot chocolate. This inventive drink masterfully blended rich chocolate with peanut butter and a hint of strawberry, capturing the essence of the beloved childhood sandwich. The balance of flavors was impeccable, and each sip brought back fond memories, showcasing Fringe Coffee’s knack for playful yet delicious creations.
Analog Coffee: Black Forest
Analog Coffee, a staple in Calgary’s coffee scene, impressed us with their Black Forest hot chocolate. Drawing inspiration from the classic German dessert, this beverage combined deep chocolate notes with hints of cherry and a touch of cream, resulting in a luxurious and indulgent drink. The sweetness was perfectly balanced, making it a standout choice that we highly recommend.
Celebrating Community and Creativity
With over 130 different specialty hot chocolates offered throughout Calgary, the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest 2025 showcased the incredible creativity and passion of our local businesses. The festival not only provided a platform for friendly competition but also fostered a sense of community as Calgarians came together to support a noble cause. The ingenuity displayed in the diverse range of hot chocolate offerings was truly inspiring, and we are grateful to call this vibrant city our home.
As we bid farewell to this year’s festival, we carry forward the warmth and camaraderie it fostered, looking forward to more delicious adventures in the years to come.
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