This article is featured in the 2026 Winter Carnival Issue.
I’ve heard many arguments for the irrelevance of hot cocoa. Some say its lack of caffeine makes it useless, while others think that chocolate milk is better. Certainly, on a crisp summer day one doesn’t really need hot cocoa in the way they might need an espresso to coax them out of their bed. However, when that rare moment strikes and one craves a hot chocolate, nothing in the world can quite surpass this drink. Where is the best hot cocoa in Hanover?
5. The Works: 3/10
The Works was disappointing. If you scroll down, you’ll notice that even Starbucks beats its cocoa. The cocoa had a decent taste to it — a little less rich than I’d prefer, but certainly not bad. But oh, how watery it was. My theory is that they gave me Swiss Miss — the liquid itself lacked smoothness entirely, and practically went down like tea. I was not a fan.
4. Starbucks: 4.5/10
The Starbucks hot cocoa also suffered from some watery-ness. It did have some smoothness to it, however. Starbucks also gave me the richest cocoa of any cafe in Hanover. I adore some richness, but I absolutely can understand if some are turned away by a cocoa almost thick in its richness. If you prefer your cocoa milky, beware. Overall, it was not terrible, but this cocoa certainly lacked the character and technique of some other Hanover cafes’ cocoas.
3. Lou’s: 7/10
The difference between Starbucks and Lou’s hot chocolates is vast. Watching the barista whip this up in about 15 seconds, with more tact than I could ever describe, definitely made the experience alone memorable. The result was a smooth, barely watery, delectable cup of cocoa. It was a little on the rich side, but far from the overly-chocolate-ty Starbucks cup. Lou’s cocoa gave me a sort of “lunch time” vibe that I struggle to explain: it was a little more lukewarm and a little less sweet than the others — it just felt less morning pick-me-up and more you-just-finished-a-lot-of-work-and-want-a-nice-relaxing-cup-of-cocoa vibe. I recommend Lou’s for anyone feeling that craving.
2. Still North: 7.5/10
Still North didn’t have the best cocoa, but it did have the most distinct. Anyone who’s visited Still North knows that their use of mugs adds a wonderful charm. With hot chocolate, the charm is no less wonderful — a giant clump of whipped cream topped mug, and that added a wonderfully welcoming vibe. Was the whipped cream very flavorful? No, but the texture was wonderful, and you actually got to experience it because it wasn’t trapped in a little paper cup! Partial warning: this cup of cocoa had a hint of caramel that I wasn’t expecting. However, I loved the caramel — it added a nice finish and aftertaste. Decently smooth, wonderfully presented and topped with some caramel, Still North delivered some great cocoa for a cold morning.
1. Dirt Cowboy: 9/10
Dirt Cowboy surprised me. It’s not quite as unique as Still North’s, but as I drank Dirt Cowboy’s cocoa, I felt like I was experiencing a version of hot chocolate approaching perfection. It was the exact richness I wanted: smooth and viscous enough to sit in my mouth for just a moment. Its flavor was potent yet left a pleasing aftertaste, and the whipped cream was immaculately creamy and thick. I had to stop and enjoy this one for a couple minutes. If ever you find yourself in Hanover and need a non-caffeinated way to begin the day, Dirt Cowboy offers an option I highly recommend.
