Stay warm as you go Christmas shopping in St. Charles this year with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even wassail from these local cafes (or stands). Whether you like the smooth, rich taste of chocolate or savor the spices of a warm cider, Saint Charles has it all located throughout Main Street. If you’re in the need of an energy boost, grab a cup of joe from a coffee shop featured in our St. Charles Coffee Shop blog. Perfect for a cozy break or to take on the go, warm up with help from these St. Charles cafes, bakeries, and dessert shops.
KILWINS
Kilwins is known for many things: their delicious ice cream, chocolate, and fudge. But, have you tried their homemade hot chocolate? Your first thought may not be to stop in an ice cream shop when you’re cold, but trust us, Kilwins does not mess around when it comes to hot chocolate. They use shredded chocolate with hot milk to create a rich, indulgent cup of hot cocoa. You can also purchase Kilwins’ shredded drinking chocolate to make your own at home.
SUGARBOT CREAMERY
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate made in an old-timey soda fountain and ice cream parlor. Top it off with some of with Sugarbot’s fluffy scratch-made mallows (made with a recipe that dates back to the early 1900s) for the perfect cup of hot cocoa.
PICASSO’S COFFEEHOUSE
One of the coziest spots on Main Street, Picasso’s has not one, but two types of hot chocolate to keep you warm this winter. Get a cup of classic hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, or try the Aztec Spice Cocoa: a spiced hot chocolate with hints of chocolate and cinnamon for a different taste. Picasso’s even offers a Kids Hot Chocolate, which is 8 oz of hot cocoa in a 12 oz cup to give kids some spill-proof room. It’s also served at a not-so-hot temperature, kids can drink it right away! Picasso’s also has over six mocha drinks on their menu including the seasonal Frosted Mint Mocha, in case you need some energy.
BIKE STOP CAFE
If you find yourself cold near the 700 block of South Main, you’re in for a treat! Grab a cup of hot cocoa from Bike Stop Café. Made with real chocolate, their hot cocoa is a rich and creamy cup of goodness. Make yours boozy and order the Adult Hot Chocolate or brave their Fire Cider (Hot Fireball Apple Cider). Bike Stop Café also sells a variety of hot teas to warm you up if hot cocoa or cider isn’t your thing.
GRANDMA’S COOKIES
It’s hard to ignore the smell of freshly baked cookies when you’re walking on the 400 block of South Main Street. Grab one of Main Street’s most famous cookies and a cup of hot cocoa or hot cider at Grandma’s Cookies. They even have an outdoor stand during St. Charles Christmas Traditions®.
MOCHA POINT YEMENI COFFEE CO
If you want to try something different from the average coffee, make a stop at Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co. They partner with Yemeni coffee farmers for authentic taste. Try the Mofawar, which is coffee with cardamom, cream, and other spices, or the Adeni Chai, which is Yemen black tea, cardamom, ginger, and cream. Mocha Point serves hot chocolate, too!
8 MAIDS WASSAIL TAVERN AT SAINT CHARLES CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS®
If you’re here during St. Charles Christmas Traditions® or “A Christmas Carol” Stroll, head to Berthold Square for a cup of hot wassail. This traditional spiced cider is served by the merry milkmaids featured in the popular Christmas tune, “12 Days of Christmas.”