National Cocoa Day Brings Creative, Seasonal Cocoa Drinks From Popular Franchise Brands
This holiday season, fast-food restaurants did not disappoint with creative menu items — especially with favorites like hot chocolate and hot cocoa. We’re not just talking hot water poured over powder anymore. These brands are leveling up with social media-worthy peppermint swirls, mountains of whipped cream and candy-studded toppings. But as we sip (or slurp) our way through hot, iced and even frozen versions all winter long, there’s one important question worth asking: What’s the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar and milk. It’s lighter, sweeter and super quick to make — which is why most store-bought “hot chocolate” mixes in the U.S. are actually cocoa in disguise.
Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is the rich, indulgent version. It’s made by melting real chocolate — chips, chunks or shavings — into hot liquid, creating a thick, velvety drink that tastes like pure comfort.
National Cocoa Day
Hot cocoa is so beloved that it even has its own holiday. National Cocoa Day — celebrated today, Dec. 13 — honors cacao in its many forms, the essential ingredient behind hot cocoa. Cocoa has deep roots: People in Mesoamerica, including the Maya and Aztecs, have enjoyed cacao-based drinks for thousands of years.
Today, franchise brands like Dunkin’, Paris Baguette, Alsies and Aroma Joe’s are getting creative with unique hot cocoa and chocolate-inspired offerings of their own. So sit back, relax and celebrate National Cocoa Day with your favorite warm, chocolatey sip.
Best Hot Cocoa From Fast-Food Restaurants
Alsies
Alsies, an emerging tech-forward ice cream truck franchise, is keeping busy this winter as franchisees roll out a winter menu that includes hot chocolate. Customers craving something warm can use the brand’s app to have the truck swing by. The hot chocolate is a fun standout alongside Alsies’ ice cream sandwiches and nostalgic classics, making it a perfect treat for National Cocoa Day.
Aroma Joe’s
Aroma Joe’s, a drive-thru-centered coffee franchise, serves a cozy hot chocolate made from real chocolate milk. Guests can add dark chocolate sauce for an extra-rich boost, or opt for the brand’s popular white hot chocolate for a creamy alternative.
BIGGBY COFFEE
In addition to its classic hot chocolate, BIGGBY COFFEE also offers Mellow Hot Chocolate, Mint Hot Chocolate and Cocoa Carmella Hot Chocolate year-round. All varieties can be ordered hot, iced or frozen and are caffeine-free. Additionally, the coffee franchise is currently offering the Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate (above) for the holiday season.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee’s hot chocolate features real chocolate melted into steamed milk and topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. Those looking for some added heat can order the spicy hot chocolate — real chocolate melted into steamed milk, combined with chipotle and ancho chile flavors and topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips.
Dunkin’
Hot chocolate is available at Dunkin’ year-round, so it just makes sense to order this good old classic on National Cocoa Day. The hot beverage comes in small, medium, large and extra large sizes. The coffee franchise also serves frozen chocolate for those looking for a cool hit of chocolatey goodness.
Jamba
Today only, Jamba — the quick-service restaurant and juice bar chain — is celebrating National Cocoa Day with a special offer: the Frozen Hot Chocolate Bowl for just $5 from 4 to 7 p.m. This all-new bowl includes a smoothie bowl base (soymilk, chocolate powder, frozen yogurt and ice) topped with granola, bananas and coconut whip.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread’s signature hot chocolate is crafted with steamed milk and rich chocolate sauce, then finished with a generous swirl of whipped cream. This seasonal menu favorite is available for a limited time.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette, a bakery café franchise known for its fresh-baked pastries, baguette sandwiches, coffee drinks and signature cakes, has great hot cocoa that can be enjoyed on Dec. 13 and beyond. This special treat is made with Ghirardelli’s Dark Hot Cocoa and topped with sweet cream.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee’s menu of espresso beverages and breakfast sandwiches also includes hot chocolate. The beverage can be made with almond milk. For a limited time, guests can also enjoy the Candy Cane Forest Hot Chocolate (above).
Starbucks
Starbucks has several hot chocolate options to sip on National Cocoa Day. There is standard hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate and white peppermint hot chocolate.
