Drinkable Chocolate That’s Not Hot? Yes, It’s Summer

There's nothing like retreating back to our youth with mugs of hot chocolate (topped with marshmallows, of course) on a winter day in Chicago. But, since summer has unofficially arrived, we're willing to forget about that for a while. This doesn't mean we're going to ignore our chocolate cravings, though — especially not after discovering an amazing, warm-weather replacement.

Windy City–based Katherine Anne Confections has created a new, chilled drinking chocolate that makes us weak in the knees. The decadent sipper is made with a ganache of chocolate, cream, salt, and vanilla, which is slowly whisked in cold milk. But, make no mistake; this is not the chocolate milk of your childhood — not with flavors like salted caramel, blueberry-lemon lavender, and hazelnut coffee.

Taste for yourself this Thursday, May 30, between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., at Katherine Anne's Logan Square shop. For $25 per person, you can sample the sipping chocolates, along with 13 limited-edition truffles (margarita, anyone?), caramels, and marshmallow treats. And to ensure you don't go into a complete sugar coma, there will also be savory nosh from FIG Catering. Sweet and salty? We're so there. Space is limited, so be sure to call to reserve your spot.

Katherine Anne Confections, 2745 West Armitage Avenue (between California and Fairfield avenues); 773-245-1630.