Fancy a hot chocolate that tastes just like your Granny’s apple pie and custard? That’s just one of the deliciously decadent creations up for grabs during Lower Hutt’s much-anticipated hot chocolate challenge.
The “Sweet As” Hutt’s Hot Chocolate Challenge™ is back for it’s sixth year and the entrants are certainly stepping up to the challenge. With drinks ranging from a real-life Ned Flanders hot chocolate to a bubblegum white hot chocolate with popping candy and chocolate fish, there’s something for everyone – some can even be made with an alcoholic twist for adults.
This year you’ll see 15 hospitality businesses in the CBD offering their own signature hot chocolate drink, battling it out to be crowned as this year’s winner. These are limited edition drinks, available to enjoy during the school winter break, between 1-19 July.
As New Zealand’s only hot chocolate challenge, it has proven to be incredibly popular over the years. Since it started in 2015, a whopping 30,000 hot chocolates have been consumed, featuring 54 unique flavours from 24 different cafés, restaurants and bakeries.
The “Sweet As” challenge was founded by Hutt City Council, inspiring local hospitality businesses to express creativity and encourage custom throughout those colder months. The event also provides a great opportunity for people to get together with their friends and whānau to experience something delectable and fun.
This year, the voting will be a little different. Customers will simply need to scan the eatery’s individual QR code, rate the drink and add a comment before tapping the ‘send’ button. The drink with the most positive votes will win the title of ‘Hutt’s Sweetest Hot Chocolate’ for the year. So get out there, brave the cold and enjoy these winter warmers while supporting a local business.
To find out more about the drinks and upcoming events being held as part of the challenge, visit the new website. You can also follow the “Sweet As” Hutt’s Hot Chocolate Challenge Facebook page for updates throughout the competition.
