From Aztec Mocha to Swedish Fika: The Best Hot Drinks in Sonoma County

The days are getting colder here in Sonoma County. While we may not have to shovel snow from our driveways to get to work, a cup filled with warmth is still a welcome way to start the day — or pick me up in the afternoon. From caffeinated to sweet beverages, scroll through the list below for 15 satisfyingly warm and cozy drinks in Sonoma County.

Thanks a latte for reading! 

Aztec Hot Chocolate + Pumpkin Spice Latte at Plank Coffee, Cloverdale and Healdsburg

Mike Morisette and Marne Dupere brought a little slice of hipster paradise to Cloverdale when they opened Plank Coffee in 2012. Beyond their excellent espresso, don’t miss the cafe’s wide assortment of freshly-baked pastries and the standout Aztec Hot Chocolate. Also awesome and in season is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale; 175 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

Aztec Mocha or Bangkok Latte at Flying Goat Coffee, Healdsburg

Flying Goat tops the list of best coffee spots in Sonoma County. Favorite hot drinks here include the Aztec Mocha and the Bangkok Latte, featuring a shot of sweetened condensed milk. It’s sweet, but not as sweet as the mocha. 10 4th St, Santa Rosa; 324 Center Street, Healdsburg

Lover’s Lane Latte at City Garden Doughnuts, Santa Rosa

What could be better than a fancy brioche-style donut topped with fresh fruit, chocolate or maple bacon? A fancy donut paired with a Lover’s Lane Latte — coffee from Ukiah’s Black Oak Roasters, honey and bee pollen from hives tended by the owner of Black Oak. Order online. 1200 4th St, Santa Rosa, 595-1932

Turmeric Latte at Retrograde Roasters, Sebastopol 

This small batch bean roastery is a favorite among West County locals who rave about the specialty lattes. The Turmeric Latte features house made turmeric paste with the golden trifecta of turmeric, black pepper and coconut oil (plus loads of other yummy spices). It is served with steamed milk and house made cinnamon syrup (unsweetened upon request). 130 South Main Street, 103, Sebastopol, 707-827-8065

Creme Brûlée Latte + Mexican Mocha at Crooks Coffee, Santa Rosa

Located just across the street from The Press Democrat/Sonoma Magazine newsroom, Crooks is a go-to place for caffein-craving editors and reporters. The menu features a variety of experimental coffee drinks; staff favorites include the Creme Brûlée Latte and the Mexican Mocha. 404c Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa

Matcha Latte at Acre Coffee, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol

Matcha tea provides a less-jittery energy boost than coffee thanks to L-Theanine, an amino acid that helps your body process caffeine differently and create a state of “calm alertness.” Acre’s Matcha Latte is made with Japanese Matcha from Samovar Tea in San Francisco. Non dairy-alternatives like coconut and soy milk are available. Order to-go online. 

Kaffe Tonic at Brew, Santa Rosa

The bitterness and fizz of the tonic and the punch of espresso makes this a uniquely-delicious drink worth trying. Don’t try to mix it too hard or you’ve got a foamy mess. Served room temp, it warms the soul and awakens the mind. The Golden Latte is another cold-weather favorite. 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-303-7372

Artful Lattes at Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, Sebastopol

Taylor Lane (formerly Taylor Maid) is a never-miss when it comes to quality coffees and latte art. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with all-natural pumpkin, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s like “warm fall memories in your cup.” 6790 McKinley St #170, Sebastopol

Lavender Latte at Bella Rosa, Santa Rosa

Bella Rosa has some of the best locally-roasted coffee in Northern California. It’s low-acid and never over-roasted, which in our book means tasty! They offer up an assortment of coffee drinks at their cafe, including this lavender-infused latte that’s a taste treat. 5491 Skylane Blvd #140, Santa Rosa, 707-542-6220

Champurrado from La Texanita, Delicias Elenita or El Paisa 

Thickened with masa, champurrado is a less sweet version of hot chocolate from Mexico. You can get it from La Texanita, Delicias Elenitas or the El Paisa food truck, shown here with tacos al vapor. La Texanita – 1667 Sebastopol Rd, Delicias Elenita – 816 Sebastopol Rd, El Paisa – 1175 Sebastopol Rd.

The Red Eye + Hot Chocolate at Cafe Scooteria, Sonoma

This retro drive-thru surrounded by vintage scooters serves great coffee drinks and chai, doughnuts, bagels, pastries, croissant sandwiches, breakfast burritos, gelato and more. Need a pick me up? The Red Eye is a drop coffee with a shot of espresso. Hot Chocolate – aztec or milk – comes with whipped cream and marshmallows. 455 West Napa St., Sonoma

Brown Butter Bullet at The Porch at MacArthur Place, Sonoma

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma serves up an awesome bullet coffee at The Porch coffee bar, featuring brown butter and coconut oil. Enjoy it on the patio, which has heaters to keep you warm. 29 E MacArthur St, Sonoma, macarthurplace.com/food-drink/the-porch-cafe.

Petaluma Fog at Tea Room Cafe, Petaluma

This quaint café, located just a few minutes west of downtown Petaluma, offers country-inspired meals and seasonal sweets from its in-house bakery that all pair perfectly with a spot of tea. The Petaluma Fog features Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup and steamed milk. There’s chai latte and loose leaf tea, too. 316 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-765-0199

Citrus Hibiscus Tea at Taste of Tea, Healdsburg

This family-owned tea room offers a wide selection of premium teas from Japan, China and Taiwan as well as comforting Japanese eats such as ramen, udon and rice bowls. Our favorite winter warmer is their Citrus Hibiscus Tea with plenty of Vitamin C for your immune system. 109 North St, Healdsburg

High Tea Takeout

Whether you’re cooped up with bored kids or just needing a little you-time, one of the best ways to chill and get cozy is with a pinkies-up high tea. Local tea houses are now offering this English tradition to go — from crustless cucumber sandwiches and scones to pasties and baked treats. Breaking out granny’s silver service not required, but really, why not? Find more information here.

DIY Swedish Fika

Sweden has been trending for the past few years — from the minimalist “lagom” lifestyle to, more recently, the Christmas gnomes. Our favorite aspect of Swedish life is “fika,” a communal coffee break cherished by all Swedes. For a Sonoma-style fika, make yourself a strong cup of coffee using beans from a local roaster and pair it with the Swede-approved cinnamon rolls from Red Bird Bakery in Cotati.

Temporarily Closed – Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate at Snoopy’s Home Ice, Santa Rosa

Craving a hot drink with some childhood nostalgia? Head to the The Warm Puppy Café inside Snoopy’s Home Ice arena and order a Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate with whipped cream. Cozy up to the fireplace before you consider putting on the skates. 1667 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa

By: Sonoma Magazine Staff