In dreary February, sweet treats and pink hearts are just what the doctor ordered as the annual day of love fast approaches.

Nothing gets you in the Valentine’s Day spirit like a delightful variety of colorful and sugary concoctions with notes of cocoa and strawberry from around town.

STARBUCKS 

The chocolate-covered strawberry crème frappuccino is a delicious chocolate and strawberry decadence. It is made with whole milk, frappuccino chips, strawberry puree and topped with whip cream and mocha drizzle. 

The chocolate hazelnut cookie cold brew is a refreshing cold brew made with chocolate cookies and nutty flavors. The drink contains vanilla syrup, hazelnut cold foam and is topped with cookie crumbles. 

Starbucks has multiple locations near and on campus including inside the Holmes Student Center and at 1015 W Lincoln Hwy. 

DUNKIN’

The lava cake signature iced latte is a chocolatey espresso explosion. The drink is made with whole milk, chocolate lava cake syrup, espresso and topped with mocha drizzle, whipped cream and hot cocoa powder. 

Dunkin has a few locations in DeKalb not far from campus, including 1101 W. Lincoln Highway and 460 E. Lincoln Highway.   

CAST IRON COFFEE

The red velvet frappe is a delicious blend of cake batter and deep cocoa flavors with mocha drizzle. The drink is topped with whipped cream and heart sprinkles. For extra coffee flavor, the cafe recommends adding an optional shot of espresso. 

Another delightful offering, the chocolate-covered strawberry frappe is said to draw inspiration from Neapolitan ice cream, with a delicious blend of strawberry and chocolate topped with chocolate whipped cream. Optionally customers can add vanilla, salted caramel or sweet cream cold foam for just $1 more. 

Cast Iron is a local favorite just off campus at 901 Lucinda Ave. Suite D.