We’ve been testing travel mugs since 2013. Previous versions of this guide were written and researched by Séamus Bellamy and Anna Perling. In 2023, staff writer Trey French wrote the latest update to this guide. He gained an appreciation of high-performing insulated drinkware while spring camping in Colorado when the temperatures dropped below freezing.
The Best Travel Mug
Hot drinks are a daily staple for many, and just as important as the beverage is the travel mug that keeps it warm while you’re on the go.
After a decade of testing travel mugs, we still recommend the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for most people. It keeps drinks hot for hours, and its locking lid stays securely closed, even when you toss the mug into a bag. We also have another option, which fits better in most cup holders, for use while you’re driving.
Everything we recommend
Our pick
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
The best travel mug
This mug offers the best heat retention, plus one-handed usability and a locking, leakproof lid, which makes it especially useful if you carry your mug in a bag or backpack.
Buying Options
Also great
Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug (16 ounces)
A wider mug for drivers
This wider mug fit securely in our testers’ cup holders, and its spill-proof lid design is good for rough roads. It doesn’t retain heat as well as the Zojirushi mug—a fact that some people might actually appreciate.
Buying Options
OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set
Portland, Maine, Cafe Named Among Best in Nation for Hot Chocolate
When the colder temperatures arrive and a chill reaches your bones, there are few things more enjoyable to warm back up than a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Many of us in Maine grew up on store-bought powder packets that still offer up a few delicious sips of chocolatey goodness while also adding in some extra sweetness with marshmallows.
But did you know there’s actually a place in Portland that offers up one of the most delicious cups of hot chocolate in the entire nation? According to Eat This, Gelato Fiasco in Portland’s Old Port serves up the very best cup hot chocolate in all of Maine.
Google Maps
Google Maps
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The reasons why Eat This highlighted Gelato Fiasco makes sense. Gelato Fiasco is obviously known for their frozen treats, but all that flavor that comes out through their gelato has to start as something not frozen first.
Gelato Fiasco takes their pre-frozen chocolate gelato mixture and transforms it into a steamy cup of drinking chocolate. In the winter season, Gelato Fiasco will offer a pair of upgrades to your drinking chocolate that include house-made whipped cream or melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows.
Facebook via Gelato Fiasco (Old Port)
Facebook via Gelato Fiasco (Old Port)
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Gelato Fiasco is located at 425 Fore Street in Portland’s Old Port, between two of the city’s hottest new restaurants, Bar Futo and Paper Tiger. During the summer months, tourists pour into Gelato Fiasco to try their signature flavors and creative offerings.
So if you find yourself holiday shopping through the Old Port this winter, there’s a unique kind of hot chocolate to keep you warm right nearby.
31 Bucket List Restaurants in Maine
Here are 31 Maine restaurants that folks told us are bucket list worthy. They are very diverse can be found across the state.
Stacker published this list of the nation’s 50 coziest towns to visit during the wintertime, including these eight New England locations.
