The beverage type "HC" is best defined as?

The beverage type "HC" is best defined as hot chocolate. This designation comes from the common abbreviation where "HC" serves as a shorthand for hot chocolate, a popular drink made by mixing cocoa powder or melted chocolate with milk or water, often sweetened and topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.

In the context of beverage offerings at establishments like Viridian Coffee Co., hot chocolate is distinct from tea, lemonade, and lattes in terms of ingredients and preparation methods. Tea involves the steeping of tea leaves in hot water, lemonade is a cold drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar, while a latte consists of espresso and steamed milk. Each of these beverages caters to different taste preferences and occasions, but "HC" specifically denotes the rich, sweet profile associated with hot chocolate.