Wintertime begs us to swap our typical coffee order in favor of something sweet and comforting. Fortunately, the best hot chocolate in NYC offers all the deliciousness and cozy vibes one could hope for.
Whether you’re one for something simple or want a cup of cocoa with all the works — marshmallows, whipped cream, syrup, and beyond — there’s something you’ll enjoy.
Where are you venturing first?
Martha’s Country Bakery
Martha’s Country Bakery has been a NYC staple for over half a century, so it comes as no surprise that the sweet spot has mastered hot chocolate.
What we particularly love about the shop is its variety: red velvet hot chocolate, peanut butter hot chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate, and but of course, an OG. With a small dollop of whipped cream, you can’t go wrong.
Glace
Glace’s s’mores hot chocolate has earned viral fame, and with good reason — the toasted marshmallow halo and helping of whipped cream knocks the drinkable dessert out of the park.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, the salted caramel or brownie batter remixes — among other options — are just as delightful as you’d expect.
Though we don’t intend to disrespect the shop’s classic cocoa with whipped cream, we find forgoing the deluxe editions to be a challenge.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Carroll Gardens‘ old-timey soda shop might be famous for its egg creams and out-of-this-world sundaes, but when the temperature dips, a hot cocoa is a no-brainer.
The menu starts with either regular or white hot chocolate, which of course deserves a helping of whipped cream and marshmallows. Should you be looking to indulge just a bit more, specialty hot chocolates are all the dessert you can possibly desire.
We’re partial to Minty Pete — peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream and crushed Andes bars — but you would be remiss not to also try the salty caramel and chai white chocolate options as well.
The Chocolate Room
The name says it all — The Chocolate Room is a must for a sweet fix.
In addition to cakes and sundaes, the hot chocolate selections are next level. We’re partial to the restaurant’s take on an Italian classic: dark hot chocolate, espresso, and a dollop of milk foam.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Home of the cronut, Dominique Ansel Bakery unsurprisingly garnered meteoric fame for its special treat, and its hot chocolate runs a close race to the iconic creation.
A floral-shaped marshmallow “blooms” in the cup of cocoa, making the treat as visual as it is delicious. But no sweat if you don’t want the camera to eat first.
Serendipity3
While not technically hot chocolate, Serendipity3’s chilled version of the wintertime staple, Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, is served with whipped cream and chocolate shavings — a meal in itself. It’s an icon for a reason, folks.