The Best Hot Chocolate in NYC (2024)

Posted by Sarah Zorn on Feb 26, 2013 in Best Of | 1 comment

City Bakery's Banana Peel Hot Chocolate

It’s always smart to stop at the eclectic Union Square cafe,City Bakery, when you’re lusting for hot chocolate. After all, they’re largely considered to make one of the best cups of cocoa in the city. But during the month of February, it’s practically a requirement. This is the 21styear running that they’ve held their Hot Chocolate Festival, celebrating the glory of cocoa by offering up a different flavor daily. Think Bourbon, Vietnamese Cinnamon, Banana Peel and Darkest Dark Chocolate. And of course, each cup is topped with a giant, homemade marshmallow. The one downside? February only lasts for 28 days.

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MarieBelle's Aztec Hot Chocolate

If you can see your way past the shelves of Ganache-filled Bonbons and Whisky-infused Truffles, there’s an elegant Cacao Bar at the back of this classy SoHo shop. That’s where you’ll find coffee, tea, freshly baked pastries, and best of all, Aztec Hot Chocolate. It comes in four different flavors… Original (63% Cacao,) Dark (73% Cacao,) Mocha, and Spicy, brewed with cinnamon and chipotle chile. And MarieBelle never uses cocoa powder. Just melted down Columbian chocolate, that can be prepared European style (with water) or American style (with milk) for an even creamier concoction.

Van Leeuwen's Mocha Hot Chocolate

This Brooklyn-based ice cream shop started life as a sought after truck, before expanding to multiple brick and mortar locations. And though Van Leeuwen is best known for artisanal, organic ice cream, you don’t have to wait until summer to pay them a visit. That’s because they happen to make a superior cup of hot cocoa as well, using decidedly high-end, Michel Cluizel 72% chocolate. Try the Mocha version, which combines their house hot chocolate with a shot of strong espresso — our two favorite beverages in one delicious drink!

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Jacques Torres Wicked Hot Chocolate

When it comes to New York’s greatest hot cocoa, how can we not mention “Mr. Chocolate” himself, Jacques Torres? His eponymous DUMBO cafe and workshop is as famous for its solid chocolates as it is for its warm, melty liquid version. The signature, “Wicked Hot Chocolate” is appropriately fiery, made with a mix of allspice, cinnamon, ground ancho chiles and smoked chipotle peppers, as well as two kinds of Belcolade Belgian chocolate. And forget about cocoa powder… what you’ll get at Jacques TorresChocolateis pure, melty goodness in a cup.

FP Patisserie's Classic Hot Chocolate

Renowned pastry chef, Francois Payard, may be better known for his baked creations, namely macarons, but he’s no slouch when it comes to making a serious cup of hot cocoa. Combined with heavy cream and milk, the hot chocolate at FP Patisserie is one of the thickest, richest renditions you’ll find in the city. Meaning, it’s probably all you’ll need when it comes to dessert. That’s okay… you can always order one of Payard’s Seasonal Fruit Tarts, Orange Blossom Brioche, or a box of Parisian Macarons to go.

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Vosges Parisienne Hot Chocolate

You might expect a confectionary that makes chocolate bars like Crispy Carrot, Cherry Rooibos, and Dark Chocolate Bacon to deliver some truly out of the ordinary hot cocoa. But when it comes to Vosges’ trio of rich drinking chocolates, they’ve taken a “less is more” approach. And you won’t argue with the results. There’s “Aztec Elixir,” with dark chocolate, chilies, and cinnamon, “Bianca,” a blend of white chocolate, and our favorite, the“Parisienne,” with dark chocolate and vanilla bean — a wonderfully aromatic cup.

Otto's Gianduja Calda

It may seem strange to head to an Italian trattoria for a cup of hot cocoa. And yet, Otto’s Gianduja Calda is the perfect way to cap off a meal of Antipasti, Lardo-topped Pizza, and homemade Spaghetti Carbonara. Pastry Chef Meredith Kurtzman whips up her own hazelnut paste for the delicious drink by steeping leftover hazelnut shards in milk for two days. Then, she combines it with water, sugar, and two different types of chocolate for a taste treat akin to a liquid Nutella. Topped with Cinnamon Cream and served with a cookie, it’s the ultimate wintertime indulgence.

L.A. Burdick's Spiked Hot Chocolate

This New Hampshire-based import makes a welcome addition to the Flatiron District, showcasing glorious handmade chocolates, extravagant cakes, and even specialty items like whole cacao pods. But you came here for the hot chocolate, right? (Keep your eye on the prize.) The version at L.A. Burdickis top-notch. It starts with sustainably sourced, single-origin chocolate, which gets whisked with steamed milk and finished off with grated spices and homemade whipped cream. Oh, and did we mention you can order it spiked? Choose from cherry-flavored Kirsch, pear-infused Poire Williams, or Ron Zacapa rum. We’re sold!

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