The freezing cold nights of New York in January call for a warm steamy cup of hot chocolate. New York in winter is full of restaurants and bakeries offering rich and creamy hot chocolate options. Here are our personal choices for the best hot chocolate in NYC.
Dominque Ansel Bakery
Dominique Anse(opens in a new tab)l is famous for inventing the Cronut, a sweet and sugary pastry hybrid confection that is a cross between a croissant and a donut. When the temperature drops, it’s the “Blossoming Hot Chocolate” that draws a crowd.
This Instragrammable treat features a large cup of hot cocoa. When it arrives, the barista drops in a marshmallow shaped like a flower bud. As the bud nestles into the hot chocolate, it begins to blossom into a flower with a sugary pearl center. Our taste buds were delighted that the blossoming hot chocolate tasted every bit as delicious as it looked! Another great reason to visit SoHo(opens in a new tab).
Jacques Torres Hot Chocolate
For those who like to add a little spice to their life, try the “wicked hot chocolate” from Jacques Torres, where the aforementioned chef is known for his nickname Mr. Chocolate(opens in a new tab). Rich and decadent chocolate (not powder – actual chocolate) is melted into steaming hot milk, and mixed with ancho and chipotle chili peppers. This gives the luxurious and creamy concoction a bit of bite! There is a Jacques Torres location located in DUMBO Brooklyn. Get yourself a cup of this deliciousness to keep warm while taking in stunning winter views, as you walk over the Brooklyn Bridge(opens in a new tab).
The Greens at Pier 17
This is perhaps a bit of a stretch when it comes to purely “hot chocolate,” but The Greens at Pier 17(opens in a new tab) is one of the most inspired socially distanced dining experiences of 2021. Their “Boozy Coffee” or “Chocolate Negroni” will certainly satisfy the chocolate your craving as you sit in a private socially-distanced clear-view cabin, complete with an air filter, space heater, and glorious view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge(opens in a new tab). They also have delicious melty fondue to beat the winter blues. It truly doesn’t get better than this.