Finding the best Hot Chocolate: NYC Edition
In an attempt to find the best holiday hot chocolate spot in Manhattan, we visited 5 different places, one of which was clearly the best placeÖ
To accurately rank the hot chocolates, we graded them on a rubric based on:
TASTE (out of 5)
LOOKS (out of 2)
AFFORDABILITY (out of 1)
EXPERIENCE (out of 1)
TEMPERATURE (out of 1)
Starbucks
Description: We paid a modest $4.85 for 12 oz ($.40/oz) of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Final Takeaways: The hot chocolate is convenient and fast but doesnít taste enough like a hot chocolate, and instead tastes of artificial peppermint. Additionally, it was topped with a sad layer of whipped cream and was way too hotñ we had to open the cup to let steam out.
TASTE: 2/5
LOOKS: 0.5/2
AFFORDABILITY: 1/1
EXPERIENCE: 0/1
TEMPERATURE: 0/1
FINAL RATING: 3.5/10
Sant Ambroeus
Description: This was a pricey $7.50 for a 12oz ($.63/oz) melted Belgian milk chocolate with an authentic hot chocolate taste.
Final Takeaways: The hot chocolate upholds a pleasing presentation with foamed milk and cocoa powder on top, which complemented its authentic flavor.
TASTE: 3.5/5
LOOKS: 2/2
AFFORDABILITY: 0.5/1
EXPERIENCE: 0.5/1
TEMPERATURE: 1/1
FINAL RATING: 7.5/10
Angelina
Description: This was a moderately-pricey, $7.90 for 10-oz ($.79/oz) of their famous old-fashioned hot chocolate and whipped cream.
Final Takeaways: The hot chocolate had a very similar taste to Sant Ambroeus; it was good traditional hot chocolate and was topped with nice whipped cream. It was rich and creamy, giving it a satisfying taste, but it was not unique compared to other options.
TASTE: 3.5/5
LOOKS: 1.5/2
AFFORDABILITY: 0.5/1
EXPERIENCE: 1/1
TEMPERATURE: 0.5/1
FINAL RATING: 7/10
Bryant Park
Description: This cost a whopping $10.70 for only 10oz ($1.07/oz), of a decadent dark chocolate drink with whipped cream.
Final Takeaways: The spectacular vibes in the market this Saturday night could not save my rating of this hot chocolate. The melted chocolate left a layer on the bottom of the cup.
TASTE: 4.5/5
LOOKS: 2/2
AFFORDABILITY: 0/1
EXPERIENCE: 1/1
TEMPERATURE: 1/1
FINAL RATING: 8.5/10
Venchi
Description: We paid a costly $8.70 for a 10oz ($.87/oz), hot chocolate with dark chocolate hazelnut and whipped cream.
Final Takeaways: This hot chocolate is definitely worth the hype, and the hazelnut added a rich, unique flavor. This was definitely the best hot chocolate on the list.
TASTE: 5/5
LOOKS: 2/2
AFFORDABILITY: 0.5/1
EXPERIENCCE: 1/1
TEMPERATURE: 1/1
FINAL RATING: 9.5/10
