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