South Coast Dive
main street 65, West Sayville
Craft brews, cocktails and home cooking are the order of the day at this trendy pub and restaurant, as well as hot chocolate on Sunday nights in the winter. Get a mug of traditional hot chocolate, which can be infused with RumChata or Stoli vanilla, as well as toppings like marshmallows, teddy grahams, and jelly beans. Live music and a snow machine add to the atmosphere. For more information: 631-218-6500, southshoredive.com
Hot chocolate with spikes topped with marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate syrup at South Shore Dive in West Sayville. Credit: Daniel Brennan
The French workshop
191 7th St., Garden City
This French-style bakery brings three types of hot cocoa to the table: classic hot white chocolate and Nutella. The shop uses authentic chocolate – Monin for the white and Valrhona for the classic – for a delicious, rich cup of cocoa. Nutella is paired with frothed milk and ice cream for the third offering. Top off your drink with a pinch of cinnamon or classic whipped cream. (Other locations at 417 S. Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview and 1187 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh.) For more information: 516-248-6800, thefrenchworkshop.com
Druther’s coffee
1113 North Country Rd., Rocky Creek
Melted Callebaut white chocolate and oat milk are infused with chamomile, lavender, spearmint, lemon myrtle and butterfly pea blossom to create the aptly named Druthers Blue Cocoa. This season, customers will also find a spicy cocoa flavored with dark chocolate, cayenne and Aleppo peppers. If you want to stick to the basics, there’s also a classic hot chocolate made with oat milk. Served hot or cold. More info: druthers.coffee
For five coffee roasters
292 Plandome Rd., Manhasset
The elegant Café For Five may be known for its coffee, but don’t overlook the hot chocolate (made with chocolate ganache and frothed milk). During winter, you’ll also notice a peppermint version of Gotham hot chocolate. Before it’s served, a barista decorates it with an Instagram-worthy design. (Other location at 147 Seventh St. in Garden City.) For more information: 516-918-9488, forfivecoffee.com
Gotham hot chocolate at For Five Coffee Roasters in Manhasset. Credit: Newsday/Joann Vaglica
Grindstone coffee & donuts
7A Main St., Sag Harbor
In addition to its creative doughy creations, this hipster donut joint has an impressive drinks menu. Try a traditional hot chocolate or take it up a notch with a flavorful creation, the Mexican Mocha, made with Monin dark chocolate syrup, steamed whole milk, Saigon cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, dusted with cocoa powder. For more information: 631-808-3370, grindstonedonuts.com
coffee stands
226 Middle Country Rd., Selden
Latte specialties are just the tip of the iceberg at this hidden gem. The family-run spot has a homemade hot chocolate on the menu (melted Belgian chocolate, sugar, and a touch of Ghiradelli Classic White Vanilla Chips mixed with milk and steamed; topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate), but none of the 15 specialty lattes can do instead be prepared with hot chocolate. Options include such rich flavors as S’mores, Spicy Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Dipped Pretzel, Rice Krispies Treat, and Black and White Cookies. Cash only. For more information: 631-846-1966, coffeebooths.business.site
Whiskey Down Diner
main street 252, Farmingdale
Sister and brother duo Alyson and John Kanaras sling more than pancakes and eggs at their diner. Each year before the holiday, the duo expands their drinks menu to include Scott Calvin’s Boozy Hot Chocolate Bar (an homage to Tim Allen’s character in Santa Claus). Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, and Rainbow Cookie; $12 each – and will be available all winter. The drinks are made with a rich Nestle cocoa base and then spiced up with liqueur and toppings unique to each taste. New this year: a flight of three five-ounce eat-only versions; $17 per flight. For more information: 516-927-8264, www.whiskydowndiner.com
A boozy flight with hot chocolate at Whiskey Down Diner in Farmingdale. Credit: Brittainy Newman
toast coffee house
9 S. Park Avenue, Bay Shore
This carnival-themed breakfast and lunch spot offers a standard hot chocolate, which also comes with specialties like s’mores and salted caramel. Hot chocolate is served here in a unique mug and can be infused with coconut rum. (Other locations at 650 Rte. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and 46 E. Main St. in Patchogue.) For more information: 631-647-9560, toastcoffeehouse.com
soul brew
556 Route 25A, St James
Since its inception in 2016, this coffee shop has been creating quirky cups of coffee. Ditto for its hot chocolates, which are sometimes topped with Oreos, whipped cream, cinnamon, sprinkles, or granola. Menu standards include s’mores, peanut butter cup, and banana, but consult the extensive latte menu for more adventurous flavors like cinnabon, apple pie, crunch berries, rainbow cookie, or peanut butter. (For a hot chocolate, the base of the drink is swapped from espresso to Ghirardelli chocolate sauce.) Available hot or chilled. (Other locations at 2718 Grand Ave. in Bellmore and 387 New York Ave. in Huntington.) For more information: 631-250-9238, soulbrew.coffee
A hot chocolate with cinnamon gingerbread at Soul Brew. Photo credit: Kristin Lambros
Witches Brew coffeehouse
311 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead
This Gothic Victorian café offers 30 flavors of hot chocolate – cocoa powder is infused with hot water and frothed milk, then mixed with syrup so customers can choose from flavors such as peanut butter, chocolate cupcake, raspberry and caramel. For a caffeine boost, try the half-cocoa-half-coffee (cafe au lait with cocoa powder and frothed milk). All drinks can be topped with marshmallows, toasted coconut flakes, sprinkles, homemade whipped cream and more. For more information: 516-489-9482
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