Beat the winter blues with these hot chocolate versions available in Mumbai cafes

Pic Courtesy/Instagram

Drop it like it's hot

Silky, thick and layered with puffy smoked s'mores, Chantilly's hot chocolate is the instant pick-me-up this writer resorts to more often than she'd like to admit. Head pastry chef-founder Needa Khan also whips up a mean dark and classic hot chocolate. Pro tip: call for a croissant and dip it into the luscious hot chocolate for a sugar high.

AT Shop no 2, Darvesh Royale, Turner Road, Bandra West.
LOG ON TO @chantillythecafe or Zomato
COST Rs 250 onwards

Sesame street

From a classic hot chocolate to a citrus white hot chocolate with an orange-y twist, Smoke House Deli's indulgent menu features concoctions that are perfect to cosy up with this winter. Our pick is a tahini mocha hot chocolate, in time for the tilgul season; those who like their caffeine hit, can settle for the dark matter mocha.

AT Colaba, Pali Hill, BKC and Phoenix Palladium outlets
LOG ON TO Swiggy
COST Rs 275 onwards

Pep talk

You can't go wrong with Le15 Patisserie's comforting hot chocolate. We particularly dig the chai spice variant, which infuses our love for tea. If you would like to make yourself a cup at home, try the limited-edition peppermint hot chocolate mix that strikes a refreshing balance.

AT Outlets across Mumbai
LOG ON TO le15.com
COST Rs 275 onwards

Cup of warmth

If you like your hot chocolate the OG, no-frills way, head to this French diner. Soak in the whiff of cinnamon in Cafe Noir's frothy le chocolate chaud, which is the perfect treat for a chocolate-lover.

AT World Crest, unit no 1A and 1B, Lower Parel.
CALL7400491481
COST Rs 375 onwards

Le chocolate chaud

Ingredients
. 20 gms melted Belgian chocolate
. 120 ml milk
. Cinnamon dust and cinnamon cigar

Method
Melt the chocolate with hot water using a long spoon; stir constantly. In a milk frother, take the full-fat milk and steam till medium foam develops. Pour both together in a double-walled glass and dust with cinnamon on top; garnish the drink with a cinnamon cigar.

Recipe by Bensan Varghese, corporate beverage manager, V&RO Hospitality

High spirits

Raise a toast to the nip in the air with Le Café's boozy spin on hot chocolate. The Jamaican smoke bomb'e, which is part of their upcoming Old Monk Fest, comprises dense hot chocolate infused with rum. This blend is then poured over a golden chocolate mousse sphere.

FROM January 20 to February 20
AT Jewel of Chembur, 1st Road, Chembur Gaothan, Chembur.
CALL67099977
COST Rs 300

Berry nice

Dig into the flavour of the season - strawberries - with this decadent mug of hot chocolate made with Nutella and cocoa at Cafe Duco.

AT Shop no 2, Kalpitam Apartments, 16th Road, Pali Village, Khar West.
CALL 9137076462
COST Rs 310 onwards

Also check out

Cafe Kokomo's caramel or hazelnut flavours.
AT 4, Pratap CHS Limited, Santacruz East.
LOG ON TO cafekokomo_mumbai

Magna - Cafe and Bar's hot chocolate with marshmallow
AT 2nd floor, The Thane Club.
LOG ON TO @magnacafeandbar

Cafe 49's signature hot chocolate
AT The Emerald Hotel, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
CALL 9223379080

Love and Latte's tiramisu, Nutella or dark hot chocolate
AT R City Mall, Ghatkopar West.
CALL 7208935961