Crema Café The drink
Like molten chocolate mousse. The scene As calm and comforting as the hot chocolate itself. The drinkers Uptown lovebirds. Pros A perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and cocoa flavor. Cons No room for Crema’s first-class pastries. Cost $3.15 Rating 9
Photo by Terry Brennan
Photo by Terry Brennan
Clicquot Club Cafe
The drink
Half espresso, half high-end chocolate syrup, and so much more than a mocha. The scene Morning-paper readers. The drinkers Neighborhood creative types working away from the office. Pros Extra caffeine—chocolate alone doesn’t have enough. Cons You’ll stay jittery for hours. Cost $3.25 for a single. Rating 7
Photo by Terry Brennan
Photo by Terry Brennan
El Meson
The drink
Super-sweet. Cocoa focus with hints of cinnamon, lemon, and star anise. The scene Iberian-inspired, with cozy booths. The drinkers Diners with bellies full of paella and pollo ajillo. Pros Non-dairy: great for vegans and the lactose-intolerant. Cons Too sweet to taste your flan. Cost $1.95 Rating 6
Photo by Terry Brennan
Photo by Terry Brennan
Caribou Coffee
The drink
A thin mix of chocolate syrup and milk. The scene What you make it—you could be anywhere. The drinkers As common as the drink itself. Pros Variety: white chocolate if you’re looking for a change; low-temp cocoa for kids. Cons Doesn’t seem special. Cost $2.30 regular; $2.60 white chocolate; $1.55 kiddie. Rating 5
Photo by Terry Brennan
Photo by Terry Brennan
Schokinag European Drinking Chocolate
The drink
Thick, rich, and dark; made from little drops of solid chocolate. The scene Anywhere with access to whole milk and a microwave or stove. The drinkers Minimalists: a loaf of bread, a mug of cocoa, and thou. Pros Chasing the last drizzles around the bottom of your mug with a spoon. Cons All good things must come to an end. Cost $14.50 for 8 servings, available at upscale grocers and Cooks of Crocus Hill. Rating 10
