The 7 Best Hot Drinks In NYC For Winter 2013
In the depths of winter, there's nothing like putting your hands around a steaming cup to get warm and cozy. Try the best hot drinks for fall at these NYC coffee shops, restaurants, cafes and markets. By Sarah Shaker.
See Also: The 5 Best Cups Of Hot Chocolate In NYC
More: NYC's 5 Best Chocolate Cocktails
Mini crunchy wafer balls are mixed into their popular hot chocolate, offered in milk, dark or white to create Choco-Pops at Max Brenner. This cup of hot chocolate is more like a melted candy bar than any ole' boring warm drink. Kids of any age - or kids at heart - will love this sweet, crunchy and creamy hot cocoa.
Turkish Mocha, The Tea Lounge
837 Union St.,
Brooklyn
(718) 789-2762
tealoungeny.com
Making our list for the second year in a row, this hip Brooklyn neighborhood spot has it all–music, food, art, drinks and highly caffeinated beverages. Locals bring their children in the afternoons for a singalong and come back later in the evening for jazz. If they want to be up all night, the baristas suggest Turkish Mocha, made with micro-roasted beans, chocolate and steamed milk.
At CBS New York, we think The Bean is one of the Best Coffee Shops in the East Village. But, we don't just head to this neighborhood spot for the coffee alone. During the cooler months, sip on their Chai Latte for comfort with spice or wake yourself up with their Dirty Chai, with an added shot of espresso.
Another cute East Village spot, this tearoom is made even cozier with the smell of fresh cupcakes and tarts right out of the oven. The teas range in choices from oolongs (a traditional Chinese tea) to herbal brews and house blends like sage sencha. Hot teas arrive in china pots; iced teas are poured in Mason jars. The Blunt and Savory tea for two makes for the perfect lunch or snack with mini-tea pies, savory filled scones, cheddar biscuits, focaccia and goat cheese, accompanied with a steaming pot of oolong. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try something from the Pot of Chocolate or Homemade Chai selections.
Forgot expensive chocolates from an overpriced boutique or cheap boxes from the nearest Duane Reade when looking to surprise your loved one. Stop by Popbar for Hot Chocolate on a Stick, available in dark, milk and vanilla white chocolate. When ordering at the shop, mix your stick into the steaming milk for a creamy hot cup of melted chocolate to sip or buy a 3, 6 or 12 pack to enjoy in the comfort of your own apartment on a chilly fall night.
More: NYC's 5 Best Greenmarket Eats
Whether you're shopping for fruit in Union Square or sampling cheese at Tompkins Square Park, the Grow NYC greenmarkets around NYC offer hot cider from some of their fruit and farm vendors during the fall and winter seasons. Grab a steaming hot cup of cider while running errands or enjoying the cool weather for under $3 a cup.
Bourbon Vanilla Hot Cocoa, The Chocolate Room
86 Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn
(718) 783-2900
thechocolateroombrooklyn.com
We're topping off the list with another elixir making a repeat apperance: Bourbon Vanilla Hot Cocoa from The Chocolate Room. This romantic Park Slope spot stays open late. The owners use small batches of artisanal chocolates to create their delicious offerings. This classic hot cocoa is made with E. Guittard 38% milk chocolate infused with a bourbon vanilla. The chocolatiers will be happy to top it with with whipped creme or, for a real treat, homemade bruleed marshmallows.
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Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
