Are we seriously getting more snow this weekend?
I know. We've had our share already this season, and the idea of more white stuff rolling through feels like winter overstaying its welcome. But if we're going to be cold, we might as well lean into it. And that means hot chocolate—not the powdered kind from a packet, but the real thing. Thick, rich, made with care.
Hot chocolate in the Hamptons isn't just a drink. It's a ritual. It's what you order after a beach walk when the wind has stripped all the warmth from your body. It's what you sip slowly in a corner booth while the snow piles up outside. It's permission to slow down, to stay a little longer, to let the day unfold without urgency.
Here's where to find the best versions this weekend, each with their own distinct approach.
Carissa's Bakery — True French Hot Chocolate
Carissa's doesn't do anything halfway, and their hot chocolate is no exception. This is French-style through and through—thick, almost pudding-like in texture, the kind of thing you could practically eat with a spoon. It's not sweet in the American sense. It's deep, bittersweet, made with real chocolate that coats your mouth and lingers.
If you've never had French hot chocolate before, this is your introduction. It's intense. It's indulgent. And it pairs beautifully with one of their pastries if you want to make a full moment of it.
Grindstone Coffee & Donuts — Options for Every Mood
Grindstone understands that not everyone wants the same thing from their hot chocolate. Some days you want traditional—simple, comforting, exactly what you remember from childhood. Other days you want peanut butter mocha, because why not add a little richness and nuttiness to the mix. And then there are the days when Mexican hot chocolate is the only answer—spiced, warming, with that subtle kick of cinnamon and chili.
The beauty of Grindstone is that you can match your drink to your mood. And their donuts don't hurt either.
Saint Ambroise Southampton — Churning Thick Hot Cocoa
Saint Ambroise brings a European sensibility to everything they do, and their hot cocoa is no different. It's churning, thick, the kind of drink that feels like a meal in itself. This is what you order when you want to sit for a while, when you're not in a hurry to get anywhere else.
The space itself invites lingering—warm lighting, good design, the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay through a second cup. If you're planning to ride out the storm somewhere, this is a strong contender.
Tutto Il Giorno — Cioccolata Calda
Tutto's cioccolata calda is Italian in every sense. Dense, bittersweet, served in a small cup because a little goes a long way. This isn't hot chocolate as dessert—it's hot chocolate as experience. The kind of thing you sip slowly, savoring each taste.
If you're someone who appreciates the difference between good chocolate and great chocolate, this is where you want to be. It's refined without being fussy, indulgent without being over the top.