Savour the sin: Pune’s top hot chocolates to melt the winter blues away

Brewing Partners

Price: Starting at Rs 245

Quietly slipping into Pune’s hot chocolate conversations, the Brewing Partners is the go-to spot for anyone who likes their cocoa rich and silky. The café serves six different versions, all deliberately made without added sweetness, letting the chocolate speak for itself. Their signature Old School Hot Chocolate is a crowd favourite for its smooth consistency and dark profile, balanced in sweetness. Best paired with their in-house butter croissant, the flaky-velvetty combination keeps the crowd coming back for more. All hot chocolates here are prepared with Callebaut Callets chocolate, contributing to the uniform melt and refined finish requisite to their preparation. “We wanted our hot chocolate to taste like actual chocolate — something you can feel, not just sweetness,” the team said, adding that the process begins with slowly melting pure Callebaut. According to them, this method is central to the drink’s depth and overall richness.

Where Else Diner & Bar

Price: Starting at Rs 200

A pet-friendly cafe that locals say is a “must visit” for their hot chocolates, Where Else offers a 5-step make customisable chocolate experience. (Express Photo)

Started 11 years ago, Where Else has grown into a familiar stop in Viman Nagar’s café circuit, and its hot chocolate reflects the diner’s comfort-first approach. A pet-friendly cafe that locals say is a “must visit” for their hot chocolates, they offer a 5-step make customisable chocolate experience. Paired perfectly with the diner’s breakfast items, such as waffles or pancakes, the Parisian dark and the milk chocolate options are the favourites. Both heavily consistent as well as silky, align perfectly with the café’s preference for richer, heavier beverages.

Verandah

Price: Rs 150

Verandah has become a steady choice for those who prefer cafés with a slower, more relaxed pace. (Express Photo)

Tucked away in a quieter pocket of Erandwane, Verandah has become a steady choice for those who prefer cafés with a slower, more relaxed pace. Opened in 2021, the establishment was one of the first to offer Kothrudkars with special beverages and homemade ice creams. Their hot chocolate fits neatly into this setting, offering a simple, straightforward version that leans on warmth and flavour rather than heaviness. The drink isn’t overly thick, making it suitable for those who enjoy a lighter cup, especially when paired with the café’s baked goods. “We want our hot chocolate to taste like home”, said Chef Akashmangal. Verandah also offers its hot chocolate in two formats: a concentrated “shot” for those who prefer an intense burst of cocoa, and a regular cup for customers seeking a more leisurely, sippable drink, giving visitors the option to choose between a richer serving and a lighter beverage.

La Grange

Price: Rs 310

Known for its rustic French barn aesthetic and, of course, the Tiramisu, La Grange at Boat Club road also serves hot chocolate that fits seamlessly into its warm, homely setting. With a menu focused on small, flavour-driven batches, they offer only three hot chocolate options, including a classic version, a chilli hot chocolate with a subtle kick, and a S’mores Hot Chocolate noted for its balanced consistency. Speaking about her hot chocolate, Chef Rhea Raisoni explains that she wanted to take a different route from most cafés in the city. While many places lean toward thick, dessert-like versions, La Grange aimed for a lighter, thinner style that still carries depth and flavour, a choice that complements their pastries rather than overpowering them.

Le Flamington

Price: Starting at Rs 349

Le Flamington is seeing a steady stream of visitors this season, thanks largely to its thoughtfully crafted hot chocolate. (Express Photo)

Located in Koregaon Park, Le Flamington is seeing a steady stream of visitors this season, thanks largely to its thoughtfully crafted hot chocolate. The café notes that it uses imported single-origin chocolate as the base for its cocoa, the secret to its deep flavour and thickness. Their signature dark hot chocolate, best paired with croissants made with President butter, is cited by them as one of their most consistent combinations. They were among the first in the city to take this route, choosing quality even when it meant going the extra mile. This approach aligns closely with their broader philosophy, offering a touch of luxury while keeping it accessible.