Sanlitun | Le Petit Gourmand

Le Petit Gourmand has long been an island of Gallic tranquility in the sea of hedonistic Tongli madness, so it should come as no surprise that this haven of low voices and wood tones delivers a bang-up rendition of the ultimate comfort beverage. Served in a satisfyingly large mug, the hot cocoa (¥25) here is pleasant and doesn’t overwhelm the drinker with the cloying sweetness found in many of the city’s other venues. Take a sip in front of the wood-fired stove and let the richly balanced flavor transport you to wintertime memories of childhood.

Find it: 3/F, Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Back Street, 三里屯后街, 同里3层, Tel: 6417-6095

Various Locations | Comptoirs de France

Long considered Beijing’s hot chocolate champion, Comptoirs earns its crown with a cup of cocoa (¥32) that stands apart from the mass of anonymous powdered mixes. The taste of this rich, complex brew, with its tantalizing undertones, lingers in the mind (and on the tongue) long after the last sip. Comptoirs similarly puts other places to shame with the champion-sized flagon used to hold it. Even better, the bakery serves not one, but seven flavors of hot chocolate. Double up on your sugar overload and pair your drink with some superb pastries to nibble at while you while away a chilly Beijing winter’s day.

Find it: Six branches in Dongzhimen, Ritan, Lido, CBD and Shunyi, Web: www.comptoirsdefrance.com

Sanlitun | Double Coffee

Double Coffee’s offering (¥38) socks it to you with an espresso-sized cup of molten chocolate. They do it Russian-style here, which means pure chocolate melted down and thinned with just enough milk to make the resultant chocolate mud into something a little less viscous. Added milk aside, this hot chocolate is still so thick that it comes with a spoon, and we love it all the more for that. Go for a cup of classic or caramel flavor, or, if you’ve ever felt an overpowering urge to drink a Peppermint Patty, give the mint flavor a shot.

Find it: 3/F, Building S3, Sanlitun Village, 19 Gongti North Road 工体北路19号, 里屯Village S3楼3层 Tel: 6417-2181

By Matt Schrader