For someone who cannot function without a stream of coffee measuring six cups or more, the steamy or iced cups have lost their comfort. I didn’t think a day would come when the following words would fall together but the caffeinated beverage has become a monotony in the grind of daily life and there’s no ‘snugness’ in it anymore. But the weather in Karachi has been more than kind and as an average Karachiite has sweated enough to miss out on the chilly nights. So, where does one seek comfort? I am on the hunt for the ultimate silky smooth coziness in the form of hot chocolate in Karachi. Here’s everywhere I can trust can do justice to the weather’s demand. And when it is not being hunted, then comfort can be found at home – under a string of fairy lights, in an oversized sweatshirt, snuggling a cushion and a good read.

PESTO

Do you ever feel like just sitting in a bright space, settle in with a good read and sip on velvety goodness of a hot chocolate that feels a hug (or better?). Pesto does my favourite luxury beverage justice with thick textured smoothness without any added sugars and a side of a gorgeously red strawberry (DUNK IT!). Made with melted dark chocolate and milk, you’ll be licking the bottom of the mug with your finger in public, but hey, they might get it.

BY YOURS TRULY

It’s 12 a.m. You’ve had an early start followed by a long day at work, your phone rang off the hook (I am aware our phones are wireless but till we come up with a better phrase for effect) and the deadlines crept closer. It’s been stressful and you need to unwind. What tops cosy blanket, Netflix and a just-hot-enough mug of cocoa to end the date on a dreamy note? Dark unsweetened chocolate, cocoa powder, low fat milk, brown sugar and a pinch of salt does the trick when you’re too lazy or broke (we all know the latter is the real reason but okay). Also, don’t underestimate the power of a fitting AF mug.

ESPRESSO

The one to bring the coffee culture to Karachi, how can one forget Espresso. Be it the dark and dim interior or their selection of coffees, you just can’t forget Espresso. Creamy and thick with froth bubbles popping on surface, not too sweet and the right kind of hot, it toyed with the right taste buds on the tongue. One wish: only if they could maintain consistency in all their branches. While some places feel they hit the right spot, other’s make you question whether this is just heated Milo in a mug.

FLOC

Okay, maybe I am biased. I frequent FLOC once a week, something about the air feels light and the neon artwork on the wall always makes me smile. On their dedicated list of hot cocoas, my go-to is the Devil’s Dark Hot Chocolate. There’s nothing that comes close to the feeling of cradling the egg-shaped dark teal mug topped with whipped cream with a finish of sprinkled cocoa powder. Creamy textured, rich and dark, the hot chocolate is a great pick on their menu. Maybe one day, I shall experiment with something else on their menu (I’ve got my eye on their Mexican Chilli Hot Chocolate) but not today.