Top chocs make a cup runneth over

Just like our booming coffee scene, Melbourne's taste for hot chocolate has evolved and matured over the years. Begone, gritty Ovaltine with unidentified surface skin! Hello fine couverture with artisan ganache, served in bowls, pots and fine china. Here are 10 indulgent options to warm you up this winter.

The Hardware Societe, $4.50
120 Hardware Street, city, 9078 5992

What a treat. A delicate cup arrives with a dollop of cream and a solid hunk of ganache inside, which melts as you pour from a jug of steaming Jonesy's milk combined with 54 per cent-cocoa Belgian Callebaut chocolate. There's even a baby cinnamon doughnut on the side. Awww.

Cafe Fraus Crepes & Chocolat, $4.90
345 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, 9328 8999

Fraus is a noted Italian brand of hot chocolate powder that forms a rich, custard-like consistency when mixed with hot milk. The flagship cafe is like a Baskin-Robbins, with 23 flavour variations including banana, apple cinnamon, raspberry and tiramisu. You'll need a spoon.

Monsieur Truffe/East Elevation, $5.20
351 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, 9380 4915

Served in earthenware cups with mini wooden spoons, Monsieur Truffe's benchmark hot chocolate tastes like an ancient elixir of life. Using house-roasted 75 per cent Madagascan cacao beans, this is a complex brew that is bold, nourishing and never too sweet.

Alice Nivens, $3.80
Shop 13, Port Phillip Arcade, 228 Flinders Street, city, 0413 373 610

This arcade gem uses Mork, a top-shelf hot chocolate brand made in Melbourne. My Best Friend's Mocha combines Mork goodness with a shot of espresso, chocolate liquor, coconut blossom sugar and a perfect square marshmallow. Is it a latte? Is it a hot chocolate? It's both, and it rocks.

Hahndorf's Fine Chocolates, $4-$6
81 Bluff Road, Black Rock, 9533 1575

One of nine stores spread across Melbourne, this German chocolatier nails the hot chocolate. Order it straight up or with a hint of flavouring including liquorice, Jaffa or Cherry Ripe. For a little extra, get your choice of melted truffle added to the mix. Yes please.

Xocolatl, $5.95
123 Maling Road, Canterbury, 9836 3100

Pronounced shock-oh-lat-ill, so you know, this family-owned cafe has several flavours including peppermint, orange and rose & spice. The exemplary chilli version is creamy and soothing, with a pleasant kick of cayenne at the back of the throat. It's winter in a cup.

Choclatte, $4-$5
827 Burke Road, Camberwell, 9882 1011

Using a base of pure Lindt chocolate mixed with ''textured'' - that's frothed - milk, these concoctions come in two sizes and four variations (dark, milk, spiced, white). The white hot chocolate has a familiar Lindt linger, and a thick, rich and candy-sweet finish like a hot milkshake.

Sonido, $4.50-$8.50, $2 for the cheese
69 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, 0404 621 946

Here's a thing: hot chocolate and cheese. It's a Colombian tradition, apparently, and it's one to tick off your bucket list. A thin slice of queso fresco acts like a salty milk when combined with piping-hot chocolate mixed in a battered saucepan using a Milo-esque South American cocoa powder called Corona. Grab a wooden molinillo to pound it all up, and drink it like the do in the Andes.

Ganache, $6
250 Toorak Road, South Yarra, 9804 7485

If you're after a hot chocolate that is less milky drink, more pure melted chocolate, this one's for you. A secret house blend of German, Belgian and French couverture sets the outrageously rich beverage apart. There are several variations (the mint is delish) and a crunchy macadamia biscuit on the side.

Mamor, $7
153 Johnston Street, Collingwood, 9419 3869

Ring the doorbell before entering this eccentric vaudeville tea-house that's a bit like having tea with your granny directed by Baz Luhrmann. The 70 per cent West African chocolate blend arrives in a gold china teaset poured into dainty matching cups. It's velvet smooth, flecked with Tongan vanilla bean and best shared over cucumber sandwiches.

What's your top pick for hot chocolate fix in Melbourne? Log in to the comments and let us know.