It’s the perfect time of year to drink your calories.

We’re knee deep in winter boots and shrouded in wool for the foreseeable future, so there’s no better excuse to indulge your inner child with a stonking great mug of molten chocolate.

You don’t want to waste your cheat day on a dud though, so make sure your chocolatey choice has our stamp of approval.

At Yay Cork we took our investigation extremely seriously; anything bland, watery or too sweet was discounted.

The hot chocolates on this list are the real deal, carefully concocted by the city’s own Willy Wonkas to inspire pure, unadulterated joy in anyone who tastes them.

And there’s a whole winter ahead to make your way through each one…

1. O’Conaill Chocolate

French Church Street

Despite the amazing choice in town these days, the original remains hard to beat. With a variety of flavours to choose from (ours is a dark chocolate, thanks), every steaming mug comes with O’Conaill’s trademark paper cup of chocolate drops.

2. The Frozen Hot Chocolate at Casanova Gelato

Georges Quay

There’s a regular queue out the door during the summer, so it’s no surprise that Casanova Gelato would have a trick up their sleeves for the winter months. Their Frozen Hot Chocolate involves an Italian base and two scoops of their incredible homemade gelato topped with fresh cream.

3. The Aztec Hot Chocolate at Market Lane

Oliver Plunkett Street

The Market Lane’s signature hot chocolate has a spicy twist. You can even add a shot of tequila if you’re feeling extra.

4. The Terry’s Chocolate Orange at The Workshop

Ballygarvan

The Workshop is worth the spin for the hot chocolate menu alone. Don’t let the dainty teacups fool you; this is a beast of a chocolatey treat.

5. A hot chocolate in peace at St Peter’s 

North Main Street

Not only is the hot chocolate at St Peter’s a treat in itself, but you can let your kids run wild in their play area while you enjoy it.

6. The house hot chocolate at Tara’s Tearoom

MacCurtain Street

If you like to drink your calories from the finest vintage bone china, take your notions to MacCurtain Street, where Tara’s Tearoom served up heaping plates of fresh cakes and the prettiest hot chocolate in town.

Image: @Magicfayne

7. The Deluxe Hot Chocolate at Lab 82 

Lower Glanmire Road

This lower Glanmire Road spot is worth the stroll for a decadent chocolate hit topped with marshmallow and caramel sauce. They just unveiled a white chocolate raspberry version too.

8. Fellini’s Hot Chocolate

Carey’s Lane, Cork City

Maybe it’s the way it comes in a jug so you can fill your own glass with molten chocolate, but Fellini’s hot chocolate, sipped at the little table on the cobbled street outside, is a tradition we enjoy time and time again.

9. The Kentucky Hot Chocolate at White Rabbit Bar & BBQ

MacCurtain Street

Save this one for after dark – the Kentucky Hot Chocolate at White Rabbit is made in traditional Derby fashion; with a hefty splash of bourbon. It’ll keep you toasty all the way home.

10. The Oreo Cookie Hot Chocolate at Perry Street

Perry Street, Blackpool and Citygate Mahon 

If you’re the type of person who likes a dunked biscuit in their tea, this will be right up your street. It’s a hefty drink with a serving of fresh cream on the side so don’t be surprised if you don’t have room for lunch.

11. The Boozy Hot Chocolate List at Deep South

Grand Parade

Whether yours is a Bailey’s Hot Chocolate, a Kinder Bueno, a smooth Caramel or Frozen Hot Chocolate, Deep South have all your boozy hot chocolate whims catered for. There’s even a Blackberry Hot Chocolate and a Peppermint flavour.

12. The house Hot Chocolate at Italee

128 Oliver Plunkett Street

Italian hot chocolate has a reputation for being some of the most decadent in the business – half way between a drink and a dessert, really. Follow the crowd to Oliver Plunkett Street to try this one.

MORE: This Cork hotel has created a magical Winter Terrace – here’s a sneak peek