Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolates
I’m so glad it’s time for hot chocolate! Even though I live in the desert I love the cold: I live for fall and I don’t mind winter and snow. That’s why I’m always happy when I realize that it’s time for Starbucks to launch their pumpkin and peppermint flavor shots. This year, however, they’ve launched something new - premium hot chocolates!
Though they’ve been available in Europe and Asia for the last two years, Starbucks decided to bring things home as the demand for premium chocolate has increased. I had the chance to try one and I don’t know what I’ll do to get my caffeine kick at the same time, because my visits to Starbucks for the rest of the season will include a hot chocolate!
They’ve launched three flavors:
~ Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate: “Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy European-style hot chocolate made with our signature blend of four cocoas. This sophisticated hot chocolate is pure indulgence, made with no artificial ingredients - just four distinctive cocoas, sugar, natural vanilla extract, and milk! It is topped with fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.”
~ Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: “This delicious sweet and salty combination brings together our rich, indulgent Signature Hot Chocolate and the flavors of buttery caramel and smoked sea salt. It is topped with whipped cream, a swirl of caramel and a sprinkle of our sea salt topping - a combination of artisan sea salt and Turbinado sugar from Hawaii.”
~ Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: “We’ve accented our rich, creamy European-style Signature Hot Chocolate with hazelnut syrup to create a classic chocolate and nut flavor combination. It is topped with fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.”
I had to try the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate because I can’t resist a drink with both chocolate and salt. I’m only human. I’ll eventually get around to trying the other two, but the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is only available for a limited time, so I’m taking advantage of it while it’s around!
The new drinks seem to concentrate more on chocolate than milk (using four different cocoas from West Africa), resulting in a richer-than-usual drink. The salt is French sea salt blended with Hawaiian Turbinado sugar. The salt is smoked over burning chardonnay barrels and sprinkled on top of the whipped cream. Pure heaven.
Have you tried the new premium hot chocolates? What did you think?
[image used with permission from starbucks.com]
Tags: drink, hot-chocolate, premium hot chocolate, signature hot chocolate, starbucksRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Chocolate Products, Chocolate Review
9 opinions for Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolates
Desi
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I love the Signature Hot Chocolate!!! So nummy!
Heather
Oct 10, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Hi Desi! I’m so glad they decided to give them a shot stateside, they’re definitely a treat!
6th Floor Blog
Oct 10, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I agree with the Salted Caramel..I’ve had it three times, loved it all three times, and still can’t bring myself to try the others because I like that one so much. (Try not to look at the calorie count btw, in New York City, it’s law that they have to put it up there)
I enjoyed Chantico way back when, but these are much much better. btw, you can get the peppermint shots any time of year. no red sugar, but that’s no big deal.
Maybe I/You should try them with an espresso shot for a little bit of caffeine. hmm.
Noreen
Oct 12, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I will have to try them
Teresa
Oct 15, 2008 at 7:35 pm
It’s a shame Starbucks removed the Chantico. Now there was a drinking chocolate you had to sip slowly and enjoy every minute of it. I am going to try the Salted Caramel though. That one sounds yummy.
Sherry
Oct 17, 2008 at 6:53 am
Oh wow. I wish there was a Starbucks near me because that salted caramel flavor sounds incredible.
Chocolate Zen: Hot Chocolate
Oct 22, 2008 at 9:39 am
[...] if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to make a Starbucks run for another Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (get it with a shot of espresso - it’s amazing! Thanks for the idea, [...]
Linda
Dec 3, 2008 at 1:36 am
The problem with the Salted caramel and the rest of those hot chocolates is that they are FATTENING AS HELL. I have been gaining WEIGHT since I started drinking them, so I asked for the calorie count on them and they couldnt supply that for me. Also I still need to know what they use for sweetner, as I cannot tolerate high fructose corn syrups or any variation of that, and I notice Im getting stomach aches again. If anyone knows what they sweetened their drinks with, please please email me. Jendsfolly21@yahoo.com
Thanks
Linda
Dec 3, 2008 at 1:37 am
Sorry there was a typo there
jensfolly21@yahoo.com
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: