Review: Starbucks - Chile Mocha

Starbucks' Chile Mocha features espresso, steamed milk, and a cocoa and cinnamon powder, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Chile Mocha topping consisting of ancho and cayenne chile pepper, cinnamon, paprika, sugar and a hint of sea salt.

I bought a 12-oz Tall for $4.25.

Like Starbucks' pumpkin fall drink, the cinnamon in the Chile Mocha gives a similar spiced feeling. Beyond that it differed quite a bit.

The coffee seemed more prevalent here and the sweetness level is a lot more moderate and less dessert-like. The cocoa gives it a mild chocolaty accent. Compared to your traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate, it's not as rich nor spiced but remained enjoyable.

The heat of the drink is only found in the sprinkled topping, which left an interesting tingle of heat on the back of the tongue as well as a note of smokiness. It went nicely with the rest of the drink and the spiciness never got even close to discomforting.

Overall, Starbucks Chile Mocha makes for an excellent hot drink on a cold day. If you find their other fall offerings to be too indulgent, this one makes a more subtle play for your autumnal spending.

Nutritional Info - Starbucks Tall Chili Mocha with 2% Milk (12 fl oz)
Calories - 270 (from Fat - 110)
Fat - 12g (Saturated Fat - 7g)
Sodium - 140mg
Carbs - 32g (Sugar - 29g)
Protein - 19g
Caffeine - 80mg