Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate

The concept of the Starbucks signature hot chocolate is beautiful. Four distinctive cocoas blended with whole milk, natural sugar and real vanilla extract. It is a unique chocolate indulgence that is sure to make your taste buds sing. How can this drink possible go wrong?

Comparing the standard large hot chocolate with the new signature blend there are only a few differences. The packaging is basically the same. Both hot chocolates come in the standard, fancy Starbucks cups that will make you ever so trendy. Both hot chocolates come with real whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. The big difference starts with the price. A large hot chocolate will run you $3.95. This compared to the standard hot chocolate that Starbucks already offers at $3.00 for a large.

So I guess it must be what is inside the cup that is so spectacular you won't regret the 620 calories you are consuming. I mean the standard hot chocolate only contains 500 calories for a 20 ounce cup so the 120 calories of goodness must be worth it, right? I have to say that after drinking a whopping 20 ounces of the signature hot chocolate that is does taste better. It is a stronger more intense chocolate flavor. It hits your tongue and takes you back to the days when Starbucks used to serve the liquid chocolate shots. It is a true chocolate indulgence full bodied that will linger with you until your next caffeine fix.

Other benefits of ordering the new signature hot chocolate include the new twists on flavors that they offer. They have a salty caramel hot chocolate that satisfies the sweet and salty craving in all of us. There is also a more traditional hazelnut hot chocolate that fits right in with the holidays. These two flavors make it easy to switch drinks up on a daily basis.

This being said paying an extra 25% per cup is a little too steep to make it worth my while. I will stick with a more traditional hot chocolate, or even better blend my own signature hot chocolate complete with real whipped cream at home.

Still for those with a passion for chocolate and the disposable income to afford a daily dose of Starbucks this is a refreshing change to the café mocha or caramel macchiato that you usually ingest. It is a great treat for the winter days ahead.