Mini Review: Starbuck’s Signature Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel

by julie on October 3, 2008

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Bearista
Originally uploaded by winemedineme

Even the avowed non-chain person likes Starbucks. I do. When I can, I go to Coffee Emporium or Sitwell’s, or any number of my favorite local coffee spots, but since there aren’t any (that I’ve found) within a few minutes of my office, I had to settle with Starbucks. Settle indeed– I wanted to try their Salted Caramel hot chocolate before I hunkered down for a conference call at noon. I guess you could say I drank my lunch!

It wasn’t bad. I got a grande, but a tall is more than enough. It’s not as sweet or as thick as the Chantico (remember that? Like hot pudding!) and not quite salty enough. I realize that it’s supposed to be just a hint of salty-sweet, but instead you get just a few hints of salt in the first few sips. All in all, pretty tasty, ethically produced cocoa and vanilla extract, and I got that cute bear (I love the Starbucks bears, particularly the Halloween ones. I’m apparently 5) to boot.

What’s your favorite coffee beverage– Starbucks or not?

Deirdra Harris Glover

I love a latte made with orange scented coffee, with a drizzle of orange blossom honey.
Suz

I don’t like any kind of coffee, but I do like getting the iced Passion Tazo tea at Starbuck’s, slightly sweetened only. If it is very cold and I am in the mood (I don’t like hot beverages as a rule) I will get the Starbuck’s hot chocolate…it’s the best I’ve had.
Allison

i’ve been dying to try the salted caramel hot chocolate! my favorite drink of the moment though is the pumpkin latte. a pumpkin scone is a good breakfast too.
Cin Twin1

My favorite coffee drink is an Americano. It is a shot of expresso topped off with hot water. I think it has a better taste than just brewed coffee. It is usually one of the cheapest drinks too! I like a pump of a sugar free syrup in it too sometimes, especially when they don’t charge me!
Anonymous

I loved the maple machiatto Starbucks offered for fall 2006-miss it, want it back…boo hoo
Bonnie

My favorite Starbucks drinks are all caramel! Caramel Macchiato with whip, Caramel Expresso Frappucino, and now the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate! Yum.
kelly

i did love the chantico, and you’re right, it tasted just like hot chocolate pudding…

my favorite bev – wine! is that so bad?
Foxydot

While I am kind of a coffee fiend, I’ve never really been a Starbucks fan. It tastes a little burnt to me and the sugared up fancy drinks don’t really taste like coffee to me anymore. But they are everywhere, easy to find, and will do in a pinch.

Two night ago I was enjoying a weekend training on Erie Ave, and at the break declared, “I really want a hot apple cider.” Lo and behold, the coffee Emporium offered not just Hot Apple Cider, but THREE VARIETIES of Hot Apple Cider drinks. Coffee Emporium F.T.W.
Ryan Detzel

Hmm…I was wondering what that thing was like. I think I’m going to get one but, I struggle to order anything from Starbucks without 4 shots of espresso in it.

4 shots just might fit nicely in a salted caramel hot chocolate now that I’m thinking about it.

*leaves for coffee fix*
D R E W

mexicoco from sitwell’s or a cappuccino from brewtopia. YUM!

if i go to starbucks, i get a mocha or latte.
Julie

Deirdra– I love orange and chocolate. Yum.

Suz– Have you tried the iced passion lemonade? Also good.

Allison– I hear the pumpkin latte tastes different this year. True?

Cin Twin– If I want hot coffee in the afternoon, and not a frou-frou drink, I get an Americano. I hate the pike’s place blend, and that’s the only thing they brew after noon.

Anon– I remember that! It was tasty. I do love maple.

Bonnie– caramel. Mmm.

Kelly– wine is up there for me, too!

Foxydot– YUM. What kinds? Actual cider or from a mix?

Drew– I like the mexicoco, but my favorite Sitwell’s drink (I had one last night) is the black raspberry mocha cream. YUM.
Michelle Lentz

I go to Starbuck’s for only 2 reasons, really – the unintentionally free wireless at the Crestview Hills location and the bears. I love the bears. I have too many of the bears and now use them as part of my seasonal decorating.

Although I love the smell of coffee, Im not a coffee drinker (despite years and years of trying). I’m a big tea fiend though, but I can’t seem to find any tea or chai that compares to the Bean Haus, where they use actual tea leaves and not a mix. I hate that Starbuck’s (and Reality Tuesday, and others) make their chai from a mix. Bleh!
http://truemiddlechild.blogspot.com Kelsea

Venti Americano with an extra shot, 1 pack of Splenda.
Heaven.