Pumpkin Spice season is nigh and boy, am I ready for it. Oversized ponchos, ankle boots and wooly mittens will start making their most coveted appearance (finally) and happiness is upon us. After that sweltering summer, I am honestly SO-O-O relieved for this cooler weather, but the things I am most excited about would be the new range of drinks offered by the many beloved coffee-shops. Tim Hortons, Second Cup, Coffee Culture and Starbucks all offer delicious new beverages but the one I wanted to try the most was the Chile Mocha – a seamless blend of sweet and spicy.
I sat down with my drink and took my first sip. The first thing that hit me about the Chile Mocha was the zesty scent of cayenne peppers. The taste itself was definitely spicy – not like the cinnamon-y, clove-y piquancy you get with usual fall drinks: it’s actual, invigorating heat, with a subtle note of smokiness.
Regarding the sweetness of the Chile Mocha, I was initially expecting the mocha-vanilla to be overwhelmingly saccharine – something that I really dislike about chocolate flavoured drinks, but I was pleasantly surprised. The taste reminded me of dark chocolate, with the bitterness cut oh-so-slightly by a hint of comforting vanilla. It isn’t as indulgent as the usual offerings of mocha beverages (which can be heavy and dessert-like) so it’s a great drink for the morning pick-me-up.
One thing that I felt was really lacking in this drink was the coffee flavour. I really like a more intense coffee undertone, so next time I’ll most likely be getting the Chile Mocha with an extra shot of espresso – I think this would bring out the natural essences of the chili and cinnamon much, much more.
Now, I don’t know about you guys but generally I love whipped cream in hot drinks! HOWEVER, for this particular drink, I’d absolutely recommend that you skip on it. Though the coolness of the whipped cream contrasted really nicely with the heat of the latte, the cream seemed to dilute the flavour and the richness of the drink (which I realised only after sneaking a sip from my S/O’s cup – who hates whipped cream.) So it’s a no from me for the whipped cream.
I’d rate this drink a solid 8/10 in terms of overall flavour, for myself I’d love a tad more spice the next time I get this, but that’s totally personal choice! I think everyone should give this beverage a go – but, the million-dollar question remains:
*dramatic, rumbling crescendo*
Is it the next PSL?
Perhaps, perhaps not. I’d say it’s the more sophsiticated and spicy relative of the humble Pumpkin Spice Latte which is the one and true embodiment of all things fall.
*fade to black*
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