Every once in a while, a moment comes along when you look at a menu and you have to order something different. You’re frozen in place with the decision to try something other than your usual. It’s a frightening situation because you’re so accustomed to your regular drink or food that anything aside from that could be a grandiose mistake. But it’s with the new item that your ordinary day can be transformed into a Jumani-style adventure. That’s where I was: standing at the counter of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf being asked what I’d like to have. Since I was invited to try out the winter menu featuring a new beverage trio of Mexican Hot Chocolate, I knew what to get. With an objective in mind I shouted, “Mexican Hot Chocolate Ice Blended, please!” And it was with that one sentence that I would change the course of my morning.
Ok, maybe it was a little less dramatic, but it sure did feel like an eventful 15 seconds.
Once I got over the fact that I wasn’t getting my regular drink, I was able to experience what was in front of me. It was the Mexican Chocolate Latte ($3.95) , Mexican Chocolate Ice Blended ($3.95, small), the Mexican Hot Chocolate ($3.00, small) and the Churro Toast ($2.50 each). The trio was hot and smelled of rich cocoa powder, so I was ready to see if the taste matched the fragrance. I decided to start with the latte first (not pictured). It was a simple and straight to the point kind of drink. It seems like it’s the ideal beverage for someone who doesn’t need thrills in their cup. Not too shabby, but I wanted more.
Since I always order a caramel Ice Blended, the Mexican Chocolate version was a safe choice. The icy mixed drink reminded me of its sister Blendeds, but with a potent chocolate-cinnamon flavor. It’s a perfect drink to make you feel like you’re cozying up by the fireplace, even though it’s a 75 degree day in LA. I liked it. But surprisingly, I loved the Mexican Hot Chocolate the most! It was creamy, smooth, rich, and had hints of mocha flavorings that danced with cinnamon inside of the cup. The feeling I got with this drink took me to my childhood. Think back to when you’re grandmother made you hot chocolate as a kid and you felt comfort and happiness with each sip. It was like that, only 100 times better. Sorry grams.
Pairing it with the Churro Toast ($2.50) only adds to entirety of the drink. The toast is an easy eat: thick, but not too heavy. It has swirls of cinnamon and grooves of chocolate while being lightly topped with sugar. If you were hoping for a toast breaded and overwhelmed in sugar, this isn’t it. It may be a churro toast, but it does its best to skip the chance of you getting diabetes. Thanks CBTL!
Trying a new drink isn’t easy, but trying three is even harder. To make such a decision between the Mexican Chocolate trio was a tough one, but fun nonetheless. I’m glad that I fell in love with the Mexican Hot Chocolate because I was not expecting it. I loved the way the barista was able to maintain the profound chocolaty flavor in such a way that it didn’t get forgotten when combined with the milk. And let’s not forget, the whip cream on top was like a giant marshmallow. It may be a front runner over my regular. Well, while the drink lasts. Try and get as much of it as you can, because it’ll be on the menu until Sunday March 1st. Think of how many Mexican hot chocolates you can have in that amount of time. The mere thought gets me ready for another cup as I type…
To find a location serving the delicious Mexican Hot Chocolate, click here!
Follow Them.
Address: Various Locations.
Images and tasting featured here: Pasadena (415 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101) and Downtown LA (645 W 9th St #108 Los Angeles, CA 90015)
Phone: Pasadena – (626) 744-9370 and Downtown LA – (213) 627-3816
Hours: Varies
Social: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
