Early review of Starbucks' Chantico chocolate drink: "That stuff is really yummy"

One of the Evanston Starbucks is asking "guests" to sample the new CHANTICO -- they call it a chocolate bar in a cup -- which is coming out January 8. One kid (about 11) absolutely loved it, while his dad quickly asked for a cup of water. ("This drink needs a chaser," he said.) Another customer said he'd probably never buy it because of the calories. A 6-ounce cup has 390 calories, 21 grams of fat and 51 carbs. Here's background on the drink. (UPDATE: I just tried it; it's almost like drinking a melted Hersey's bar.)

Comments

[Mike Rohde]

Is this a different drink than the Chocofino from '03/04? I live in Milwaukee -- last year around this time Chocofino was tested here and was likewise, very tasty but mucho-intense.

[Ray]

Same drink (almost). That was the test for the company-wide Chantico launch.

[Zwxphtt]

So I drink this with a Monster Burger and I'm good to go for a week? I can already hear "Chantico with double sugar, please"

[BoyWonder]

Which Store? There's only about six stores in Evanston. I want to check this stuff out.

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP webmaster]

The Chantico samples were being handed out at the older Central Avenue store. (A second Central Avenue Starbucks opened earlier this month.)

[James]

will this drink be released in Canada?

[Amy Alkon]

Sounds like a copy of French hot chocolate. The thing is, there they give you the melted chocolate in a tiny "pour" (pitcher) and a little pitcher of warm milk to cut it with -- and NO SKIM! The quality of their chocolate, however, is way above that of a Hershey bar.

[CoffeeBoy]

It is the ultimate chocolate drink. It is not for the Atkins friendly - or any other diet friendly person. It is made only with whole milk and will be one of those "rare" treats. Too many of these and you may fit through the door of your local Starbucks.

I am pretty sure it will be in all North America stores in a couple weeks.

[CoffeeBoy]

On another note... anyone else getting rich on Starbucks stock? Cha Ching!!

[Greg]

Coffee Boy.....Starbucks stock is bumpin! When do you think it will split?

[CoffeeBoy]

Well Greg - I have no "insider" information. Plus I refuse to share cells with Martha Stewart.

I was sure it would split at $40. I was wrong.

Who knows?!? Over $60 now... Yippie

[jon]

why should it split. they don't need the capital. they actually have too much capital as to what they projected.

[Total Cynic]

I still chuckle over the dietician's comment in USA Today's review, 'It's something you should treat yourself to only on a special occasion. Like your 100th birthday.'

Though, I'm sure to try it at least once...

[SBUXGal]

I was debating with a friend if we were holding out for the first ever 3 for 1 split hmmmmmmm?!?

[canuck barista]

My review of the Chantico: VILE. Way too sweet... and that is coming from a chocolate lover. 5/5 baristas agreed in my location... Although like everything, you have to try it once.

[greg]

over 62 a share!

[shift for starbucks]

Our store calls it chocolate flavored lard in a cup. People are not going to like it for many reasons. A) it doesn't come iced. B) it comes in a tiny cup (6 oz.) and in our "super-sized" society that isn't going to go over well. C) it only comes 100% fat no skim no soy no organic just whole milk. We baristas don't like it because A) people will bitch B) it is a pain to make and C) it is just pure crap!

[Coffee Boy]

Crap? I think you are being a bit unfair. Sbux tests their beverage line-up very well. I love it, but it is very sweet and rich.

A small cup - Who in the hell could drink a Venti of it! No one.

Only whole milk - I know I know, it's like all those people who get a sugar-free vanilla,non-fat, XTRA-WHIP(and sooo fattening), Mocha. What's the point? The chocolate is Fat enough, skim milk isn't gonna help!

Want it iced? Throw a Hersey bar in the fridge in an hour and eat it.

[Watts]

Friends and I got samples of this earlier today. The baristas at that store were dubious about it, but I think it was pretty good. I've described it to people as being to hot chocolate what espresso is to coffee.

And, yes, I think Coffee Boy is right. People who are upset by it not being available in the fat-free soy-milk variety aren't its target audience. Starbucks sells chocolate bars, too, and as I recall there are no low-calorie Atkins-compliant versions of those.

And why is it a "pain to make"? From what I saw, they (a) poured some of it into a steaming pitcher and (b) steamed it. This is more of a pain in the butt to make than a flavored mocha?...

[baristaj]

I found last year when testing chocofino (in milwaukee here) that yeah it needed a chaser, but if combined with whip cream it made for a deliciously evil beverage. The new cookies that are being launched as well with chantico, it might be a very satanic winter beverage.

[Shift for Starbucks]

It is a pain to make because of all the steps to prep it that you don't see. You have to pluge the stupid thing in our fabulous new "plastic plunger pticher", taking up more space along with the special little cups, more space needed for those. Not to mention that we will probably have to have an extra "chantico" rag to wipe the steam wands with as to not contaminate the milk rag. You can't just steam it it has to be steamed to a certain temp. and it has to be measure to an exact amount. It is a fussy drink. SO no it isn't a-b as Watts suggests. Everybody has different tastes so I'm sure some people will like it but I'm not sure that it is going to be worth all the headache but you know Starbucks "just say yes" to whatever concotion that produce next

[jon]

umm having been in the test market Chantico is easy to make. It's easier than a cappucino. It is pretty A B C. Plunge Pitcher(tough for those who aren't coordinated) , Steam (obviously those who complain have the automatics and not the marzocco, holy crap I have to pay attention to what's steaming), Wipe Wand, Pour, Serve. Really tough. It's not like you have to actually pull the shots on a marzocco, watch them miss time and pull some more and concentrate on the temp of 2 pitchers steaming at the same time.

It's quieter than Eggnog so you can't say it's the noisiest drink.

IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.

[shift for starbucks]

No it isn't rocket science. I was just stating my opinion of it. I don't think it is going to be that popular and I don't understand all the hype. I mean really $2 and change for 7 oz of chocolate? money would be better spent on a plain hot chocolate that doesn't have nearly as much fat. But if you want that heart attack in a cup fine enjoy

[from maryland]

I tried the chantico today (a manager came up to where i was sitting) and wow is it chocolatey. I think Borders cafe has better hot chocolate than sbux, but this drink is basically an ultimate hot chocolate. Once in a while I think I can see myself drinking this.. not bad at all.

But definitely I would need some water afterwards.

it's not meant to be a beverage it is a dessert.

It's tough to think of something starbucks sells as not being a beverage but it isn't.

Starbucks has a great morning business. This is meant to bring people in at night and have a dessert after going out for dinner

[chantico rico]

i tried it last night while i was working (i also tasted the casi cielo at the same time- alternate between the two and the chantico brings out the cocoa notes of the cielo and it is yum). it is the best f'in hot chocolate ever but waaay rich and i couldn't drink more than four sips. but, it is really good. and no, i don't think it is hard to make. but i agree it takes up a lot of space on our already cramped counters and dish rack with the new cups/saucers, plunger pitchers and also the new cappucino promo. mugs. the reintroduction of the cappucino in the "way they are supposed to be enjoyed" mugs really do take up a lot of space.

[JC]

We tested out the chantico at our store all day...it was funny to watch peoples facial expressions, that was actualy the highlight of our day...it's like when you're trying to convince a little kid that something is tasty, that you know just tastes like yuck. "MMmm! It's REALLY good!" So they'd take a sip, and either go.."Yum!" or "Blah! Who would drink this!??" I am yet to meet a barrista that likes it...but we did have wicked barristas that tourtured their friends with it... a surprising ammount of people either said it should go over ice cream, or they dumped the sample into their drip/mocha/latte...whatever... I asked one of our partners if they thought maybe we should serve a defibulator with it...it does seem to be a liquid heart attack. The question of the day is, if it's made with coca butter, and tastes horrible to drink...could it have another use? Moisturizing skin perhaps? Hmmm....

[scott]

the drink is devastating-it's rich, it's definitely not too sweet and the barista who called it crap should go back to Tim Hortons-they clearly don't have what it takes.

[M]

this new drink sounds like the hot chocolate served at some high-end pastry shops in Italy: you get a cappuccino-sized cup of extra-thick, extra-rich hot chocolate and a plate with several pastries, you then dip the (usually freshly made) pastry in the hot chocolate (which, being extra thick, sticks to it quite well) and go mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Obviously something to be done in moderation, but after a day of hard skiing it was just the perfect treat.

the barista (shift with starbucks) with the bad attitude about the new drink, should do all of us customers(ex starbucks employees included) a favor and quit!! Even using the old machines where you actually had to time your shots, this new drink doesn't sound to have any more steps than a frap. Just my opinion...

frustrated starbucks customers

[shift for starbucks]

So because I don't like the new drink and have complaints I should quit? That makes a lot of sense. I don't voice these opinions at work I voice them on a blog that is about opinions. I think it is a pain others don't so I'm the minority I can deal. We haven't even rolled out the drink yet so I don't know if my theory that the ends don't justify the means is correct yet. If the drink is a rousing success GREAT more money for Starbucks and more money potentially for me. I'm glad y'all love it I just think it is a nasty drink I feel the same way about fraps. I'm a purist in the sense of basically only liking coffee or americanos that is my preference and with the variety of drinks Starbucks carries everybody's preference can be met. So stop reading so much into what I said I mean really do you think baristas are mindless and have no opinion?

[starbucks shift supervisor]

Having worked at a few non-Starbucks jobs (executive secretary, marketing assistant, etc.), I'm constantly amazed at the level of VOCAL dissatisfaction some Starbucks employees feel comfortable expressing publicly, whether on or off the clock.

If you're not a chocolate fan, Chantico probably isn't going to be a big hit with you. It's very chocolatey. If you're on a diet, warm liquid chocolate probably isn't a good choice. (Obviously.) If you're strictly vegan, you won't be ordering chocolate anything.

In my opinion, Chantico is for people who love chocolate and want something rich and seemingly decadent (look at the nutritional information on a chocolate bar, it's not very different) after rich dinners or bad days (PMS?). It's great if that's what you want or need.

Frankly, I'm glad that the Big New Thing isn't yet another concession to the latest fad diets, as one sees at most major chains. That's why it will be successful.

[Seattle Chocolate Lover]

I tried this last night and it is similar to a drink I order at Le Pichet in Seattle, Chocolate Chaud. It's very rich, decadent and a real treat. If you like dark chocolate, you will appreciate this thick drink. It's not for for people who don't appreciate chocolate. There is no other hot chocolate currently in the marketplace for true chocolate lovers, so give it a chance. If Oprah got a hold of this drink, it would sell like hotcakes!

[Kristine]

This drink, and if anyone has ever been to Brooklyn please back me up on this, sounds like a version of a much better chocolate drink served up at Jacques Torres Chocolates on Water street in D.U.M.B.O.

Plus, jacques comes in "Spicy" where they throw some chipolte in it.

[Ryan]

Do they sell it in Venti size?

[Cunning Stunt]

Ryan: Not until we get defibrillators installed in all stores.

[sbuxgirl]

Venti size? U can fast for a week after drinking a VBenti CHAAANTIIIICOOO

[driedtoast]

It is similar to Angelina Cocoa but a bit more commercial tasting and no cream friache for it. I think they need to start serving it with cream friache for the medium chocolate lovers to like it.

Personally I think it is good, but a bit on the starbucks non-quality side.

[bionic barista]

The chantico is kinda good, but not really. But once I started drinking it, I couldn't stop. I think SBUX slipped some crack or something in it.

We started selling it (to one lady) today, and I made a huge mess with just one chantico. If it's as popular as sbux hopes, I see a lot of time spent wiping up chocolate ...

This is for-sure not a "grab and go" drink. If people like it, I think sbux will get my customers to stay and spend more money at night.

Also, did anyone notice how much a venti would cost, god forbid anyone EVER think they want a Venti!, but, if they do it'll cost $6.75!!!!! Out of hand!

[Chantico..yum.]

I tried a Chantico today. It's basically a French chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Yeah, I had a hard time getting thru a 6oz cup..trust me, you CANT drink more than that. The taste rocks..its made from the finest chocolate, thats why it also costs so much. For those of you who said that people won't try it..I think you're wrong. When I went to Starbucks today, at least 10 people ordered it, and 5 other people asked me if it was good..then ordered it. Yes I counted. They were all raving about it. Starbucks made a smart move. Starbucks has the whole of U.S wrapped around its coffee cup, and they know they could introduce anything and it would sell. Those who are concerned about the calories..umm..yeah, you guys still drink the other coffee products EVERYDAY, so that adds up to be worse than drinking a chantico twice a month. I wouldnt reccomend drinking it everyday because youd probably end up getting diabetes...But a chantico is the perfect way to indulge yourself in once in a while!

[Mikey]

Has anyone else drank a venti Chantico, or am I just crazy???

[Mikey]

BTW, I'm an athlete and I have a basketball game tomorrow....

It was probably a bad idea to drink thousands of calories and around 100 grams of fat...Oh well...It was worth it, and I'm over it for about 1 week....SOOOOO delicious.

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP webmaster]

Just for the record, Starbucks introduced JOE magazine a few years ago -- and it didn't sell.

>>>>Starbucks has the whole of U.S wrapped around its coffee cup, and they know they could introduce anything and it would sell.

[starbucks "flavor"]

personally, I hate starbucks; but in some towns its the only place to get a coffee..

The problem for me is that in Starbucks, all the beverages and desserts starts to take on the same 2 "flavors" --> burnt, roasted OR sweet

there is no palate, only the extremes.

Its the same probelm that befalls all corporate foods.. they develop an identity and market it and the flavor to death, which is why all McDonals food for example starts to taste the same as well...

just thoughts, ..

[choc lover]

My husband got me one last week from a barista who offered to make one (even though it hadn't been offically released). I was in HEAVEN. Since moving to Vancouver from Sydney I had been craving my "suckao" from Max Brenner, and the chantico, while not as good as the ritual of the "suckao", still managed to put a big smile on my face. Thank you Starbucks.

[Brad]

Hi! I've never seen this blog before, but after searching on "Chantico," I came upon it. Good comments, everyone... instructive, and I appreciate them. I even appreciate the "resident barista"'s comments, although I disagree.

I spent a semester in Italy and fell in love with the Italian version of hot chocolate. Several folks have commented about the similarities between French chocolat chaud and Chantico, and I'll tell you - for sure - that Chantico is EXACTLY what you'd get in a proper Florentine cafe.

I drank half of my first Chantico, which I had in the to-go cup and found hard to finish. I had my second Chantico in the "cool new Chantico mug!", to quote my extraordinarily enthusiastic barista, along with a new Chantico-friendly dunking cookie. I sat outside in a brisk breeze, and the climate made the rich 6 ounces much easier to finish.

I am generally floored by Chantico, maybe as much for the "Taste of Italy" factor as anything.

[itsthefriendly]

I work at Starbucks one day a week (I wait tables the rest of the time). I LOVE the Chantico.

In response to Mikey, I probably could drink a Venti Chantico, but the most I've let myself do is a Grande. I did a Grande two days in a row. But now that I know that a Grande has 1040 calories, I don't think I could ever bring myself to have a Venti.

[LG]

Like Brad, I came across this blog because I googled "chantico", since Starbucks isn't yet listing the drink officially on its site. I tried one today for the first time and the flavor reminded me of homemade, cooked (not instant) chocolate pudding--that I remember from about 20 years ago! It was like drinking it straight, warm from the pan. Wonderful!!! Yes, it's definitely a "once in a while" drink, not a daily choice, but I have been hoping to find something to help on those PMS days, when I'm really craving a quick, intense hit of chocolate (like one of the baristas above noted) and now I've found it!

On another note, my husband, who loves coffee-flavored things (ice cream, notably), but hates coffee, tried mine and said now he's found a drink he would actually order at Starbucks (besides iced tea), which is a wonder in itself!

[Jim]

I'll admit up front that I am probably precisely the target audience for this drink/dessert. I'm a chocolate snob -- not the exclusive or snooty type but I am the type that knows good chocolate and that Hershey's does not under any circumstance qualify but is acceptable in the absence of any other choice. :-) So, I'm not trying to be snooty; just curious. That said...

Does anyone know exactly what kind/brand of chocolate they're using in Chantico? For the moment I'm assuming it's made by one of the U.S. chocolatiers simply because it'd probably be more than $3 otherwise. It's probably Hershey's, knowing Starbucks, but I'm hopeful it isn't. :)

My thoughts (analysis maybe):
It tastes like it could be Hershey's but, a) it tasted better than that although that could be the milk tempering the flavor, and, b) Hershey's typically doesn't do much with cocoa butter (aka white chocolate) and cocoa butter doesn't make me sneeze like strong chocolate liquor (solids) does so I'm not convinced there'a much, if any, cocoa butter in there despite what the article at USAToday says.

It definitely isn't Scharffen-Berger (S-B) but could be Guittard or Ghirardelli though I'm not sure any of them could manufacture enough to keep up; in any case, I'd say it's cocoa of African origin and has probably been Dutch processed which eliminates S-B altogether.

It'd be great if they used S-B but I suspect people would be falling on the floor first from the price and then from the powerful aroma and taste (S-B is a "flavor" chocolate made from multiple types of cacao so it's MUCH stronger than anything else around. A 1oz bar is typically about $3 but you get what you pay for -- if you want the taste of pure, non-Dutch-processed chocolate, this is the stuff. No, I don't work for S-B).

Your average Hershey's bar has about 15% chocolate solids. As a result, most Americans don't know what real chocolate tastes like so I'm not surprised a lot of people find Chantico to be extremely rich (it's also fairly common for men to dislike chocolate, especially strong chocolate, for whatever reason). The Chantico chocolate is at least 40%-50%, I'd estimate (whether it's cocoa butter or liquor or both).

Anyway, if anyone knows the kind/brand of chocolate, I'd appreciate knowing. I hope this was more informative than snobbish-sounding. :)

[rock-the-bucks]

Okay Chantico, I wasn't impressed at first, but as someone else commented earlier the more samples I tried the more I liked it. I drank a whole one and it sat in my stomach all day. Maybe they should call it an appetite suppresent because I was not hungry for the rest of the day I kid you not!. I sample the hell out of it at work cause it's so simple to make. I agree about the faces people make it's either ohhh! or yeeegch! Some people described it as strong, not sure what that's about there is no coffee in it. Maybe they means it's an intense chocolate taste. I believe it comes from South America and there is definetly cocoa butter mixed with cocoa powder in it. Named after an Aztec Goddess Chantico. Yes I have been reading my little book... Enjoy the Chantico, just hit the gym afterwards.

[Sandra]

I've had 2 Chantico's in the past 3 days. I must say its very good. I was born and raised in Europe, it's not uncommon for me to eat a chocolate bar in one sitting, usually European style which is a lot more intense. I consider Hershey's as imitation chocolate, what "vanilla flavoring" is to organic vanilla extract. Chantico tastes like truffles (Trader Joe's or Whole Food's house brands, for instance). I will definately have one tomorrow morning too. :).

[Gigi Cieri]

I've just had my second Chantico in four days, and I think they're great. Living in Florida, it's a bit hot for a hot drink, and in the summer, it will be impossible to enjoy, but taste-wise, this one's a winner. I don't think the chocolate is too rich and I could easily drink a larger size, although because of the calories, it's a good thing they come in the tiny cups they come in.

[Lupita]

I had a sample of the Chantico drink on Saturday nite around 7:00 Pm, lets just say I could not sleep all night. Kept waking up. The taste is great and yes you need a chaser with it.

[midnight]

It's a bit expensive..almost 4 bucks for the little cup. It could definitly use a heavy cream topping to help cut it, a 10oz cup size and a price cut :-)

[Dannielle]

I pride myself in making a mean cup of hot cocoa. Of course, I splurge on the cocoa and save the cals by using skim milk and I use wrist power to froth it. I normally use Ghirardelli unsweetened chocolate and add sugar and vanilla extract- a couple of years ago I decided to cut the pinch of salt. The second I tasted Chantico, I knew they used whole milk. Hey, if I used whole milk, mine would taste as rich. I can't imagine chasing this with water- why would you want to wipe the taste from your buds? In fact, the only thing that would transcend the taste, is a shot of Cuban coffee (not Starbucks espresso) in it.

[Jones]

To Kristine:
I have to agree with you about the Jacques Torres "Wicked" hot chocolate, it's my favorite in the world. Chantico comes in a close second, but is a lot denser, I think. I can easily drink a 12 oz. cup of the Torres, but as for the Starbucks stuff, it's more like the middle of one of those "molten chocolate" cakes. Can you imagine a "wicked" chipotle version of the chantico? That would get me to Starbucks daily, especially since Jacques is, sadly, a long subway ride away...

[Cora]

no body was promoting it in the starbucks that i went in.....just saw it written on the board and when i asked the barrista what that is...she just simply said, "chocolate drink"...thank god that i tried it....man, it's a to-die-for...would be sooooooooooo damn good after a day of snowboarding.....would be even better if it's hotter.....u guys gotta try it out before commenting on it...it's rich, thick, not-too-sweetened and definitely better than a bar of hershey....love it..

[Val]

Whew! Chantico's good, but it seems like what you'd get if you put a pan of brownie batter into the oven, pulled it out after 5 minutes and decided to drink it.

[Case Larsen]

Chantico is being given out for free on Thursday 1/13 from 4-5pm at starbucks stores. I'm not sure how widespread the free-hour is. I didn't look closely at the email from sbux.

I know that my local sbux store in san francisco bay area is planning to.

[Case Larsen]

Store manager in union city starbucks says the "chocolate hour" is nationwide.

I'm not sure about outside of US though...

[apm]

I tried Chantico today - I was given a free sample when (after ordering my Toffee Nut Latte), I asked the Barista if it was good, so she let me judge for myself. It's different, decadent, and similar to European hot chocolate... I liked it because I am drawn to complex flavors. I definitely couldn't finish the whole thing, probably drank 1/3 of the tiny cup and was feeling a little candy sick afterwards.

[SB Addict]

Ya, I tried this EVERYDAY for the past 4 days. I am addicted like with everything that I try at SB. I feel ashamed that I had had so many. I had the dipping cookies with my first cup and tried to drink the chocolate and needed some water instantly. I told the baristas, never again.

I lied. It got easier to drink. I sip slowly and savor every sip. It takes me about two hours to finish it. At home I heat it back up frequently because it tastes best really hot.

I hope its one of these drinks I get sick of fast. I just really shouldn't drink so many.

Catch ya later as I am heading out for another. God help me.

[ira]

I athink that Starbucks might be better off if they sold in shot size cups for a dollar a shot!

[doogles]

I tried it last night. I could have used a water chaser, I was having a business meeting and I kept licking my teeth and lips, I think that my new client thought that I was coming on to her. But it IS chocolate at its finest hour. Simply delicious, if you like darker, more pure types of chocolate. Probably the closest thing to the way the Aztecs drank it a few thousand years ago.

[Marie]

Well, it's not bad, but I think someone over-roasted the cocoa beans somewhere. There's a slight burnt aroma. I can definitely feel my arteries hardening. :-)
The barista kept yelling 'Exclusive Chantico' - maybe he's had too many expressos?

[mike w]

I just sampled one here in London Ontario Canada. They are available here. lots o calories in the little shot glass as well!

Mike

[ChanticoAddict]

wow!!! just got back from free sample day at starbucks, this may be the best stuff ever. to all the people who say its too sweet or too chocolatey, DUH!!! Chocolate is sweet and chocolately, and if you don't like chocolate, you won't like this.

[Debbie]

I sampled chantico today with my mom and allthough we had to wait 15 minutes for it to be served, it was worth it! I'm a chocolate lover and this drink was so velvety and creamy. It's ashame that it can't be offered with 1% or skim milk to save our calorie budget and i do command that it should be served bigger and cheaper i mean come on, it's half the size of a soda can and triple the price!

[formerbarista]

A bit of advice to those working at sbux and not liking the gig...get out and find another job...perhaps one where you can just sit around and do nothing. Job=Work=WORK...laziness and bad attitudes do an injustice to all. I used to work at sbux and yes, you DO work...but if you don't like it then just quit and quit whining!

[Bobbi]

My daughter and I had the Chantico on our way into the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco yesterday morning. We were blown away! We both loved it... being true and passionate chocoholics.) If you like chocolate...you'll love this. It doesn't taste like anything I've ever had from Hershey. I hate to admit we had another on our way home. A double treat!

[Royce]

It reminds me of the chocolat chaud I had in Paris,
but it's sweeter and leaves a stronger lingering
bitter aftertaste. Not as bad as the bitter-sour
aftertaste of cheap chocolate, though.

[Letha]

Our home town Starbucks just opened. We've been waiting for weeks while watching prep for the drivethru and sit down shop to open for business. We are 20 miles north of Miwaukee, and at 7° outside today... I wanted a coffee some kinda bad! I pulled through that drivethru with my 10 yr old son. Thinking he'd get a hot chocolate, he commented on "geeze it's little" when I handed him the cup of Chantico. I'm telling you folks, it was worth every penny of the $2+ to see the smile on his young face! "Oooh... this is Goood!" He saved the last ounce or so to give to his brother when we arrived home. He offered me a sip, and in my humble chocoloate addicted opinion it is an amazing drink... of course all I can think of is gimme that with a shot of expresso and I'm a happy lady! My husband's comment "And how much is THAT going to cost me every time you drive past Starbucks?" brought a small grin to my face to, I can tell ya. Enjoy it. It is a treat, a desert, a decadent "make me feel better" liquid infusion of heaven.

It is not Hershey chocolate - It is made in Eurpoe exclusively for Starbucks. This is the good stuff - not the cheap American wanna be chocolate.

[lori]

I tried it yesterday, followed up today with a second try. The Starbucks guy suggested I try it with a shot of espresso mixed in, which didn't really do much but it didn't matter because I think this drink is heaven in a cup. They also told me you can get it with skim milk if you ask, so i don't know what is true or not true. I love the stuff, and it is the only drink that actually made me smile while i was drinking it!

[Jeni]

Shift for Starbucks - You seem very unhappy in your work. Perhaps you should look elsewhere.

I sipped a Chantico last Saturday and quickly vowed to give up all other forms of chocolate for this little cup of heaven. My barista didn't seem to have a problem preparing it for me. If she gave me the impression that my patronage was a bother to her, I would quickly find another place to purchase my coffee and drinkable chocolate.

[Lori]

Well, I had a sample today before my mocha was ready. At first sip I was not sure, second sip, hmmm. Made my husband try it just to see the look on his face--not a huge chocolate fan--he nearly siezed up. It grows on you but is like liquid brownie batter in way. My mocha tasted very unchocolatey by comparison. Would be maybe OK to split with someone? Wonder what the caffeine count is? Oddly addicting I think.

[Barbara]

The Chantico chocolate was delicious but a tad too sweet for my taste. It should be made with less sugar so that the chocolate taste will be amplified and as a plus that would also cut the calories of that rich chocolatey drink. It should also be offered in a dark chocolate version for variety for those of us who like the intense type of chocolate. And also it should be offered with a lower fat milk for the diet-conscious public. The price should also be lowered or the portion size made larger!

[Lyn]

I am from Australia and tried this in LA two days ago. I loved it, and I also understand it has caffiene in it, is that correct? I hate coffee, so it would be a good way for me to get a wake up call. Only thing is, bummer, I don't think they are selling it in Australia.

[KT]

Granted, I am a chocoholic, but I don't understand all this hype about the Chantico being such a "heart-attack-in-a-cup".

No one complains when a grande mocha with whip is ordered (just a bit more fat and calories than a Chantico!) or a grande Mocha Chip Frappuccino (510 calories and 22g of fat) Sure, it's concentrated in a 6 oz. cup... but that's the point... it's a 6 oz cup (any more would make you sick!)

I love Chantigo, and As there is a starbucks, or several on my way every day, I will no doubt be buying this drink at least once a day. In fact, I see little diffrence between this, and a crystal meth habit, with the possible exception that chantigo is far more expensive.

[Teck]

Try the new Chantico chocolate drink today; BIGEST DISAPOINTMENT. The drink is nothing more than a mixture of Ovaltine and Nestle Milo Chocolate drink mixes. The Malt taste come from Ovaltine and the rich chocolate from Milo. I been drinking this mixture of Milo and Ovaltine since I was a little kid. At $2.49 a cup; just save your money and go out and buy Milo and Ovaltine and you can make your own Chantico.

[AK]

Like a number of posters, I found this site by Googling "Chantico" - the first time I've ever looked into a Starbucks product on-line. I'm a chocolate lover and downed one a day for about a week until I realized that quite possibly this wasn't the best dietary move to make. 390 calories a cup! Still, I have been waiting for a drinking chocolate that goes beyond the usual insipid hot chocolate offerings (including Starbucks') and Chantico is the closest to the ideal that I've found so far.

[Cunning Stunt]

Sorry, Teck. You're wrong.

[Cunning Stunt]

Lyn: It doesn't contain any caffeine, at least not beyond that which normally occurs in chocolate, about 6mg per 1oz of chocolate.

[JLA]

Ordered this the 1st day at the Starbucks in Houston. IT IS WONDERFUL. Had a couple more at the airport in Detroit and in Wakefield Plantation/Raleigh, NC. It is a great drink that decided to order a double (just came in a "tall" cup).

I swear I could drink a gallon of this stuff.

[R]

The Chantico is delicious, but I'm trying to imagine why anyone would or could drink more than one a week. Seems to me the genius of SB is the repeat--in my case almost daily--business in coffee and pastries. I wonder how much SB projects it will drive to the bottom line.

[Kiki]

I love Chantico!!! I am totally addicted despite the huge calorie count. The flavor is so smooth and relaxing. I love it! I love it! I love it!!

[NJ-Store Manager]

I am a Store Manager and tried Chantico at our Holiday Meeting before our formal dinner, which was a huge mistake due to it's richness. Chantico is very filling even in a sample sized portion.

For those that are wondering about our chocolate's orgins need to only look at our in store chocolate selection. Roughly 2 years ago we purchased a European chocolate company and began manufacturing our own chocolate products. We get our Cacao from many of the same Latin-American Coffee Farms that we purchase our coffee. The Cacao content of Chantico is between 45-50% and Cacao Butter content is 20% per ounce dry mix.

We can not offer Chantico in any other form other than Whole Milk as it's a dry mix and the recipes are the recipes. If stores were allowed to make a Nonfat/Soy/Organic version there would be far too many inconsistancies in the recipe and it would taste different in each store.

I was not a fan of Chantico at first...although I am a huge chocolate fan. It takes a little getting used to due to it's density. It's also a little more tempermental than some of our other products as it takes on a roasted/burnt flavor if oversteamed. It has to be steamed at full pressure until it reaches 140 degrees and allowed to coast up to 160 degrees. The Cacao Butter breaks at 162 degrees and begins to seperate out...not pretty or yummy.

Chantico with a shot of espresso with cheesecake or something else creamy and indulgent are a great finish to any week...it may just take some time to allow yourself that kind of decadance.

[dj]

I just came back from Venice a couple of weeks ago...and was commenting you can't get hot chocolate here like they make there...well Chantico comes pretty damn close...like liquid chocolate pudding...excellent!!!

[michele snyder]

I love the Chantico. I crave getting one everyday. I would gladly give up the mocha for this one. The only problem is it is so tiny. I am a chocoholic but this is such good chocolate I'd think I was in Europe. Plus it is a drink for the younger audience if they don't drink coffee. Way to go Starbucks!

[SBAddict]

There are large stock card advertisements on the counter at Starbucks, use these cards for a free Chantico I believe it's starting today until the 27th. I am getting my today. It's been about 3 days since my last one. Yum.

[HappyInBucky'sCapital]

The Chantico is my new "Happy Drink." I don't eat chocolate every day, and not even every week -- but a few times a month I reallllly want something CHOCOLATEY. Chantico is perfect!

Rich and creamy, sweet but not overly so; chocolate through and through. I like the small size, as it keeps me from over-doing it and going into a diabetic coma. :) The price ($2.90 here) also keeps me in check.

Chantico: the perfect occasional indulgence, instant cure for chocolate cravings, heaven in a little paper cup. Definitely not for those that only "kinda" like chocolate (stick with your nonfat no-whip two-pump mochas).

-- Happy, from the Homeland of Starbucks (Seattle)

[Delysid]

I just tried a cup here in Vancouver (Canada). Tastes really good, but too sweet -- it's like drinking hot chocolate syrup.

But I've noticed others here saying they don't find it too sweet at all, which I think shows the variability in sensitivity to sweetness among different persons. Which is why they should sell it unsweetened or just semi-sweetened, and then let the customer add sweetening (sugar, syrup, honey, etc.) to taste.

Ever since learning that chocolate was consumed only in beverage form in Europe, very popular in coffeehouses, until the 19th C., I've always wanted to taste what that hot chocolate beverage was like. I wonder how close Chantico is....?

[Violectrica]

To *bux, you should have told me what I was drinking!
I never heard of it. All I know is that I am pregnant and Im not supposed to have very much caffiene, but I found myself at a starbucks anyway!
Heres the only way I could drink it. I took one sip, and it flooded my mouth with a hot thick chocolate coating. It was just like expensive french truffles Ive eaten, except hot and all over my mouth. The only problem was when I ordered it I was a little bit thirsty. and this did not help.
I could only drink 1/2 of it. when I went home I refilled the pther half of it with Ice and skim milk. Then I found it easy to drink.
Bottom line: I thought I was buying a chocolate drink, but I was really buying a hot dark chocolate dessert. If I would have known that I would have bought it at a different time of day, drank it slower, and enjoyed it better.

[Teck]

Cunning Stunt have you ever try Ovaltine or Milo in life?

[Cunning Stunt]

Teck, yes, I have. Otherwise I wouldn't have said that you were wrong.

I just tried Chantico...and loved it! It's not meant to be BIG, except for the taste. I'm reminded of hot chocolate that I've had at the El Tovar in the Grand Canyon, or at Angelina in Paris (btw, I've found only one place in the US that sells Angelina's chocolate, and it's nearly $6 a cup). And Starbuck's has said it's meant to be a drinkable dessert. I wouldn't have it everyday, but for a special treat, mmmmmm!

[MaggieH]

I too found this site thru yahoo. I haven't tried it yet. We only have SBux in a target and a Barnes & Nobles.

Are they giving free samples only in stand alone stores? I'd love to sample it. I'm addicted to Chai Lattes so it would have to be incredible tasting to pull me away from Chais.

[Jabeaner]

While I found Chantico to be quite intense...a bit too intense for me, I am still glad we have it because chocolate is sexy. ("we have it" - yes, i'm a partner) I like to sample it at 8am...and the looks on customers faces are unforgettable. I like to ooh and aaahhh as I'm slowly pouring the hot love mud into their cup.

[Jim]

I just had one...it's AMAZING! I now know why the Aztecs loved it so! Thank you, Starbucks!

[kellen]

a partner at my store dared me to drink a venti chantico. i did, and as a result, threw it up.

the rest of the day i wished i was dead from the sugar hang over.

[Dave]

Its pretty good. Its nothing as good as the real hot chocolates you'll find in Europe. Not the watery drinks served here in USA but Moscow where the hot chocolate is a thick syrupy divine drink. I wish starbucks had alcohol too. Nothing like coming in from the cold and ordering a espresso drink with some baileys or whatnot in it.

[David G]

Hey, I used to live in Evanston (just moved to Raleigh, NC).

But anyway, Chantico. Yes, as a chocolate lover, hands down this is the most intense chocolate infusion I've ever had in my life. And I've sampled a lot of chocolate. I bought my first cup (in a 6oz container) today...and there's a good reason why they come in such small portions!

As much as I love the richness/sweetness of this beverage, I think this should be served as some kind of a dessert though (as otehrs have already suggested).

It is a dessert. It is not a beverage. Anyone who says otherwise, starbucks employee or casual observer, is incorrect.

It is marketed as a dessert, with the intention of bringing people in after dinner and such

[Chayadina]

Reminds me of the hot chocolate samples from the Field Museum's Chocolate exhibit a couple of years ago. Yes, very rich and high calorie. Yes, you need water to follow it. Yes, it is good in limited doses for one's biochemistry and weight maintanence. But better than any chocolate candy I've ever had including the high end variety and worth the ocassional indulgence. Highly recommended.

[Cunning Stunt]

Well, I think one thing that's important to note is that Starbucks is presenting Chantico as simply an entry point into a new market. If the drink does well (and, from all acounts, it appears to be doing very well) then expect more variety. Chantico is a base that can be made to do many things.

[sydney.and.katy]

chantico is one of those things that you get about once or twice a month... not too often... its expensive for one of those little brown cups but ahhhh sooooooooooooooooooo good. we love it but you cant drink too much at once. plus you cant eat it that much or you will get f.a.t.--maybe someone could go on a chantico diet like the guy on supersize me... yumm ok bye!

[Toni]

My review [posted elsewhere] about January 13, 2005--Starbucks' Chantico Sample Day:

Ok, I got there at 7:15pm -- 45 minutes left to The Experience...

I accepted mine in a cute little sample cup.. only about an ounce... but steaming hot from the milk... I swirl it around, and notice: it doesn't quite cling to the cup, nor does the white interior of the paper cup ever-so-slightly absorb any of it like other dark beverages..
It looks glossy, and smooth.. and smells quite good.

With my tastebuds eagerly anticipating the first delectable drop, I blow away the steam, swirl it a couple more times and tilt the cup to my lips.

Oh, sweet Heaven, what hath thou reigned down upon our poor souls??

Despite the steam still billowing out of the top of the cup, it wasn't nearly as hot as I thought it would be... and, since I gave it a chance to cool a little bit, it thickened, just a little bit... I've had all kinds of "hot chocolate", "hot cocoa" -- this ain't that!!!

The first sip was good, the 2nd: really good.. by the time I was at #5, I knew this would be, as the song goes, "a hard habit to break"......

It was like... it was like......

It was like grabbing and throwing 10 Hershey's Kisses in your mouth & just swallowing----except, you don't choke on the chunks b/c this baby is SMOOOOOVE!!!!!

Chocolate milk, Hot Chocolate, Hot Cocoa, Yoohoo --- I forsake thee!
I fully renounce my love for you & rebuke ye from all aspects of my life....

CHANTICO! CHANTICO!! CHANTICO!!!!!!

[followed by various emoticons; unable to use color/size styles for text that above in here]

ps:
My new signature line [I wrote/thought of it] is:

The incommensurable gratification alone that one acquires when Chantico is imbibed is meritorious of reiteration.

[Toni]

Or, as The Borg would say:

Recalcitrance is otiose (Resistance is futile).

[yeah, I thought that one up too *g*]

When I got my first full cup the next day, on Friday, 2 women behind me were like "Oh, what's that.. new hot chocolate -?"

My mouth fell open and I was like "Noooooooo it's **beyond** hot chocolate!"

Their eyes popped and they laughed.. one said she's afraid to try it; doesn't wanna get hooked.. *LOL*

She'll never know what hit her.. ;-)

[Gia]

Chantico... where to begin... a new friend from the npg message boards refered me to this site... (thanks TONI)... it's cool to be here with other chantico lovers... it's been quite the topic lately hasn't it?

My love affair with the Chantico began on Jan.8... and life will never be the same. Heaven in a cup... well, it's as close to an accurate description as we can get.

Talk about it all the time... self-proclaimed Chantico spokesperson really... but it's a wicked little drink... 390 calories... oopsies... found that out a little late... because once you begin you can't stop...

CRACK-TICO.

They say no amount of chocolate training can prepare you for the Chantico... and I say... no amount of cross-training can repair your butt after the chantico.

Whatever... life is short. Crack-tico = GOOOOOOD!

[Gia]

back again... TONI suggested i post this little moment as well... enjoy...

i was at starbucks this morning... a girl, maybe 18-20, skinny little thing, was at the counter in front of me... she order a VENTI chantico... the guy behind the counter stared at her... he shook his head and made her drink... i asked her if she had tried one yet, doing my duty as unofficial crack-tico spokesperson... she told me that she's been drinking them almost everyday for a couple of weeks... she "loves chocolate"... darn... to have the metabolism of an 18 year-old again.

as she left... the guy behind me chimed in with "she's got a one-way ticket to a fat a**..." i turned around and told him... "at least with chantico driving, she's going first-class"... he laughed... i walked up to the counter... hesitated and ordered an ice tea... but in my dreams it was a venti chantico.

[Oni]

This is what chocolate is all about! I am addicted, so they should stop making it soon.

[ChanChan Tico]

I cannot believe that people could not like this drink. What is wrong with them!!! LOL

[Brent]

I've tried the Chantico this morning, and it it's really good.

If you're going to put it down, its not worth the effort, cause it's exactly what Starbucks set out for it to be. Totally rich, totally sweet, totally thick, totally chocolate-y.

Mission accomplished.

[Sid]

I had this drink for the first time today, and it was something. I had it with me all day while I was at my uni. I bought it at 10:00 am, and took my last sip at 4:05 pm. Just couldnt drink it any faster than that. It wasnt bad, but definately a once in a blue moon deal. Plus I think that its a pretty good price for what you are getting.

they don't have it in Hong Kong :(

[newstabbyspartner]

hi, i am very proud to say that i was just hired on at starbucks and i have to say i am very excited. it couldnt have come at a better time as they would have been soon cashing all my paychecks anyways now that they have launched CHANTICO! the first time i tried it i thought i had gone back into my childhood. this drink brought a huge smile to my face, it reminded me of the hot chocolate that my grandma used to make from mexican cocoa. i ant wait to have another one tomorrow. as for those people who dont like this drink go backto your plain jane hot chocolate and leave chantico to the chocolate connosuers.

[john]

Just tried this stuff...it is NASTY!!! WAAAY too sweet...

Has a weird buttery mouthfeel also...I'd like to know if it contains coconut oil or transfats or what...

nope on both of those john

the buttery mouthfeel is related to the cocoa butter in the drink

[Margie]

Granted, it is very rich - like a really rich hot chocolate. But for those of you who are complaining of the calories - no one says you have to buy it and not everyone is into coffee. It was a great treat when they were giving out free samples, but I would only buy when I could share with someone else.

[tesshiva]

Melt a bag of Nestle chocolate chips. Add straw: Chantico. Gee, and the Strawberry Frappucino tastes just like Nestle Strawberry Quik! Hmmmmm...a conspiracy theory is hatching... On another note: expectations are too high for SBUX performance. Believe when the execs warn people to expect modest performance (yet still gains). When it somehow disappoints people, stock price is punished for not delivering double digit gains. No one can grow at those rates forever! It has shifted from a growth stock to a long-term investment.

[Chris]

Chantico Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
· 1 box "Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Devil's Food Cake" (you can use
other brands, as long as it's Devil's Food and says "moist" on the
box)
· 1 small box chocolate pudding
· 4 eggs
· 3/4 cup vegetable oil
· 1 cup sour cream (I use light)
· 6 oz of Chantico Drinking Chocolate from Starbucks
· butter or oil for greasing pan
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl. Pour into a greased, cake pans (same variety and baking options as you seen on the mix box) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with crumbs clinging to it, about 30-45 minutes depending upon size of your pan. Cool in pan or Remove from Pan and sprinkle with powdered sugar or frost as follows:
Chantico Chocolate Cake Frosting
· 1 stick of butter
· 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
· 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
· 3-4 oz Chantico Drinking Chocolate from Starbucks
· A bit of milk as needed to soften texture of frosting
· 1 tsp real vanilla extract
Melt Butter add to mixer bowl. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and Chantico beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add milk if needed. Stir in Vanilla. Frost the cake with this once it is cooled. Try not to eat all the frosting before you use it.

[Jennifer Lynn Weston]

I tried a Chantico for the first time today, and loved it!
Of course, I had a special advantage: when it comes to chocolate treats I pay no attention whatsoever to the caloric concerns. I even added some half-and-half to my cup to cool it down (and also increase the viscosity to a sinfully delightful degree.)
I'd definitely recommend it to any fellow chocolate-lover. I might also advise them to limit the number of times they indulge- too much of this stuff could spoil you for any other kind of hot chocolate.

[nick]

I tried the Chantico twice in Los Angeles, once on a sunny day and once during the recent flooding. It's awful if the weather is the least bit hot or sunny. It's such a storm-at-nighttime drink, and I appreciate that the little cups are the perfect size for splitting it with a special someone. Another plus is that it adds a new thing to the Starbucks menu that Mormons can drink, perhaps enabling a more solid market share in the Mormon cultural belt.
All the conspiracies aside, the one benefit of a Starbucks-Nestle alliance would be the off chance that they'd choose to offer Abuelita hot chocolate at all stores... now THAT would get me drinking chocolate more often.

[Troy]

I'm a Chantico addict :( I want to purchase some of the Chantico mix so I can enjoy anywhere and anytime I need my Chantico "fix". I've inquired both at my local store and directly to the Starbucks higher ups about purchasing the mix but can never get a firm answer other than, "it's not available NOW due to the mix not having a SKU# set up in the computer system". Any ideas on when or any where that is selling the mix? Any recipes out there for formulating the mix myself?

They will never sell it. It is a Proprietary Product.

[Princessa]

Oh my goodness! I'm a total chocoholic but whoo! This stuff gave me a rush! *salivates* It's like liquid truffles...although I admit I kinda wussed out and needed some milk after this. But I'm in love! This is the best thing ever!

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP webmaster]

Here's the CHANTICO powder ingredients:

Sugar, cocoa powder processed with alkali (26%), milk, cocoa butter, vanillin.

[KJ]

I just tried a Chantico today. It was sweet, but not in a sugary candy way- more like a mouthful of bittersweet chocolate chips.

I wonder if different people unwittingly make it differently. To me it just tasted like a really thick, flavorful hot chocolate. It wasn't really strong or sweet. I suppose if you've never eaten anything other than Hershey's, it would taste strong, but it reminded me of melted ghirardelli chocolate.

Anyway, I absolutely loved it. I do find it amusing that often, when people happen to dislike a particular food or beverage, they cannot imagine how anybody else could possibly like it and they think it should be taken off the market.

I do understand the Barista's frustration, though. I've never worked at a Starbucks, but any kind of customer service is really irritating at times. Who among us can say we constantly enjoy every moment of our jobs?

[Katy]

chantico is amazing. soo good but like...can never finish it....but its awesome.

[Pascal]

I tried one tonight... Not bad. A little sweet for my tastes. I thought I'd try to make it at home. The resulting chantico recipe was born: (all measurements are approx)

Homemade Chantico
3/4 cup warm water
3 heaping tbsp Frys Coco Powder
8 heaping tbsp sugar
2 tsp cornstarch + (1 tbsp water)
1 pinch salt
2 tsp butter (optional)

Heat the water to near boiling. Reduce heat to medium. Add the coco and the sugar. Stir with a wisk for about 5 minutes to really disolve the coco powder. In a seperat bowl, add water to cornstarch and mix until completly dissolved. (If you don't, you'll get some nasty clumps.) Add the cornstarch mix to the coco/sugar mix and wisk briskly. After a minute or so you *should* have a smooth velvety yummy drink! For more flavour, add the salt and butter.

It will thicken a bit as it cools, so add just a wee bit of hot water to thin it out again.

The result is a very rich dark sweet coco, very similar to $tarbuck$.

[Kathleen]

I have had a Chantico. I had another Chantico.
I thought it reminded me of the chocolate Jello
pudding you cook on the stove, and if you took it off the stove just as it started getting thick, that would be Chantico. I love Chocolate,
and this drink also reminds me of the chocolate drink that was poured into cups in the movie Chocolat, with Jonny Depp. I always wanted what they drank in that movie and I now can say I have. Yippee!!! I am in Chocolate Heaven.

[reanna]

chantico is simply amazing. if you do not have a love affair with chocolate, then you wont understand. this is like crack to me.

[Summer]

Oh my Gooooood.

I have achieved nirvana and it is Chantico.

I skipped lunch today to have a cup. :)

[Katie]

Well I finally had my first Chantico today and I asked for it "iced" which the barrista had never done before but she didn't object. Indeed quite fine diluted with icecubes and a bit of skim (!) milk added. I've been making my own this summer, however, with many fewer calories- I reckon, under 180: it is a variation on an iced chocolate drink I had in Guanajuato Mexico a few years ago:

heaping teaspoon of good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon or less of cinnamon
1 cup of 2% milk
ice cubes

heat up milk - add to cocoa, sugar, cinnamon mixture a few spoons at a time- stir it to make syrup- add the rest of milk. stir it thoroughly, pour it over icecubes, add more milk if you want. not bad. not as rich as Starbucks version of it.

[Katie]

Well I finally had my first Chantico today and I asked for it "iced" which the barrista had never done before but she didn't object. Indeed quite fine diluted with icecubes and a bit of skim (!) milk added. I've been making my own this summer, however, with many fewer calories- I reckon, under 180: it is a variation on an iced chocolate drink I had in Guanajuato Mexico a few years ago:

heaping teaspoon of good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon or less of cinnamon
1 cup of 2% milk
ice cubes

heat up milk - add to cocoa, sugar, cinnamon mixture a few spoons at a time- stir it to make syrup- add the rest of milk. stir it thoroughly, pour it over icecubes, add more milk if you want. not bad. not as rich as Starbucks version of it.

[MrsPotatoHead]

I tried this drink Sunday night... and it was instant bliss. I had another one tonight after work.

The calories, carbs and fat grams did not make me feel guilty in the least...but now, after coming on this site and seeing that some barristas hate making it I do feel guilty! I tip good, does that make it okay to order?

And, I will try the recipes above too... thanks for sharing them!

Sharon

[barista c]

You know what, it doesn't matter if we hate making it, it is our job. If you want Chantico, order it! And we will gladly make it. (Though at my store it would take a while because we'd have to make the mix up from scratch since we sell so little Chantico we don't keep ths mix made anymore.)

Thanks for tipping, though. You keep us baristas with gas in our tanks. :)

[Chantico Drink]

You can also find a different brand of Chantico Drinking Chocolate from Belgium. I think it tastes a little better and more smooth.

[Leanne]

Just tried this today with my boyfriend and it is what I've always wanted hot chocolate/coco to taste like! I love it :) Nice and sweet!

[KittyJ]

This stuff is not as good as real drinking chocolate. I tried The Chocolate Shot at the Chocolate Show in New York and it was way superior to Starbucks version

The Chantico is a big hit at our store, in Huntsville, Alabama!!! before we started making it again... and before we put it back up on our menu board, we had people comming in all the time asking about it, ive tried it.. its good with whip cream!!

[Terry Misener]

Is this true? OI received it from friends as email attachment.

Recently, Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks Coffee because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees and to request that they send some of it to the troops there.

Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support in their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

So as not to offend Starbucks, we should not support them by buying any of their products. As a war vet writing to fellow patriots, I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house for what they and I believe is right.

[barista 112]

Chanti chocolate was one of the best tasting starbucks drinks ive ever had. its just a matter of what you have a taste for so if it indt chocolate than its not the drink for you

[Jason Borenstein]

I want to say that I have had a very bad starbucks experience. Starbucks has refused to provide me with reasonable accommodation because they do not believe in the disabling effects of treumatic brain injury (tbi). I suffer from retrograde amnesia which they simply do not want to believe is real. How can I educate starbucks? please respond.

[juels borh]

Hello. I am doing resarch on disablity accommodation and have become interested in the practices of starbucks in this area. If anyone has any input on this I would appreciate a response. thank you.

Juels Borh.

[MGR]

Juels,

There was an article in the Wall Street Jrnl recently I think that dealt with it. Basically, Sbux said it was looking into it as a way to increase their workforce.

[laserjill]

Chantico is being discontinued. I am very sad. I would like all of the Chantico fans to write into Starbucks requesting that they NOT discontinue this lovely beverage. Just go to Starbucks website, contact us section and write a note. Also, when you are in the store, be sure to fill out a comment card and send it in. We must act fast. Soon as the stores run out, they will no longer carry. Please help me!

[brad]

Sbux discontinued chantico as of jan 17th 2006 it can be had from ebay if someone wants it enough

[Pat Calkins]

I live in New Jersey very close to Manhattan. I can't find mocha power in any Starbucks is it because of the promotion of this new chocolate drink? Any one know where I can find Starbucks Mocha Power in this area? Please let me know where to look.

[Susan]

I live in Maryland and am an every day Starbucks patron - plus I drink an iced mocha at home every morning using the mocha powder. I was having trouble finding it at home before coming to vacation in Jacksonville where I cannot find it at all! A barista told me that it has been discontinued!! Are they kidding?!? I NEED MOCHA POWDER! Does anyone know anything concrete? How can they do that without replacing it with something else? It's a staple item just like the syrups!

[Doug Bethune]

It saddens me to here that Chantico is being discontinued. I just found out about Chantico in Dec. 05. I went to my Starbucks store where I received the sad news. They are selling only the stock they have in the store. I tried to see if they would sell the remaining mix they had in the back, but the person just laughed. I'm a cocolate junky and this was a good way to get a fix.

[Thom]

Chantico with two shots of espresso could keep me going for hours. I'll need to live longer to accomplish as much as I did under its influence. Then again, given the fat content, I probably will! Still, I wish they'd bring it back.

[Donna]

I got hooked on the mocha frap with malt and was sad to hear the malt additive was discontinued. I even tried buying the Starbucks bottles at the grocery store and adding Ovaltine but it is not the same.

[Jay Singh]

starbucks should just honor the coupon

[JennStiller]

I was wondering what happenned to this. Oh well, I just received samples of an ancho chile ground chocolate from I.B.C. and wanted to check it's nutritional facts against the Chantico. Looks like I'm much better off with the ancho chile with 140 calories and .5g of fat vs that 300+...ouch.

[Drinking Chocolate]

Drinking chocolate is delicious. We just tried the new SF Cioccolata Calda and loved it. They have other gourmet chocolates for chocolate fountains. Their drinking chocolate supercedes anything else we've tried.

[PissedOFFchristmasDRINK]

Did anyone see or order a Gingerbread Latte yet this year? it's like .70 OR.75 just for the dam syrup!
I may need to start thing about this $4.00 + latte a day thing and just start to may my drink at home. All the syrups are $6.95 for the bottle Gingerbread too!

SO DO WE NEED TO DROP .75 CENTS FOR THE SYRUP!

...don't forget you get the nutmeg too.

:)

[Christopher Donnelly]

Ok, i have been searching high and low, there is a starbucks commercial with the song that goes"whoa time flies by" and in the second scene there is a guy in a subway, who i think is beautiful and i would like to know who he is and if anyone could tell me it would be great!

[kevin]

baristas have been explicitly instructed not to sell the gingerbread syrup by the bottle. any other core syrup is yours to take home if you'd like.

[Andrea]

If you are missing the Chantico, then an easy way to get a similar taste is to melt pieces of good dark chocolate (the 70% or 85% Lindt, or the Bittersweet Chocolate from Trader Joes work perfectly) in the milk of your choice (at least 2% to get that thick mouthfeel though).
The Italian chocolate is good, but they use cocoa and thicken it with cornstarch. I think the Chantico is more in the French style, which is high quality chocolate melted in limited amounts of milk.
Slowly, slowly, heat the milk (try 6 or 8 oz) on low heat, stir gently to avoid the nasty skin (or skim the skin off). When you notice tiny bubbles forming around the periphery of the saucepan, add the chocolate, broken up into pieces, and then stir it and once it's melted, use a whisk. You'll have a very satisfying, rich, chocolate drink. Don't use American chocolate...the taste will not be good and the waxy filler or whatever that they use will not be pleasant. You can add more or less chocolate depending on your tastes, but if you want the real deal, add more. You can taste it periodically to decide if you need more. You can use a combination of unsweetened cocoa and dark chocolate too...I promise that you'll come up with your own at home version of Chantico that makes you very happy.
If you want to splurge, buy the pre-shaved drinking chocolate from Williams-Sonoma...it is a seasonal item that costs $17.50/can but goes on sale after the holidays until it runs out. They sell regular and Peppermint. If you use your own chocolate, you can add vanilla, peppermint, cinnamon, whatever you like. William-Sonoma markets their products as being inspired by the Chocolat Africain at Angelina's on Rue de Rivoli in Pari.
It is all about taste...I think that what is sold as hot chocolate at Starbucks sucks...they use chocolate syrup which does not make good hot chocolate...too sweet and lacking in the chocolate flavor. It's more like a chocolate steamer. I'd say that anyone who has uttered the phrase "too chocolatey" will like it.
Um, can't you find Gingerbread or Peppermint syrup from other merchants...few neighborhood coffee shops might sell it to you, but you can buy it yourself online...maybe Da Vinci or Monin...just google Gingerbread syrup. And some coffee/tea shops carry many flavors as well that are for sale to the public. Starbucks isn't going to let you have a $5-6 bottle (and from that, you can make gingerbread lattes until you hate them) b/c then you won't have to pay them $4 per cup to get your fix.

[kim-ha albert]

I find the corporation Starbucks to be the most odious and omnipresent sort of brainwashing/behavior modification "experiment" ever thrust upon the people, not just the Amis--the most phony baristas masquerading as people which are simply an extention of the parasitic kind of cancerous growth Starbucks is, once it has attatched itself onto a new host--Oxfam is right to lambast this corporation--Vietnamese coffee farmers and the workers (slaves) which the company has reduced the poor people into being, a sort of twisted 21st century corvee - labour sort of deal sans les colons d'Indochine Francaise!They opportunistically charged for water in the 11 September 2001--at a price Fire and Rescue people found scandalous. No, Starbucks, you have no decency--once educated and willfull people get on to your gig, as they have with McDonald's, Phillip Morris, Walmart, Pfizer and other "great" corporations, (i.e. $40 million bonus for Morgan/Stanley exec!), you will soon be in bankruptcy, your "partners"--a euphemism for employees, will be hard-pressed to find an employer to give them another chance, because of your cult-like and invasive "body-snatcher" take over the carcass tactics, and this snippet of "Americana" will eventually come to embarass and annoy future generations regarding what hath this land wrought! Fortunately in an open society the small can point out the mighty villain
lest the soft-headed don't get it!

at least chose an active thread to rant in, if you can't find one that has relevance to your rant.

and starbucks doesn't import vietnamese coffees, dork. only the stores in vietname have a couple of blends, because they're buying locally - tohelp support the farmers.

be a hater, but at least be informed.

[Theolaxor]

i really dont understand why people think that by posting on a starbucks gossip website they can somehow change the minds of all the customers causing the company's downfall

[Kim-Ha Albert (陈金夏)]

Call people dorks and then accuse them of being a hater? Oxfam documents exploitation by Starbucks--You, Bozo, can't even spell, and I submit that just like so many graffiti spray paint can "taggers" that you are such a despicable coward--You Can't even Leave Your Name! And you don't offer any support to "back up" your claim! Starbucks is a terrible corporation--the very kind George Orwell wrote about, when he was writing about the BBC--This is your Big Brother, turned "Big Mommy". But most Americans can't take the truth--that's why Bill Clinton lied about Monica--the TRUTH scares you people: Should we have invaded Iraq? Didn't we learn the lessons in Viet-Nam? Exploitation, slavery, neo-colonialism (a.k.a. Neo-Conservativism)--this is what America was built upon, so Starbucks, verily, is the American Company, par excellence. It doesn't, however, contribute to making the world a better place--they do not even recycle their own plastic refuse, nor the Odwalla juice containers! How eco-responsible is that!

[katie]

thhat thing sucks!!! it made me run like ten miles, and i was shaking for days, cuase of all the caffience

[katie]

thhat thing sucks!!! it made me run like ten miles, and i was shaking for days, cuase of all the caffience

[katie]

thhat thing sucks!!! it made me run like ten miles, and i was shaking for days, cuase of all the caffience

[Theolaxor]

our store recycles our plastic refuse - it just depends on your area's WM program

I have purchased Chantico on ebay