Katie says Mocha Valencia is chocolate orange heaven
MEET THE STARBUCKS GOSSIP COMMUNITY
My name is Katie, I'm 30, and the attached photo is me with my boyfriend Jay. This was taken when it was freezing cold here in Chicago, and I'm drinking a hot caramel apple cider! Yum!
I've been reading Starbucks Gossip for 7 months now.
My favorite drink: summer, the new green tea frapp; winter, _MOCHA VALENCIA, yum! It's not on the menu but you can order it, it's chocolate orange heaven.
Love: Consistently good coffee everytime, atmosphere, fun new music (sometimes).
Hate: That new Alanis album they play now all the time, bad pastries... and bad christmas cookies, oh man. I bought "gingerbread men" as stocking stuffers a couple of years ago at Christmas, because they looked so cute and yummy! All of my family practically broke their teeth on them, they were like gingerbread kitchen tiles, and they tasted like tiles too, not sweet but bland and stale. So maybe if you buy them, you can use them in a craft project? But not to eat. I love Starbucks Gossip!
(C'mon, you Starbucks Gossip regulars -- submit your photo and profile.)
Yay Katie! Excellent! Christmas tiles = so funnie!
Posted by: melina | July 21, 2005 at 09:31 AM
Ugh!!! I absolutely hate the new Alanis CD too....everytime I hear it come on I run to the back and change the song. Also, good call about the cookies! Hehehe
Posted by: JavaJilly | July 21, 2005 at 11:59 AM
I so agree about the packaged cookies; they are the worst!! Even dunking doesn't help. ;)
Posted by: javajockey | July 22, 2005 at 04:41 AM
Katie....way too funny! I'm so happy you made it on the page! You didn't even mention the time you were daring and ordered the Venti Chantico with extra whip and extra chocolate drizzle....and finished it! See you soon Sweets!
Posted by: Peter Lambert | July 22, 2005 at 09:18 AM
You can order a venti chantico? I always thought it just came in that one tiny size. How much does that cost? (not that I'd actually order it)
Posted by: areacode212 | July 22, 2005 at 06:59 PM
Mocha Valencia was my drink of choice, also, I started drinking it 5 years ago and it is fantastic when made right! I have noticed in the last few years that the orange flavor doesn't come through so much as it used to (even when asking baristas to increase the # of pumps of syrup) and have given up in frustration and gone back to raspberry.
Anyone know WHY this is with the Valencia, did the orange syrup change?
It used to taste just like those Chocolate Oranges you can buy usually around Christmas and lately it tastes like.. Well, a mocha. Boo.
Posted by: Christine | July 25, 2005 at 04:54 PM
Hi. Obviously I am OBSESSED with the Mocha Valencia... which is how i found this page. I have been drinking it for about 6 years now... until today it's the only drink I've ever ordered from Starbucks... once i find a good thing, i stick to it! I was at Barnes and Noble today and they were out of Valencia!!!!?????? The girl told me it was a summer drink and once they are out of Valencia, it's just done till next summer... i personally don't think she has a clue. I was mortified! So I ordered a plain mocha... it was horrible :( So about the taste.... i think they almost always get it right around here (NC) because no one ever orders it so they have to look up how to make it in their little book. last week this one certain SB made a few bad Mocha Valencias... i don't know if it was too much or too little Valencia or if the syrup was just bad... either way, I still love it!!!
Posted by: Dawn | August 20, 2005 at 08:03 PM
Katie, could you email me. I am working on a Starbucks book, supported by Starbucks corporate. I would like to explore the possibilty of capturing a story or two from you (particularly, if you ordered and drank a venti Chantico - lol). joseph@lessonsforsuccess.com
Posted by: Joseph | August 28, 2005 at 08:45 PM
Ah, Mocha Valencia. I went on a date, yes, at Starbucks. It's the only dreamy memory I retain and continue to romance. I agree with Dawn, the orange is just not the same! Weak and less tangy. Taste a bit like a mocha and flat soda. It's not on the menu but all the Starbucks newbies know it.
The only other pastry that carries such a hedonistic reputation: The Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffin. I order it with a straight face at 7am and all the guilt and shame is served up from those behind me in line with gasps and wide-eyed stares. I don't care. That's Heaven and off to the dreaded eliptical machine I go for at least an hour to work it off. Worth every calorie.
Posted by: Liza | September 02, 2005 at 03:47 AM
We no longer get to go to Starbucks...:( The orig. valencia was made with orange chocolate that was blended into the frap. The syrup ones are not even close to being as good but all you can get now. I miss the old days.
Posted by: Mark | October 14, 2005 at 11:25 PM
mocha valencia=yummmmmy goodness,to bad most of the SB's in MI are clueless as how to make it.:( but im training em lol btw they changed syrup brands i believe tis why it tastes different? and ummm a Venti chantico 6 oz's is good for me lol but 20 wow
Posted by: zot | October 15, 2005 at 10:07 PM
Did starbucks discontinue the valencia syrup for the mocha valencia/ The barista told me that a couple days ago. I am so annoyed. First they discontinue their packaged mocha powder and now the valencia so I can't get a mocha valencia at starbucks or at home now. Guess I'll find a new coffee shop.
Posted by: melissa mills | July 06, 2006 at 11:40 AM
Yes, the only coffe I drink is Mocha Valencia, despite a great many Starbucks shops not knowing the recipe how to make them. I have been told by a number of Starbucks shops in the south Bay Area that Starbucks has discontinued the drink & syrup entirely and its only available in individual shops until the Valencia syrup inventory in that shop is gone ... Shopping for a new coffee shop as well.
Posted by: Tom K. | November 19, 2006 at 09:07 AM
I sent email to starbucks and got a response saying it has been discontinued. The mocha valencia is available only as long as the syrup supply holds out. I'm looking for a new coffee source too.
Posted by: kim | December 11, 2006 at 05:07 PM
Hello, all.
My name is Steve Chamraz and I am a reporter with CBS News in St. Louis, MO.
I'm working on a story about the disappearance of the valencia syrup.
To read it, you can go here: http://blogs.kmov.com/n4idailybriefing/
If you have questions or comments, please let me know at: schamraz@kmov.com
Thanks,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Chamraz | December 15, 2006 at 02:00 PM
Steve from KMOV, you are GREAT! I sent you an Email thanking you for your coverage on Valencia syrup. All I EVER drank at Starbucks was Mocha Valencia, even if it was 100 degrees outside. I have been coming unglued about this! I also wrote to them and heard back from their spokesperson the very next day. I'm going to call them as well.
Keep up the investigation...........your video had me rolling on the floor! Go Steve Go!
Posted by: Janice | December 19, 2006 at 10:39 PM
It looks like we've gotten to the truth, folks.
http://blogs.kmov.com/n4idailybriefing/
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
-Steve Chamraz
Posted by: Steve Chamraz | December 22, 2006 at 12:15 PM
Well, I'll just have to live with buying Torani's orange syrup and making the Barista give me an extra shot in my Cafe Mocha. Then I'll spike it with the syrup in my car. Too sad that they'll keep coconut, but give up on the valencia!!!
Posted by: Cindy | December 27, 2006 at 08:32 AM
YES - how am i gonnna drink mocha valencias or 1/2 val. black tea lemonade? why do we keep the crap like raspberry and coconut?
Posted by: Theolaxor | December 27, 2006 at 09:32 AM
You should try coconut in a STCF. Soooo goooooood....
Posted by: Tim | December 28, 2006 at 11:55 AM
Brace yourself for the crackdown when Seattle finds out an SM in St. Louis has shared protected, internal information in explicit copy with an investigative reporter...
... wait, never mind, if they get fired he'll just investigate that too. :P
Posted by: Tim | December 28, 2006 at 11:59 AM
Okay, have bought both the Orange Sugar Free and the Mandarin Orange Torani syrups. Recipe for the MV is a Mocha with an xtra shot then you add 5-6 pumps of the syrup. Tried the Mandarin Orange today and it's fairly close. At least it's better than going cold turkey on my very favorite drink which I've been drinking for over 6 years, perhaps longer since I never gave much thought to them dropping a syrup so I didn't note the date.
Posted by: Cindy | January 03, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Oops, sorry, the 5-6 pumps is on the Venti. I mean if you're drinking heaven why get a small! You'd probably need to ask the Barista if there is an adjustment for a smaller size.
Posted by: Cindy | January 03, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Yes I also have gone coldturkey on the Mocha Valencia. I was told nobody ever ordered it, well then never really promoted it! Anyone know who made the syrup and the orange power. Regarding the quality of the sysrup they did go to a different brand of syrup about a year ago. I have 1 and a half bottles left, may store it like fine wine!
Posted by: Hank Hirschfeld | January 08, 2007 at 07:19 PM
This is what I send to Starbucks. I suggest everyone who likes mocha valencia so the same.
I understand you no longer make mocha Valencia.
I would stop by several time a week and buy one. It is the only flavored coffee i drink. And while I was there I would buy a bag or 2 of some good beans, like Kenya, or Sumatra for home. Overall you have gone way down hill in the past few years. Its harder to find the better single source coffee's from you, Bends are an excuse to hide inferior coffee. but I kept buying anyway, about $50 a week.
Now that you don't have Mocha Valencia anymore, I found I can buy Pete single source right in my grocery store, and Tully's right next door to work makes a mocha Valencia almost a good as yours way.
Was a good 10+ years being served by you, but I no longer have any reason to ever buy a Starbucks product again.
Posted by: john | March 21, 2007 at 02:21 PM
i am a partner in the seattle area, and i just wanted to say that we are bringing in an orange syrup this summer. so for all you mocha valencia lovers, we will soon have a new improved orange flavor
Posted by: Heather | March 21, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Thats best news I have heard so far, the other orange syrups were not that good compared to Starbucks. Looks like I might come back to Starbucks, hey if Pepperidge Farms can still show a profit with Milano Orange flavored, why can't SB do it also!
Posted by: Hank Hirschfeld | March 21, 2007 at 08:38 PM
SB dropped the Valencia products from the overhead menu roughly 5-6 years ago it seems. Since then SB has grown substantially. There are millions that are unaware of the valencia products. An inaccurate SB analysis of revenue-by-product would probably indicate that the valencia products should be discontinued. Real solid analysis in SB Product Management! (D-) People can't order a product they are unaware of. Note: The Venti Mocha has one less shot of expresso than the fantastic Venti Mocha Valencia. I concur with others; Starbucks is starting to resemble the counter at a 7-11. Now, I can get a good/regular Mocha anywhere. Later days Starbucks!
Posted by: JD | April 20, 2007 at 08:25 AM
The resurrection of this thread makes me want valencia back :(
Posted by: Zcott | April 20, 2007 at 09:17 AM
I Grande Mocha Valencia has a triple shot
Posted by: Hank Hirschfeld | April 21, 2007 at 11:24 AM
I hated Mocha Valencia -- very weird taste. I don't think I will be drinking the new Orange Mocha either. I am sensing more artificialness about it...
Posted by: rightattitude | April 21, 2007 at 12:05 PM
I was told by a former Starbuck's employee that the Caramel sauce used by Starbuck's is made by Torani, the same company that makes their flavored syrups. I did have a source for the Starbuck's caramel but it ended recently. Can anyone confirm that the Torani Caramel sauce is the same as the Starbuck's Caramel Sauce used to make the Macchaitto's as I have yet to try it. (I am referring to Torani Caramel Sauce-not their caramel syrup)
Thanks.
Posted by: Hal | April 23, 2007 at 09:07 AM
I AM PISSSSED TOOO!
to buy a Venti, quad, mocha Velencia runs me $5+ in SEATTLE!!!!
and i buy one 4-5 days a week,..thats $25, $100+ a Month YOUR PASSING ON!
if they want to LOOSE MONEY, go for it,..I'll go elsewhere!!
:(
Posted by: Jennifer | April 28, 2007 at 08:29 AM
I AM PISSSSED TOOO!
to buy a Venti, quad, mocha Velencia runs me $5+ in SEATTLE!!!!
and i buy one 4-5 days a week,..thats $25, $100+ a Month YOUR PASSING ON!
if they want to LOOSE MONEY, go for it,..I'll go elsewhere!!
:(
Posted by: Jennifer | April 28, 2007 at 08:29 AM
Just tried the New Orange, not even close to the Valencia. The rasberry is my only option. Thank God I HAVE A STASH OF 3 OF THE VALENCIA BOTTLES.
Posted by: Hank Hirschfeld | June 11, 2007 at 06:16 PM