Taste-testers can only handle a few sips of Chantico

Although they said the Starbucks drink/dessert was "the real deal," "wonderfully chocolatey," "rich, bittersweet and pure," and like "liquid heroin." (Denver Post)

Comments

[Aaron]

I only drank about half of the cup I bought. Good stuff, but too overpowering. A neat novelty, but nothing more, in my opinion.

[Joefus]

I've had it twice now. The first time (when it was being test-marketed or whatever as "Chocofino" here in sunny WI) it seemed like super-strong Swiss Miss. The second time I was able to get it down, but you really have to take small sips. A big gulp will get you nothing but a sugar-shock grimace. OK, it's rich, it's chocolat-y, it's decadent--so why does the chocolate flavor taste like such a cheap chocolate flavor? I thought I was moving upmarket, damnit.

[barry]

I had it about a month ago here in San Jose. I thought it tasted rather nice. Thick as hell and should only be consumed once in a blue moon, but not bad. And I do know the difference between cheap chocolate (Nestle) and good chocolate (Scharffenberger, Valrhona). Maybe they were testing different priced ingredients in different markets. Marketing testing often has multiple cells.

[Moriah]

I had it recently with an add shot and even then it was too sweet for me.

[Chef]

How exactly do you pronounce "Chantico" anyway? Does the "Chan" part rhyme with "man" or "Khan"?

[Aaron]

I always thought it was "shawn-teeco."

it is chan (like jackie chan) tico (like teeeco). i'm a barista and i can't drink the stuff. it is damn good but it makes me feel like i've eaten a bowl of brownie batter.

We made brownies with the base, only added flour and egss. It was ok but needed more vanilla amd sugar if you can believe that. Other than for entertainment I don't have much use for it.

[Choc guy]

I like it to dip bisquotti in or other dryish cookie, and of course bananas work well also. Thus it becomes hot fudge of sorts, and have you tried with ice cream?? yumm. So many ways to enjoy.

[Rob]

You've all got to try a Chantico Latte - have your barista substitute Chantico for espresso and you've got the best hot chocolate you'll ever try!

www.kitstips.blogspot.com/2005/02/chantico-latte.html

[John]

Funny that you made brownies out of it, I told my wife it just tasted like raw brownie mix after trying a sample. Was not for me and I love chocolate.

[VDOprincess]

Yes, you have to sip it, but I am completely addicted. I'm not actually a huge chocolate fan, either. But that stuff is just good...and it delivers an awesome buzz!

Reminds me of the hot chololate in Spain, for those of you lucky enough to have expierenced that. Dip a churro in it and you're set. Yeah, its a bit much, but its just soooo delicious!

[Rose]

The first time I tasted it, I melted into a puddle. I wish Starbucks would bring it back, it is so wonderful. I make a reasonable facimile at home, the French Chocolat Chaute, but it's not quite the same, kinda like massaging your own neck, it's always better when someone does it.