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 1^st. 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!

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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
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