For those who have finally tired of the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks is offering a new seasonal sipper called the Chile Mocha. Instead of traditional fall flavors, the new drink takes things in a different direction with chocolate and a touch of heat.
The Chile Mocha is an espresso-based beverage that puts a unique twist on the warmth and spice associated with the fall season. In addition to Starbucks' classic espresso blend, the drink contains milk steamed with cocoa and a fiery blend of cayenne and ancho chile pepper spices. The piquant beverage is then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices. The "heat-forward flavor" draws inspiration from other sweet and spicy Mexican drinks such as horchata and champurrado.
For those who are looking to tone down the heat, the Chile Mocha can also be enjoyed over ice as a Frappuccino.
What's Driving This Trend
- Spicy Beverages
- Opportunity for beverage companies to innovate by adding spicy elements to their offerings.
- Mexican-inspired Flavors
- Opportunity for food and beverage industry to incorporate traditional Mexican flavors into their products.
- Alternative Fall Flavors
- Opportunity for seasonal drink options that deviate from traditional fall flavors.
Who This Affects Most
- Beverage
- Opportunity for the beverage industry to create unique and flavorful drink options.
- Food
- Opportunity for food industry to incorporate unique and unconventional flavor profiles.
- Hospitality
- Opportunity for the hospitality industry to offer exciting and innovative seasonal beverage options.
