When the weather cools down, the coffee heats up (goodbye iced lattes and fraps). But for those in the know, the absolute best Starbucks hot drink can do more than just warm your tummy on a cool, foggy morning; it can double as a dessert. Starbucks’ White Chocolate Mocha (WCM) is part of its “classic” array of drinks (tried-and-true long-timers with a loyal following that sticks around year after year). And dessert is no understatement; the WCM is so indulgent it even looks like dessert. WCM fans agree: “It looks more like a dessert than a routine drink,” marveled one YouTube commenter. But the sweetest comment online was: “I had a drink and something to eat from Starbucks for the FIRST TIME ( i am 13 ) I LOVED THE WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHA AND I DON’T EVEN LIKE CHOCOLATE.” Which is why it’s no surprise this super-sweet treat beat out 28 competitors on our list of popular hot drinks at Starbucks.
The ingredient list for this popular Starbucks coffee concoction includes: luxurious white chocolate sauce, Starbucks Signature Espresso, creamy steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and the clincher — lush whipped cream. But how does it taste? Rich, decadent, super-sweet, and oh-so-creamy like you woke up in a heavenly Maxfield Parish painting, floating on a warm, white chocolate cloud (Ever seen the 1980s Nestle Alpine White Chocolate bar commercial?) — plus a splash of roasty-toasty coffee. Sip this candy-like libation during that dreary Monday morning meeting, and no one will know you’re secretly escaping with this decadent dessert-sub in hand — no crumbs involved. Like your dessert a little less cloyingly sweet? The WCM still tastes great with only half the pumps of white chocolate sauce, offering a more balanced, sophisticated but still dessert-y experience.
Read more: 9 Customizations Starbucks Baristas Wish You’d Stop Ordering
White chocolate mocha: a year-round treat
Starbucks white chocolate mocha – Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images
The best thing about Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha? At full throttle, it’s the perfect dessert all year round. On a windy fall day, make it an alternative to your autumn-ushering PSL. Or have it as a snowy replacement for your peppermint mocha in winter. And, if you fall for this addictive cuppa in the cold months, you can carry on into spring and summer with the dreamy iced version.
Not feeling a Starbucks run in this economy? DIY the WCM at home. Melt down some white chocolate (chips or crushed bar) in the microwave and add it to your mug, or try Torani’s white chocolate sauce (it’s a perfect dupe!) Then, pour in espresso shots, followed by steamed milk, and top off with whipped cream. However, some may wish to leave off the whipped cream. As one YouTube Starbucks reviewer complained, “I don’t get whipped cream on it. It’s foo-foo enough.”
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
