WASHINGTON — Starbucks will debut the Chile Mocha as the newest fall menu item in participating locations Sept. 6, alongside the return of the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte.
The Chile Mocha, inspired by the Champurrado, a thick Mexican drink made from chocolate and corn masa, will take a traditionally chocolate-flavored drink in a new direction with spice from chile peppers.
“We found that the ancho chile and cayenne perfectly complemented chocolate,” Michelle Sundquist, Starbucks senior product developer, said in a news release. “It has a sweet touch to it, with an approachable amount of heat.”
The drink is made with espresso and steamed milk infused with a cocoa and cinnamon powder. It is sprinkled with the Chile Mole spice blend and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
“The first sip should be warm and chocolaty, quickly followed by the creaminess of the whip and just a kiss of sweet and savory heat all at once,” Sundquist said.
Chile Mole will be available in participating stores across the U.S. and Canada.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte also will make its official 13th consecutive seasonal return on Sept. 6. Customers in the know can get an early access code through Twitter @TheRealPSL to order the drink as early as Aug. 31.
Both drinks are available as a Frappuccino blended beverage or over ice.
