Mastering the Starbucks Hot Chocolate: A Guide to Your Perfect Cup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day. And when it comes to crafting the perfect cup, Starbucks offers a world of customization. Whether you’re a purist or a flavor adventurer, this guide will help you navigate the Starbucks menu and create your ideal hot chocolate.

The Basics: A Classic Hot Chocolate

While Starbucks offers a variety of specialty hot chocolates, the classic hot chocolate remains a beloved choice. Here’s how to order one:

• Size: Choose your preferred size: Tall (12 ounces), Grande (16 ounces), or Venti (20 ounces).
• Milk: Opt for your favorite milk type: 2% milk, whole milk, skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
• Sweetness: If you prefer your hot chocolate a bit sweeter, consider adding a pump or two of vanilla syrup.

Customizing Your Hot Chocolate: Flavors and Toppings

Starbucks gives you the power to customize your hot chocolate to your liking. Here are some popular options:

• Syrups: Add a splash of flavor with syrups like caramel, hazelnut, peppermint, or toffee nut.
• Sauces: For a richer, chocolatey experience, try adding mocha sauce.
• Java Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips for a chewy texture and extra chocolate flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Top your hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy finish.
• Chocolate Curls: For a fancy touch, ask for chocolate curls as a topping.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon on top for a warm, spicy kick.

Specialty Options

Starbucks also offers a variety of specialty hot chocolates with unique flavor profiles:

• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: A classic hot chocolate with a salted caramel twist.
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A festive and refreshing choice, perfect for the holidays.
• Chai Hot Chocolate: A blend of black tea, spices, and cocoa for a comforting and warming drink.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: A spicy and sweet combination of chocolate, chili powder, and cinnamon.

Tips for Ordering Your Perfect Hot Chocolate

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: The baristas at Starbucks are there to help you create the perfect drink.
• Experiment with flavors: Try different combinations of syrups, sauces, and toppings to find your favorite.
• Consider your mood: Choose a flavor that complements your mood or the occasion.
• Don’t be afraid to order off the menu: Starbucks is known for its secret menu items. You can ask for a custom creation based on your preferences.

By following these tips and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a personalized Starbucks hot chocolate that satisfies your cravings and warms you up on a cold day.

Best Starbucks Hot Chocolates, Ranked

There are 6 hot chocolate drinks on the Starbucks official menu as of this writing. Here is a ranked list, starting with the best and most popular.

1. Hot Chocolate
2% Milk + Mocha Sauce + Whipped Cream
Caffeine in a grande: 25 mg
Calories in a grande: 370
Sugars in a grande: 37 g
The most popular hot chocolate on the menu is their signature classic. The mocha sauce is drizzled on top of the whipped cream. Ask for it with Vanilla Syrup if you want to make it the way Starbucks originally made it. Or add white mocha to make it sweeter and creamier.

2. White Hot Chocolate
2% Milk + White Chocolate Mocha Sauce + Whipped Cream
Caffeine in a grande: 0 mg
Calories in a grande: 440
Sugars in a grande: 55 g
A solid second place with hot chocolate fans, get this when you want something sweet without any caffeine.

3. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
2% Milk + Mocha Sauce + Peppermint Syrup + Whipped Cream + Dark Chocolate Curls
Caffeine in a grande: 35 mg
Calories in a grande: 530
Sugars in a grande: 69 g
This drink shows up on the menu only during the winter months but you can get this all year if you don’t get the dark chocolate curls.

4. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
2% Milk + White Chocolate Mocha Sauce + Peppermint Syrup + Whipped Cream + Dark Chocolate Curls
Caffeine in a grande: 0 mg
Calories in a grande: 520
Sugars in a grande: 74 g
A seasonal drink that you can get all year if you take out the dark chocolate curls.

5. Toasted White Hot Chocolate [Seasonal]
2% Milk + Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Sauce + Whipped Cream + Holiday Sugar Sparkles with Crispy White Pearls Topping
Caffeine in a grande: 0 mg
Calories in a grande: 430
Sugars in a grande: 57 g
Available only during the winter due to the toasted white chocolate mocha sauce and the sugar sprinkles.

6. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate [Seasonal]
2% Milk + Mocha Sauce + Toffee Nut Syrup + Whipped Cream + Caramel Drizzle + Sea Salt Topping
Caffeine in a grande: 25 mg
Calories in a grande: 460
Sugars in a grande: 59 g
Flavored with mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup the salted caramel comes from the caramel drizzle and salt topping.

Order a Starbucks Gift Card today. It’s the perfect gift for the hot chocolate lover in your life!