Exploring The Hot Chocolate Options at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

As a leading coffee and tea retailer, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is well-known for its wide array of hot and cold beverages. But does this popular chain also offer delicious hot chocolate drinks? As a chocolate lover, I decided to investigate the hot cocoa menu at Coffee Bean locations.

In this article, I’ll share what I learned about the hot chocolate selections at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Whether you’re craving a classic hot chocolate or a more indulgent specialty cocoa, read on to discover if Coffee Bean has you covered!

An Overview of Hot Chocolates at Coffee Bean

After perusing menus and speaking with baristas at various Coffee Bean stores, here is an overview of the hot chocolate options typically available:

• Hot Chocolate – Their standard hot chocolate drink featuring chocolate syrup and steamed milk. Customizable with whipped cream.

• White Hot Chocolate – A white chocolate version of the classic hot chocolate. Made with white chocolate sauce

• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – Hot cocoa with caramel sauce and a touch of sea salt.

• Mint Hot Chocolate – A minty hot chocolate infused with peppermint syrup

• Mexican Hot Chocolate – Spiced hot cocoa with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili peppers.

Hot Chocolate Recipe and Preparation

Coffee Bean’s standard hot chocolate starts with a proprietary chocolate syrup containing cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream. Each drink is hand-crafted following these preparation steps:

• Add chocolate syrup to cup
• Steam milk until hot and frothy
• Pour steamed milk into cup and stir to combine
• Top with whipped cream upon request

The chocolate syrup is key, providing rich chocolate flavor. Steaming the milk incorporates air for a smooth, frothy texture. Overall, a simple but high quality hot chocolate recipe.

Tips for Customizing Your Hot Chocolate

One of the best things about Coffee Bean’s hot chocolate is the variety of ways you can customize your drink:

• Size – Order a short 8oz kids size or larger 12oz, 16oz, or 20oz for extra indulgence.

• Milk – Substitute regular milk with non-dairy milks like almond, coconut, oat, or soy.

• Flavor shots – Add flavor like mocha, hazelnut, vanilla, or peppermint.

• Toppings – Whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and more!

• Temperature – Request your drink made extra hot, warm, or even iced for a chocolatey cold treat.

With these endless combinations, you can design a unique hot chocolate you’ll love!

Special Edition and Seasonal Hot Chocolates

In addition to the core menu, Coffee Bean often offers limited time hot chocolate flavors for holidays and seasons:

• Peppermint Mocha – Available in winter, combining hot chocolate, mint, espresso, and whipped cream.

• Eggnog Latte – Eggnog flavors this creamy holiday hot chocolate.

• Chocolate Raspberry – Features raspberry syrup mixed into rich hot chocolate.

• Churro Hot Chocolate – With cinnamon and a dash of chili pepper for a spicy kick.

• S’mores Hot Chocolate – Made with marshmallow syrup and milk chocolate sauce.

Be sure to ask about any seasonal specials during your visit to enjoy these tempting limited-time hot chocolates!

Comparing Sizes and Prices of Hot Chocolates

If you’re wondering about the cost of Coffee Bean’s hot chocolate drinks, here’s a breakdown of the sizes and prices:

• Short (8oz) – Starting around $3. A smaller kids-sized portion.

• Tall (12oz) – Starting around $4. The standard medium size.

• Grande (16oz) – Starting around $4.50. Larger volume for extra indulgence.

• Venti (20oz) – Starting around $5. Their largest oversized hot chocolate.

These prices will vary a bit by location but provide a general idea of what to expect. Modifications like extra toppings will addadditional fees. Overall, reasonably priced for a special coffeehouse-style hot cocoa.

Hot Chocolate vs. Other Coffee Bean Drinks

How does Coffee Bean’s hot chocolate compare to its extensive selection of other hot drinks?

• More affordable than most espresso drinks like lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos.

• Lower caffeine than coffee, espresso, and chai tea beverages. A good evening option.

• Thicker and creamier than standard brewed coffees and teas.

• More indulgent than low-calorie options like an Americano.

So if you’re seeking a cozy, chocolatey, moderately priced drink, hot chocolate is a perfect Coffee Bean choice!

Health Benefits and Considerations

Hot chocolate can be a tasty treat, but how healthy is Coffee Bean’s version?

Potential benefits:

• Provides antioxidants from cocoa and dark chocolate
• Contains calcium, vitamin D, and protein from milk
• Can improve mood and reduce stress

Considerations:

• Can be high in sugar and calories depending on size and toppings
• Contains caffeine from chocolate, which some people prefer to avoid
• May cause gastrointestinal issues for those with dairy intolerance

Overall, hot chocolate is fine in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Those with specific health conditions should take extra care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Bean Hot Chocolate

Here I’ll summarize some common FAQs about hot chocolate at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:

Is the hot chocolate made from scratch?

It is not made completely from scratch, but uses a proprietary chocolate syrup as the base along with steamed milk.

Do they sell their hot chocolate mix?

Unfortunately Coffee Bean’s signature chocolate syrup is not available for retail sale currently.

Can adults order the kids size hot chocolate?

Yes! You can request a short 8oz kids size hot cocoa regardless of age.

Does hot chocolate count as one of your rewards drinks?

Hot chocolate redeems as a standard reward drink, just like brewed coffee or tea. You can redeem a free one after earning enough points.

Can you add espresso shots to the hot chocolate?

Absolutely, you can customize your hot chocolate with espresso shots to make it a mocha style drink.

Satisfying Your Hot Chocolate Craving at Coffee Bean

To conclude, for those wondering if they can enjoy quality hot chocolate from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – the answer is a resounding yes! With classic and specialty cocoa options, delicious recipes, full customization, and reasonable prices, Coffee Bean can absolutely satisfy your hot chocolate cravings.

So next time you need a comforting hot chocolate fix, consider stopping by your local Coffee Bean. Their indulgent, chocolatey, and skillfully crafted hot cocoa drinks are sure to delight people of all ages!