Starbucks releases new drinks in honor of Valentine’s Day

In celebration of millions of people’s love for Starbucks, the Seattle-based coffee chain released three new drinks the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. All coffee lovers will be able to try three new, chocolate-flavored drinks which are sure to make Valentine’s Day that much sweeter. The three new flavors are Molten Chocolate Frappuccino, Molten Chocolate Latte, and Molten Hot Chocolate. All three drinks can be made hot or cold and are available until Feb. 14, so next time you’re at the drive-through, consider trying these new beverages.

Molten Chocolate Frappuccino: This frappuccino has a good amount of chocolate, but isn’t too overpowering. You can still taste the light, bittersweet espresso. This drink is made with mocha and espresso sauce, chocolate chips, milk, and ice. The grande size has 410 calories and is priced at $4.95. Although this drink was enjoyable, I think Starbucks has many other frappuccino offerings that top this. For example, the Caramel Frappuccino, a personal favorite, is one of Starbucks best sellers and I would recommend it over this new drink. If you’re looking for something made of chocolate, then you can’t go wrong with Double Chocolatey Chip Crème Frappuccino either. Unless you’ve tried all of Starbucks signature frappuccinos, I wouldn’t pick this as a first choice.

Molten Chocolate Latte: My personal favorite of the three, the Molten Chocolate Latte is the perfect coffee drink that isn’t too sweet, but still has the light chocolate taste that we all love. Skip the boxed chocolates and try this new latte; it has the signature bittersweet taste of Starbucks coffee that is sure to get you on your feet in the morning. This drink is a perfect blend of chocolate chips, espresso, mocha-infused steamed milk, and bittersweet mocha sauce. What better way to sweeten up your Valentine’s Day than this delicious twist on Starbucks coffee? The grande size has 450 calories and costs $4.95.

Molten Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is widely considered to be one of the best winter drinks, and this new twist on an old classic is no exception. Although it is a hot chocolate, it is stronger than regular hot chocolate and not as sweet. If you’re looking for a sweeter drink, then the regular Starbucks hot chocolate may be a better alternative. This drink is made up of basically the same ingredients as the Molten Chocolate Latte, minus the espresso. The grande size has 440 calories and is priced at $3.75.

If you’re looking to try something new, then any one of the three drinks is a good choice. All three drinks contain mocha or espresso, making them quite strong despite their chocolate base. Out of the three, I enjoyed the latte and the hot chocolate the best. If you want something in between a strong coffee and a sweet frappuccino and are in the mood to drink something new, then these are worth the price.

“Starbucks always makes me excited when a new holiday rolls around,” said junior Elise Dishman. “They know exactly what I need and come out the perfect themed drinks.”