This healthier version of Starbucks' Chile Mocha is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter morning!
Hey all! How are all the things? Still have lots of shopping to do? Cookie baking, dinner planning, etc? That's usually me at this stage of the game, but not this year! I'd be proud, but really I was just so nervous about things shipping everywhere on time (well, mostly shipping here, because Alaska) that I got pretty much all of my shopping done before December even showed it's holly jolly face. No worries, though, our Advent calendar activities are keeping me us mighty busy this year ๐
Oh! Did I tell you guys that we got our first REAL Christmas tree ever last week?! Yes!!
Here are a couple random thoughts I have on this whole real Christmas tree situation:
- Getting a tree in Alaska is the BEST. THING. EVER. No tree farms here, folks (not that there's anything wrong with that) - you go out and literally find yourself a tree and cut it the hell down like you're a freaking BA lumberjack. (btw, we don't really have to talk about how the trunk is like 3 inches wide and you could probably cut it down with a steak knife, because that's beside the point, right?)
- I have no idea how to decorate this thing. Like seriously, no idea. It's kind of... sparse, so when I tried to hang lights on it, it looked like it was covered in cords... ugh, it was so bad. We ended up taking the lights off and just hanging ornaments... it looks pretty, but it feels less Christmas tree-like without the lights. I'm going to have to figure something out for next year, because this no lights business has me like ? - Also, I'm missing my amazing friend, Cindy, because I totally would have had her over figuring it out for me ๐ If anyone has had this issue and solved it, let me know what you did (and please don't say "just live with the cords because I just can't)!
Will we continue to do this? Definitely as long as we're in Alaska. I think we'll reevaluate after that, but I'm glad we're all experiencing it here ๐
And hey, off topic, have you heard that I made you a recipe? I know, you're not just here for me to chat you up ๐
Recently when I was at my grocery store (which has a 'bucks inside) I saw a sign for their seasonal Chile Mocha. I knew that it was my duty, to try that coffee for you (and remake it, 21 Day Fix style). That's just the kind of dedication that I have. I took one for the team, because Christmas. And I'm in love. So in love! Move over PSL, there's a new winter warmer in town and you're old news. Ya know, until next September when I'll be making this like my freaking life depends on it.
Seeing as how we just had a HUGE snowstorm blow through a good bit of the country and there's definitely a chill in the air, I've really been craving spicy everything. I don't know about you, but when the weather really starts to get bitter cold, the first thing I want is a big ol' bowl of comfort-y soup with a kick, nothing can warm you through and through better! Same goes for this delicious coffee. It's the perfect drink to warm you up if it's too early in the day for hard liquor or soup. Just sayin'.
Oh, and did I also mention that this lovely cup of happy is only 37 calories versus the 200-ish calories in the Starbucks version of the same size? Yep.
**A quick ingredient note: McCormick sells ancho chile powder in their Gourmet Collection (the ones in the glass bottles). If you've never tried it before, I think you'll love it - since I bought my first jar, I've tossed it in a million different things. It doesn't have quite as much heat as cayenne does, and it has a slight sweetness to it, in fact I've heard ancho chiles described as tasting like spicy raisins, and I think that's pretty accurate. If you can't find it (or don't want to spend your hard-earned dough), you can sub in a little cayenne instead, nbd.
With all of this crazy weather, I thought it was the perfect time to share this Chile Mocha with you. Ok, so really any excuse that I can find to have chocolate in the morning is pretty much a win in my book (so, thank you snowstorm ๐ ). I hope you love it as much as I do!
Enjoy <3
๐ Recipe
21 Day Fix Copycat Starbucks Chile Mocha
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (1 cup) good, strong coffee, very hot
- 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ยฝ Tbs raw sugar
- 1/16th teaspoon cinnamon (about half of your โ th tsp)
- 1/16th teaspoon ancho chile powder (or more, to taste) - you can substitute cayenne, but I'd start with a pinch and work your way up, it has more heat
- ยผ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a large coffee mug, use a milk frother (like the one below) to mix and froth. Warm up and enjoy ๐
Notes
21 Day Fix Container Counts per Serving: ยผth of a teaspoon (if you choose to count that - if I'm only having one, I don't), 1 ยฝ teaspoon sugar
Weight Watchers Freestyle Points: 2
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: entire recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 37Total Fat: 1g
Sarah says
This was AMAZING!!! We had a chilly morning, so I made this for me and my husband. This is absolutely our new favorite hot beverage. Thank you for this ๐
Stephanie says
Ah! You're so welcome, and thank YOU for making my day!!
Amanda @ The Pretend Baker says
WELL I've never had a Starbucks chile mocha but I'd wager yours is better! I LOVEEE the idea of spicy chocolatey coffee in the winter! Pinned ๐
Stephanie says
Thanks, dahling! Look out Starbucks, here I come! LOL!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
You know, I've totally been drooling over the new sbux drink! I was wondering about making a version at home, how I would go about it, etc... but now you've totally done all the work for me! Woot woot! Thanks Steph! Anywho, it's SO cool that you guys got your first real Christmas tree! Firsts are always the best, especially around the holidays. As for the sparse tree issue: have you tried putting those delicate copper fairy lights in the tree? The wire is so thin and delicate, you wouldn't even see it. And the shine is so pretty. ๐ Can't wait to see how the tree turns out! Meanwhile, I'll just blissfully sip a few of these to keep myself occupied. ๐ Happy holidays, my dear! Bog hogs. xoxoxo
Stephanie says
Glad I can be of service, Miss Demeter! And you're a freaking genius with the fairy lights! I think I'm going to order some now so that we'll have them ready to go for next year. Such a great idea!! Hope you, Erik and the whole fam had the best Christmas ever! The boggiest of hogs to you, D! XOXO
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com says
Real Christmas trees are amazing - I just love the smell of them! Don't worry too much about the lights, it is the spirit that counts and you should be so proud of cutting it down yourself! Our tree is up, cookies are baked and most presents are already wrapped, I had a huge to-do list this year and I am so happy that I am finally ahead of it (at least for now I am sure I will have a few panicky moments still to come). Starbucks drinks are often too sweet for me, so great to have an alternative recipe - incredible that your Chile Mocca has only 37 calories compared to whooping 200 ๐
Stephanie says
Yes, I'm loving our tree, did miss the lights though. Good for you for getting ahead!! It's so hard! I agree, Starbucks can be really sweet, so it's so nice to make your own and cut back on the sugar. Hope you had a great holiday, Miriam! XOXO
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I grew up with a real Christmas tree, but we have an artificial one these days. So easy to decorate (cause it's prelit), but definitely doesn't smell as good as the real thing!! Plus, so fun cutting down your own tree, Christmas Vacation style, lol :D.
We are having crazy cold weather here lately and just had a snowstorm yesterday with more to come tomorrow. Great because it's the holidays, but not fun for driving! Girl, I am LOVING this drink!! I haven't seen anything like this at Starbucks, though I haven't been in a while and love the chili kick. And you know what else I love? The fact that it's 37 calories so it's basically guilt free so I can have a cookie with it ๐ Pinning! I know hubby will love this too!! Have a great weekend! XO
Stephanie says
Dawn, you're my favorite because you hear "37 calorie coffee" and immediately think "and a cookie" <3 <3 <3 I hope you and the hubs had an amazing Christmas, girl! Between Christmas and being sick, I've been out of the world for a while and I miss reading your posts!! XOXO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Real Christmas trees are the BEST.. light or no lights. Although real trees with lights is kind of ideal. ๐ I'm sure your tree looks gorgeous, dear!! And congrats on getting all your gifts done. I have yet to buy one.. oops? Anyways, I've nevery had a Starbucksโ Chile Mocha, but it looks freggin faaaabulous! I'm thinking come 5 o'clock this needs to happen with a shot of Irish Cream.. because holidays! Pinned! Cheers! <3
Stephanie says
Thanks, girl! Wait, not one gift bought yet?! I'd be going bonkers! Don't get me wrong, I usually end up with plenty of last minute shopping, I just usually start early ๐ Oh, man, Irish Cream?! That sounds amazing! Thanks for pinning, Chey! XOXO