I have the HOTS for you: Molly’s “Love You Cherry Much Mocha” review
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Molly’s Coffee Company released two love-themed drinks in late January: a classic latte and a made-in-shop soda, both characterized by the holiday’s classic cherry flavor. Although berry is a stereotypical choice for the holiday, a wildcard flavor is thrown into both drinks that may just prolong the honeymoon phase. According to the baristas, the customers believe one of the two does it better: the “Love You Cherry Much Mocha.”
The mocha is a classic latte made with 1000 Faces’ Athens-roasted coffee beans, melding together the flavors of white chocolate, cherry syrup, and an almond syrup that you typically see as a milk alternative or delicate dessert. Offered in 12 ounces for $5.75 and 16 ounces for $6.25, the prices may seem a bit steep, but they’re comparable to popular chain coffee shops.
The latte, available hot or iced, has the exact same ingredient measurements, yet carries distinct flavor journeys. Marketed mainly as a steamy latte topped with a red heart, the classic melty foam offers a pillowy descent into the flavors that soon hit in sequence: light yet decadent almond, smooth white chocolate, an earthy cherry more reminiscent of maraschino than regular bottled syrup. At first, each flavor exists separately, taking its moment in the spotlight before passing the baton onto the next, but the longer you sip, the more they meld together, eventually shifting from sweet cherry almond to giving full attention to the white mocha’s smoky base.
For the iced version, instead of a sequence, the harmony of flavors are already combined, and they immediately present as a bit less sweet than their warming counterpart. The almond flavoring adds a distinct light yet gourmand flavor, taking both the iced and hot latte from a stereotypical white chocolate and cherry mocha to a drink reminiscent of an almond cake with cherry filling and a mocha ganache.
A hot coffee is always a classic comfort during the cold February weeks. If you enjoy a coffee that tastes like a decadent and well balanced dessert, don’t be afraid to show some love to local shops this Valentine’s day and give it a shot.
