The Ultimate Iced Mocha {Starbucks Verismo Review}

Just after starting my job at the hospital and working three-12 hour shifts a week from 6am to 6pm, one of the worst things happened....my Keurig stopped working! I don't know about you, but getting up at 4:45 am is really rough and requires a little extra umph to get going for 12 hours straight. So when my Keurig died, I panicked a little...okay, a lot!

To my relief, a week later, a miracle happened. The clouds parted ways and the heavens opened up.....

Staples (as in the office supply store) contacted me and asked to me review the new Starbucks Verismo system. Hallelujah! Dusty and I were getting a little desperate for some java and weren't sure if we wanted to invest in another Keurig, seeing how the one we had for just 2 years pooped out on us. This wonderful news from Staples and Starbucks answered our caffeine prayers!

After several weeks of using our Starbucks Verismo System, Dusty and I couldn't be more pleased. Not only can we brew coffee, but we can make espresso-based drinks like lattes and mochas (my favorite!). 

Here are our thoughts on the Starbucks Verismo System....

Cons: You can only use the Starbucks Verismo pods. Before our Keurig died, we bought a case of k-cups from Sam's Club, so now we are stuck with approximately 50 k-cups! I might have to take them to work and donate them to another Keurig user. On that note, the Verismo pods are difficult to find if you live out in the middle of no where like myself. Therefore the pods have to be ordered online or purchased when we go on a trip to the city.

Pros: Very simple to use! The instruction manual was very easy to follow and we figured out how to use the machine in a matter of 1 minute. Also, we live 80 miles from the nearest Starbucks, so having readily accessible Starbucks at home is AWESOME! Plus the system came with a recipe booklet so we can make our own Starbucks drinks. The system has a water reservoir, which we didn't have before with our basic Keurig, and we really like this feature. After checking Staples.com I saw that the cost of the Starbucks Verismo System is $119.99....not bad considering you can brew coffee, espresso, make chai tea, hot chocolate and it includes a special milk heating feature. Not bad at all! Plus I really like that the machine requires you put it through a rinse cycle prior to brewing. I have a feeling that is a big reason why our previous coffee machine died. 

Like I said, it couldn't be more simple to use. Just simply fill the water reservoir, turn on the machine, run it through a rinse cycle, lift the handle, pop in your favorite little Starbucks drink pod and brew!

I used my family members as guinea pigs and made them various coffee drinks.They said it was just like having the actual Starbucks, without having to drive 80 miles! On our last trip to Great Falls, Dusty and I loaded up on coffee, espresso and milk pods from Starbucks and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Now we have enough coffee to get me through a years worth of 12 hour shifts. 

Like I said earlier, iced mocha's are my absolute favorite caffeinated beverage. Before having the Verismo system, I made a delicious iced coffee version, but now that I can brew espresso, I can make the real deal! 

Just simply place 2 tablespoons of chocolate sauce into the bottom of a glass....

Add the brewed espresso shots (2 shots if you need the extra kick like me!)

Pour in 6 ounces of Milk. Skim, 1%, 2%, or whole....your choice!

Stir or shake to combine...

Add ice and there you have it! 

Happy Monday!

This post is sponsored by Staples. They provided me with the Starbucks Verismo System to review and share with you all. I did not receive monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions on the Verismo System are my own...and if you didn't figure it out, I love this new coffee system! The recipe for this glorious Iced Mocha came with my Verismo system. Thanks Starbucks & Staples!