There’s a moment in every adult’s life when they realize their kids are getting the good stuff. It happened to me when I first sipped Pete’s Hot Cocoa from Jittery Joe’s. A hot cocoa branded with the ever-chill Pete the Cat? Naturally, my expectations were high. And by high, I mean, “Well, at least it won’t taste like sweetened dirt.”
The moment I opened the canister—excuse me, the “beautiful custom tin” designed by Pete’s creator, James Dean—I was greeted with the intoxicating scent of 100% Ecuadorian cacao. Not a hint of artificial nonsense. Just pure, unadulterated chocolatey goodness. It smelled so rich that I half-expected a golden ticket to pop out and invite me to a chocolate factory—no such luck.
Mixing it up was simple enough. Add hot milk (or water, if you enjoy making poor choices) and stir. I opted for milk because I have standards. As the cocoa swirled into the liquid, it transformed into a deep, velvety concoction that looked as indulgent as a billionaire’s afternoon snack.
Then came the first sip. Oh, Pete. You sly, sunglass-wearing feline. This cocoa was smooth, rich, and exactly what I imagine a hug from a cloud tastes like. It had the perfect balance of sweetness—enough to satisfy a kid but not so overpowering that an adult feels like drinking liquid sugar. And with a few marshmallows thrown in (because Pete has impeccable taste), it was downright magical.
Now, here’s where the experience takes a slightly less groovy turn. The tin? Beautiful, yes. But also the kind that taunts you when trying to open it, I wrestled with it for two minutes before finally prying it open, feeling only slightly victorious. Also, at 16 oz, I rationed it like some rare, limited-edition chocolate elixir. Because, well, it is.
For those looking to make their kid’s hot cocoa experience infinitely cooler—or for adults who want to reclaim their childhood in a slightly more refined way—Pete’s Hot Cocoa delivers. You can grab your own can here and experience the magic yourself. Just be prepared to explain to your children why their cocoa keeps mysteriously disappearing.
Final verdict? Pete’s Hot Cocoa is a smooth, chocolatey delight wrapped in a whimsical tin of joy. And if Pete the Cat approves, who am I to argue?