The Mexican hot chocolate, borracho-style, at Alejandro’s is a feast for the senses.

Sometimes the most indulgent drinks are found not on the drink menu, but on the dessert menu.

That is the case with the Mexican hot chocolate at Alejandro’s, and to call it a drink or even a dessert is somewhat misleading; it’s more of a full sensory experience.

First, a word of caution: expect a bit of a wait – the crew in the kitchen will be simmering it to temperature with a flavorful blend of spices like cloves and anise. When it is delivered, it comes in a tall pot, served next to a big glass mug that is empty for now, but topped with an elegant lattice of chocolate that is adorned with a puffy housemade marshmallow. The server pours the steaming hot chocolate over the small tower, melting the chocolate into the cup and allowing the marshmallow to topple in. Everyone at the bar is watching, because it’s a bit of a spectacle. When this reporter asks, “what do I do next?” – because this is the kind of presentation that demands instructions – the random guy to me right at the bar chimes in to say, “you give it to the guy to your right.”

After a laugh, it’s onto the actual next step, which is simply to stir and sip. Served “borracho”-style, the hot chocolate comes with a gran centenario añejo tequila alongside. The bartender says some people pour it into the dessert drink, but it’s such a smooth, sippable tequila that that seems like it would be a shame, so alternating between the rich chocolate and the liquor is the preferred option.

Alejandro’s, 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. alejandros.com