I tried to pry it out of them: What is the addictive chemical that Cartel puts in their coffee? Being a Denverite, I had to know: what can I do to get my fix while I'm not in Scottsdale? Instead he gave me a list of his favorite coffee shops in Denver. Awesome service, amazing coffee and possibly and addictive chemical that creates the illusion of the best Iced Vanilla Latte you've ever had.