Every year we look forward to all the coffee chains releasing their festive drinks range. Some are delicious, others are practically just sugary gimmicks with a festive name. But after getting an exclusive first taste of Costa's Christmas menu ahead of its launch this morning, there's one drink we haven't stopped thinking about – and it tastes JUST like one of the world's most iconic and tastiest chocolates.
Meet the new Golden Hazel Latte with Ferrero Rocher. From its arrival I knew I was in for a treat. Presented with an enticing chocolate whip with crumbled glistening hazelnut crumbs, on the very first sip I was hooked. And very happy because it exactly captures the flavour of a Ferrero Rocher.
Sweet, nutty and beautifully caramelised, it has all the rich hazelnut notes you'd expect from the famous gold-wrapped chocolate, balanced with smooth espresso that stops it from becoming overly sweet.
The chocolate whipped cream is another highlight. Rich and indulgent without being sickly, it's finished with golden crunchy sprinkles and served with a Ferrero Rocher on the side, making it feel very luxurious and a perfect Christmas treat.
In fact, after nearly a decade of trying Christmas food and drink launches, we'd go as far as saying this is one of the best festive drinks we've ever tasted. That's no small claim considering just how many seasonal coffees, hot chocolates and festive lattes we've sipped over the years.
The Golden Hazel Latte with Ferrero Rocher is joined by two other new additions to Costa's Christmas menu, including a Gingerbread Iced Matcha Latte – a festive twist on the growing matcha trend – and the indulgent Ultimate Yule Brownie drinks range, available as both a latte and hot chocolate, topped with chocolate whip, brownie pieces and meringue.
Costa's Christmas menu officially lands in stores on 22 October, and if you're only planning to order one festive drink this year, we'd make it this one. Ferrero Rocher fans, prepare to be seriously impressed.
Mel is the Senior Food & Drink Writer for Good Housekeeping UK, covering all the delicious new product launches that come her way, writing about food and drink topics, and curating gift guides for the best foodie products to buy. Alongside that, she can be found developing and creating cocktails for GH and holds her WSET Level 2 in Wine and Spirits. She was part of the Good Housekeeping Institute food testing team for over four years before moving over to the digital side, so knows a thing or two about great food products. You'll find her scouring the supermarket shelves in her spare time for new and exciting ingredients to experiment with in her kitchen.