COSTA’s 2015 Holiday Drinks: Malt Latte & Eggnog Hot Chocolate

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a holiday coffee drink feel truly festive—beyond just whipped cream and sprinkles—COSTA’s 2015 seasonal lineup had two standout answers. That year, the brand leaned into British-inspired flavors to deliver warmth and nostalgia, blending traditional tastes with familiar coffee bases. These weren’t just seasonal gimmicks; they were carefully crafted drinks designed to evoke the cozy, indulgent spirit of the season.

COSTA’s 2015 Christmas menu introduced two new drinks: the English Black Malt Latte and the Eggnog Hot Chocolate. Both joined returning favorites like Caramel Brulee Latte and Gingerbread Cookie Latte to create a holiday drink lineup focused on rich, comforting flavors.

What Is the English Black Malt Latte?

The English Black Malt Latte was inspired by the dark, roasted character of high-roast black malt—the same malt used in black beers. This malt brings a bold, slightly bitter flavor with hints of roasted coffee, which COSTA blended with their espresso base. The result was a latte that combined the malty depth of a stout with the smoothness of coffee. To enhance the experience, the drink was topped with a layer of creamy foam dusted with translucent yellow sugar crystals, adding a subtle sweetness that balanced the malt’s intensity.

Why It Works: Malt Meets Coffee

The black malt used in the latte was roasted to a high degree, a process that develops deep, complex flavors through the Maillard reaction. This type of malt is typically the backbone of black beers, known for its roasted, almost coffee-like profile. By combining it with espresso, COSTA created a drink that felt familiar yet unique—like a “British gentleman” version of a coffee, balancing the boldness of malt with the refined restraint of coffee. The yellow sugar topping further softened the edges, making the flavors more approachable.

What About the Eggnog Hot Chocolate?

The Eggnog Hot Chocolate was a liquid interpretation of the classic British holiday drink, eggnog. For those who couldn’t decide between a warming cup of eggnog or a rich hot chocolate, this drink merged the two. It captured the creamy, spiced essence of eggnog while maintaining the deep cocoa richness of hot chocolate. Perfect for cold winter nights, it was designed to be a comforting, indulgent treat that brought together the best of both worlds.

Why It’s a Holiday Favorite

The drink tapped into two beloved British traditions: a love for sweet, spiced alcoholic beverages like eggnog and a craving for chocolate during the cold, rainy winters. By combining these elements into a non-alcoholic, coffeehouse-friendly format, COSTA created a holiday drink that felt both festive and familiar. It was a way to enjoy the flavors of the season without the need for a fireplace or a trip to the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the English Black Malt Latte made with?

The English Black Malt Latte was made with high-roast black malt, which has a flavor profile similar to black beer, combined with espresso. It was topped with creamy foam dusted with yellow sugar crystals to balance the malt’s bitterness.

Did the Eggnog Hot Chocolate contain alcohol?

No, the Eggnog Hot Chocolate was a non-alcoholic drink inspired by traditional eggnog. It combined the flavors of eggnog with hot chocolate for a creamy, spiced, and chocolatey holiday beverage.

What other drinks were on COSTA’s 2015 Christmas menu?

Alongside the English Black Malt Latte and Eggnog Hot Chocolate, COSTA’s 2015 Christmas menu included the Caramel Brulee Latte and Gingerbread Cookie Latte, both returning seasonal favorites.

How did the black malt flavor work in the latte?

The high-roast black malt contributed a roasted, slightly bitter flavor reminiscent of dark beer, which blended with the coffee’s natural notes. The combination created a unique malt-coffee profile, enhanced by yellow sugar on top.

Was the Eggnog Hot Chocolate based on a traditional recipe?

Yes, the Eggnog Hot Chocolate was inspired by the traditional British holiday drink eggnog. It aimed to replicate the creamy, spiced flavors of eggnog in a hot chocolate format, without alcohol.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Holiday Lattes

For crafting holiday-inspired drinks like COSTA’s 2015 English Black Malt Latte or Eggnog Hot Chocolate, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed for espresso-based drinks, it delivers a smooth, well-rounded profile with rich crema—perfect for layering flavors in milk drinks. If you prefer a deeper, more robust base, the Black Cocoa Blend offers a full-bodied, chocolatey espresso that complements spiced or malted flavors. Both blends are optimized for milk drinks, ensuring a velvety texture and balanced taste in festive lattes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.