Starbucks rang in the winter season with its new drink, the Chestnut Praline Latte, Wednesday, Nov. 19. This new member of the chain’s family is joined by two returning ones, the Peppermint Mocha Latte and Caramel Créme Brulée Latte.
The Chestnut Praline Latte is under the category of espresso beverages, but can be made hot, iced, as a frappuccino or even decaffeinated. The first sip of the latte as a hot beverage gives a strong coffee taste. The next few sips give way to the chestnut flavor and the rest is a smooth mixture of chestnut, espresso and toppings for which Starbucks is known.
“I like it,” said Starbucks barista Justin Williams from the Azusa store. “I have only heard one complaint, and it was from a co-worker who was unimpressed.”
The main ingredient is the chestnut praline-flavored syrup. It is mixed together like other lattes with milk and espresso. The added toppings of nuts give more of the flavor to the drink. Willams describes the drink as tasting like graham crackers and the syrup itself smelling like Lucky Charms. As sweet as this description may be, the taste of espresso is very evident in this drink and just a hint of chestnut is tasted in sipping the holiday latte.
The chestnut becomes stronger and sweeter when reaching the end of the drink. Just make sure it is the right size. Camille Mariano, junior allied health major, said she wished she had ordered a grande instead of a tall after she had finished the drink because she loved the drink so much that she wanted more.
“Since first trying it [the Chestnut Praline Latte], it has quickly become one of my favorite holiday drinks,” Mariano said. “I like that it’s not as sweet as their other holiday drinks.”
As far as popularity, there is uncertainty. People say they have been trying the latte because it is new and exciting. Starbucks also had a buy one, get one free deal. Gold card members benefited from the new drink, as they were able to purchase it before it was available to the public. So far, according to Willams, the drink has been popular within the first week and there is hope for it to stay so throughout the holidays.
A new drink is always something fun to try with friends. Starbucks’ BOGO deal made this new latte even more exciting. Although these deals come and go, it is an addition to the Starbucks family that is worth a try.