Credits: Social Media
I Tried Costa’s Hot Milkshakes and Americans are missing out – but not when it comes to the taste
UK Costa recently introduced new items to their menus, including three flavors of hot milkshakes. Yes, you read that right.�
While they are not currently available in the US, hot milkshakes are quickly sweeping the UK and worldwide social media. But, since you cant try them, I took myself to my nearest Costa and bought all three!
What are the hot milkshakes?
The ground-breaking new range, described by Costa as unbelievably good , is exactly what it sounds like. Its a thick milkshake, but hot!
They come in three distinct flavors; White Chocolate and Strawberry, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Chocolate Hazel. The drinks are served with a straw and topped with light whip and various confections.
For the white chocolate drinkers, you can expect yummy sprinkles, while salted caramel comes with sweet caramel vermicelli and the hazelnut concoction is sprinkled with brownie crumbs.
Costas Naomi Matthews said in a press release: Feeling the January blues? Don’t worry, Costa Coffee has got your back! Brighten your day with our amazing new January menu, featuring revolutionary Hot Milkshakes that will make you say yes, please! We’ve also teamed up with the talented BOSH! for a delicious plant-based collaboration. Come on in and let Costa Coffee kick start your new year!
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Alongside the Hot Milkshake, the brand also unveiled products like Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake, Orange and Raspberry Victoria Sponge and a fruity flapjack.
The hot milkshakes left me cold
If you let the words hot milkshake slosh around in your head, you will understandably become quite confused. After all, how can you transform a typically cold drink into something bubbling with heat?
While obviously a marketing tactic that hinges on the inherent mystery, watching the barista make the drink did shed some light on what qualifies as a hot milkshake. Essentially, its a thick hot chocolate with some fancy flavorings blended together. �
My first sip of the white hot chocolate and strawberry drink was surprisingly comforting. The flavors worked and the consistency was somewhat warming as I sucked its thickness through the straw. But I may have spoken too soon, as it was mostly downhill from there.�
With each subsequent sip, the initial interest dissolved, and I was left wishing I had bought a coffee instead. But, I soldiered on and reluctantly tried the other two.�I would rank salted caramel coffee dead last, with chocolate hazel undoubtedly the best with its distinctive Nutella flavor.�
But it wasnt all bad, because the marketing campaign worked wonders on me. I drank all three and thought about them for the rest of the day, pondering a series of questions and queries that left me wanting to give them another go. Might have to cool it on the thick milk for a while, though.�
More thoughts on the hot milkshakes
Besides the actual taste, I also took issue with the idea that hot milkshakes are hot. They are lukewarm at best. This opinion was shared by many people online, and after some quick Googling, I discovered why. If you blend hot milk, the pressure is going to build up until it explodes.
Concerningly, someone at Costa HQ had to pitch this idea to a room full of so-called experts , who then signed it off for national release. God knows how much money was then pumped into distribution, social media and snazzy posters.
The new releases are a clear marketing campaign, and if anything, a sign that the world of coffee shops is starting to run out of ideas.
Similar opinions were shared on social media, with one person scathing on Twitter: Rubbish – lukewarm milk and a bit of sauce. And as always, they look NOTHING like all the marketing!
Whoever at Costa came up with the hot milkshake thing should face a public inquiry, another said, while a third added, PSA: the Costa hot milkshakes are gross. Be a cold milkshake or be a hot chocolate.
