As the festive season settles in, the craving for warm, comforting drinks becomes irresistible. Hotel Chocolat has perfectly timed the launch of two new limited-edition hot chocolate flavours designed to bring Christmas cheer directly to your mug. The new Mince Pie and Peppermint White varieties are now available to purchase both in their cafés and in at-home sachets for use with their signature Velvetiser device.
First Impressions of the Festive Flavours
For the uninitiated, Hotel Chocolat's hot chocolate is a far cry from the typical powdered mix. It is made from real chocolate flakes with a high cocoa content. When blended with milk in the Velvetiser, it creates an exceptionally smooth, creamy, and rich drink. The new flavours come in boxes of ten single-serving sachets, priced at £14.95.
The Velvetiser machine itself is an investment, retailing at £149.95, or £119.95 for free-to-join VIP.ME members. While it is a premium product, it consistently delivers a luxurious hot chocolate experience, even with non-dairy milks. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the older model of the Velvetiser can still be found for £99.95 on retailers like Amazon.
Diving into the Mince Pie Flavour
The Mince Pie Hot Chocolate immediately piqued our interest. Could it truly capture the essence of the classic Christmas treat? The sachets promise a blend of warming cinnamon, zesty citrus, and notes of juicy raisin combined with white and dark chocolate.
Upon tasting, the result was a delightful surprise. The citrus and spice notes are present but subtle, offering a gentle hint of mince pie rather than an overpowering artificial taste. The creamy chocolate remains the dominant flavour, making it a wonderfully Christmassy yet balanced drink. Interestingly, the aroma is more pronounced than the taste, which enhances the overall festive experience. Even for those who are not typically mince pie enthusiasts, this hot chocolate is worth a try, especially during cosy moments like watching a holiday film.
Testing the Peppermint White Variety
In the spirit of thorough research, we also sampled the Peppermint White flavour. After some recent disappointments with overly potent peppermint treats from other brands, there was a hint of apprehension. However, Hotel Chocolat has mastered the balance.
The peppermint is present just enough to cut through the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a refreshing and indulgent drink. It never veers into the territory of tasting like toothpaste, a common pitfall for mint-flavoured chocolates. This success underscores the brand's expertise in creating sophisticated and well-executed flavour combinations.
Hotel Chocolat's new festive offerings are a welcome addition to the seasonal drinks lineup. They provide a convenient and luxurious way to enjoy a taste of Christmas at home, proving that the brand continues to innovate within the premium hot chocolate market.
