Review: Starbucks’ Chestnut Praline Latte Disappoints

If you don't take a selfie with your coffee, then what's the point of drinking it?

If you don’t take a selfie with your coffee, then what’s the point of drinking it?

Call me basic, but as a Starbuck’s gold card holder and mega fan, I was pretty excited when I heard that the coffee chain was releasing its first new holiday drink in five years.

So, I forwent my normal grande white mocha latte with two pumps of raspberry, which you are more than welcome to bring me anytime, for the new Chestnut Praline Latte this morning.

Biggest mistake of my life. That is a slight exaggeration, but it was just not good. I have never had a Starbuck’s drink that I just did not like, but this new addition to the menu definitely was not my favorite.

The red cup of joy with my name on the side seemed so warm and welcoming at first. However, the overall nuttiness of the drink was very overpowering. I enjoy both chestnuts and pralines on their own, but mixed together, they are not as good. The drink did taste like its ingredients, which is not always common.

I typically like my lattes to be very sweet, but this drink was not. I would describe the taste as heavy, and it lingered even after I was finished getting caffeinated. I could not taste the coffee in the drink at all, which is something else I look forward to.

CPL1

The drink smelled like popcorn and reminded me of Thanksgiving, which is what the coffee giant was going for. Overall, I think Starbuck’s goal to attract customers to a new drink will work and maybe create a new favorite for some people.

If you are into nutty tastes, absolutely try it! Even if you order the exact same drink every visit, it always tastes different. Just because it was not my thing, does not mean you should not try it.

The Chestnut Praline drink is also available cold, either iced or blended.

Other holiday drinks at Starbuck’s include Peppermint Mocha, the Gingerbread Latte, the Caramel Brulee Latte, and of course, the celebrated Pumpkin Spice.

About Sarah Self-Walbrick

Graduate Executive Director — Mass Communication Graduate Student, Class of 2017
Sarah, a Lubbock native, has two bachelor of art degrees in electronic media and communication and journalism, and is pursuing a master's in mass communications. She loves Texas, her husband and dog, and good storytelling.

Comments

  1. I tried it and I love it ! My order is a tall skim chestnut praline latte (nonfat milk to make it light and easier to digest, it really makes a difference for me) no whip and with the gingerbread drizzle on top.
    I agree that it my be a little lacking of sweet but you can always ask for basic syrup in it or had sugar !

    • Sarah Self-Walbrick says

      I really wanted to like it! I try not to judge a drink by first sip, but I had a lot of feelings about this one. Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely try again 🙂