Costa Black Forest Hot Chocolate 🍒☕ (Limited Edition Copycat)
Costa’s limited-edition Black Forest Hot Chocolate might be gone from cafés — but you can still sip it all year long with this rich, cherry-chocolate homemade version.
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Why you’ll love it
Every winter, Costa Coffee fans eagerly wait for the return of their famous Black Forest Hot Chocolate, a limited-edition treat that tastes like Christmas in a cup. It combines rich cocoa, cherry syrup, and clouds of whipped cream with chocolate curls — the perfect mix of indulgence and nostalgia. Unfortunately, when the festive season ends, this drink disappears from the menu… but not from your cravings. That’s why this easy copycat recipe is such a winner. Using simple supermarket ingredients, you can recreate that same café-style luxury at home — no seasonal menu required. Whether it’s December or July, this mug of comfort is just a few minutes away, letting you enjoy Costa’s signature winter drink any time of year.
About the original
Costa Coffee’s seasonal drinks have become a UK tradition, with the Black Forest Hot Chocolate consistently ranking as one of their most loved festive specials. Inspired by the classic Black Forest gâteau, it layers sweet cherry syrup over smooth hot chocolate and finishes with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
But since it’s only available for a few short weeks each winter, fans are often left wishing it stayed on the menu. This homemade version brings the limited-edition magic back — without the queue or the calendar restrictions.
With this simple recipe, you’ll have the power to bring Costa’s winter favourite into your kitchen all year long.
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Ingredients
For the Drink
- 250 ml Milk — Hot (not quite boiling). Use coconut milk for dairy-free
- 2 tsp Cocoa powder — Heaped teaspoons. Do not use drinking chocolate it's not the same!
- 2 tsp White Sugar — More or less to taste
- 30 ml Blackberry Syrup — 3 squirts or 30ml. Blackberry syrup is the one – make sure it's not Black Forest or Cherry!
For the toppings
- 15 g Whipped Cream — Just use a generous amount
- 10-15 ml Cherry Sauce — For drizzling
- 10 ml Chocolate sauce — Optional - Can be a bit too sweet so adjust as you see fit!
Method
Heat the milk: Warm milk for about 90 seconds in the microwave (900W) or on the hob until hot but not boiling.
Build the base: Add cocoa powder, sugar, and blackberry syrup to your mug.
Make a paste: Pour a splash of hot milk into the mug and stir until a thick, smooth paste forms — like a milkshake consistency.
Add the milk: Stir in half the remaining milk, mix well, then add the rest and stir again until fully combined.
Froth it up: Use a small whisk or milk frother for extra bubbles and café texture.
Finish beautifully: Top with whipped cream, drizzle cherry sauce over the cream, and add chocolate sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Double the recipe for a large 16oz mug (Starbucks Venti-style).
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
- Add a drop of vanilla or kirsch for extra depth.
- Swap the drizzle for raspberry or strawberry if preferred.
- Chill and serve over ice for a summer “Black Forest Iced Chocolate.”
- Use a handheld milk frother for that professional Costa foam.
FAQs
- Why use blackberry syrup instead of cherry?
- Because Costa’s original recipe uses blackberry syrup — it gives a richer, less artificial berry taste.
- Can I make it vegan?
- Yes! Use coconut or oat milk and dairy-free whipped cream (it may sink faster, so serve immediately).
- Can I reheat it?
- Yes, reheat gently in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, then re-froth.
- Where can I buy blackberry syrup?
- Go with our links or look for Monin or supermarket-brand blackberry syrup in the coffee or cocktail aisle.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
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