Festive hot chocolates are one of the delights of the season.

And many were left disappointed when Costa Coffee left the popular Black Forest Hot Chocolate off its seasonal menu  last year with some jokingly claiming that Christmas is cancelled!.

But after many took to social media to air their disbelief, Costa performed a u-turn and put the flavoured hot chocolate back on its autumn winter menu.

And today is the day the seasonal favourite will return two weeks early for superfans of the beverage.

Emma Hammond from Tamworth launched an online petition for the return of her obsession, Costa Coffee’s famed Black Forest and Cream Hot Chocolate (BFHC), after it was removed from the Christmas menu in Autumn 2022.

Due to her incredible love and passion for the drink, Costa Coffee have brought the beloved drink back and Emma has been named the official Ambassador of Costa Coffee’s BFHC. Her new role carries a huge responsibility: taste-testing the first BFHC of the season to ensure it lives up to her and her fellow superfans expectations.

Emma said: “I was heartbroken when I found out that Costa Coffee took Black Forest Hot Chocolate off its menu last year. For years, the Black Forest Hot Chocolate has been a staple to my festive preparations and having it off the menu would have totally ruined my annual celebrations! I’m delighted to see its early return, and to be crowned as Costa Coffee’s Black Forest Hot Chocolate Ambassador. I hope my fellow superfans are equally excited for their first Black Forest of the year!”

Today, available early, superfans of the drink can enjoy it from today (19th October 2023) exclusively on the Costa Club app.

The Black Forest Hot Chocolate has often been hailed as the start of the festive season thanks to its enchanting blend of scrumptious chocolate and luscious cherry flavours.

Available in both small and medium sizes, it's made up of a rich hot chocolate, blended with cherry sauce and topped with cream and a drizzle of cherry sauce. For a personalised touch, customers can choose from a selection of dairy-free milk alternatives or opt for Light Whip over cream, crafting a Black Forest Hot Chocolate suitable for their early festive needs.

Sandra Ferreira, Beverage Innovation Director, at Costa Coffee said: “Our superfans’ passion for the Black Forest Hot Chocolate is undeniable, especially after we heard the nation’s cry for its return last year. So, we’re excited to announce the return of one of the nation's favourite classics, the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. And what better way to make a grand, dazzling comeback than giving our loyal Costa Club members exclusive early access!”

Black Forest Hot Chocolate returns to the Costa Coffee menu from the November 2, but Costa Club customers can get their hands on it two weeks early this year, from the 19th of October, by simply showing their Costa Coffee app in store.

The Costa Coffee app can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play, for more information visit: https://www.costa.co.uk/costa-club

From the 19th of October, Costa Club customers will also have the chance to win one of 100 Costa Coffee Digital Black ‘Forest’ Card - a digital reward that sits within the Costa Coffee app that entitles the holder to a ‘Black Forest a Day’ this Christmas! For a chance to win one of these prestigious cards, customers need to simply download and join Costa Club and enter through the app. T