McDonald's French Vanilla Latté and Peppermint Hot Chocolate Here for the Holidaze

By: Finance Foodie

With the holiday season in full swing, McDonald’s is celebrating with returning seasonal favorites and new McCafé beverages. The tasty line up of beverages includes the new French Vanilla Latte and the returning seasonal, Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Of course, being McCafé fan numero uno, I had to try these babies out. And the results? Read on...

First up was the French Vanilla Latté, which is a blend of espresso, vanilla flavor and steamed milk. The advertisements have this served hot, but I never drink my coffee hot, so I got the iced version. Sadly, I suspect the addition of the word "French" in the Vanilla Latté is McD's attempt to be more luxe (ala illy) because the "French" Vanilla Latté tasted suspiciously the same as the old vanilla version that I already drink most everyday. Shame on McD for trying to pull a fast one on consumers, but luckily, the regular vanilla latté is quite tasty and gets me going in the morning - therefore, I'll forgive them this time. (Small Size with Whole Milk: 230 calories, Retail Price: ~$2.49)

French Vanilla Latté

Next up on the taste test is an old dog new tricks - the Peppermint Hot Chocolate, made with steamed milk, chocolate syrup and a hint of peppermint. McD's had this on their menu last holiday season, but I somehow missed sampling it, so I was very excited to try it this year (sitting by the fireplace singing Christmas carols, natch). Ok so the second part might not have actually happened - I grabbed this drink as I was running late (per usual) to class - but as far as taste goes, this drink could use some work. The peppermint flavor was a bit overwhelming and the hot choco tasted a bit like it was made from a Swiss Miss packet. The drink was definitely not bad, but for close to $3.00 per 12oz cup, I'd advise you to save your money and make a more wallet friendly version at home. The one bright side? It did warm me up during the painful winter walk I made until I found the next available cab to campus. (Small Size: 260 calories, Retail Price: ~$2.49)

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

****Giveaway****

Congrats Henry! 

McDonald's wants financefoodie.com's readers to get into the "holidaze" with 10 free McCafé Lattés and Hot Chocolates + meal!  One lucky reader will win a $20 Arch Card and ten (10) coupons good for a free McCafé drinks!

Grand Prize: $20 Arch Card
+ five (5) free Vanilla Latte coupons + five (5) free Peppermint Hot Chocolate coupons

There are THREE ways to enter
1. REQUIRED: In my comments section, tell me what is your favorite part of the holidays (mine is getting together with my family, whom I see only twice a year). Also please include your email address so I can contact you if you win!
2. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter (leave separate comment telling me this)
3. Reblog / Retweet this giveaway (leave separate comment telling me this)

Contest ends Monday, December 3, 2012 at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random integer generator on random.org announced on the financefoodie.com site shortly afterwards!!

Full Disclosure: The coupons are being provided by McDonald's. Finance Foodie Media Productions purchased the Arch Card. I was not compensated for this post.