Black Sheep, a coffee chain based in the UK, has unveiled its festive Christmas menu, and I had the privilege of attending a special wreath-making event to get an exclusive preview. Known for its 100% speciality-grade Robusta coffee, Black Sheep introduced its Christmas menu on November 5, featuring a variety of bold flavors, comforting winter drinks, and refreshing options.
During my tasting experience of the new menu items, I came across one particular drink that stood out – the Mint White Chocolate Chip Matcha, especially the iced rendition. Described by Black Sheep as a blend of fresh mint and creamy white chocolate in a festive twist on a matcha favorite, this drink is described as smooth, sweet, and a bit playful.
Although I’m not typically a fan of matcha, I found this version to be exceptionally appealing as it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and the natural bitterness of matcha. It reminded me of a Grasshopper cocktail, a mint-flavored after-dinner drink featuring crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream.
Moving on to the Gingerbread Latte, it truly encapsulated the essence of Christmas and filled me with holiday cheer. This classic drink, available in both hot and iced versions, combines warming spices and sweet gingerbread syrup with velvety espresso for a nostalgic winter indulgence.
Black Sheep’s expertise in coffee shines through in the Gingerbread Latte, with its well-balanced flavors of spice and sweetness, topped off with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of luxury. For me, lattes are best enjoyed hot during the winter months, adding to the overall cozy experience.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to sample the Fuji Apple, Ginger & Caramel Red Bull Infusion, a surprising addition to the menu for bonfire night. This innovative drink reimagines the classic toffee apple with a blend of juicy Fuji apple, fiery ginger, sweet caramel, and Red Bull, offering a festive energy boost for navigating the chaos of the holiday season.
On the food front, I tried the Pigs in Blanket Ciabatta, featuring succulent sausages wrapped in bacon with a cranberry glaze, as well as the Brie & Cranberry Toastie, a combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry, and toasted sourdough topped with cheese bechamel. While these offerings were enjoyable, they felt standard for coffee chain sandwiches.
Overall, while the food options were decent, the standout items were undeniably the creative and flavorful drinks on Black Sheep’s Christmas menu. The Mint White Chocolate Chip Matcha and Gingerbread Latte were definite highlights that captured the festive spirit perfectly.
Black Sheep Coffee’s Christmas Menu will be rolled out across all UK locations starting from November 5th.
