Winter Warmers: London’s Best Vanilla Hot DrinksBy Alicia Grimshaw
Passionate about baking? Like a delicious, sweet hot drink? Well, we’ve teamed up with Nielsen-Massey, the creators of the world’s best vanillas and flavours, to discover the best vanilla products in London. We sipped our way through all the hot drinks to find London’s best vanilla beverages:
1. For a Vanilla Mocha: Godiva Cafe
What: White Mocha – a double espresso served with a Suckao of your choice to stir in or enjoy on the side (£8.50)
Why: Since 1926 Godiva has been the premier maker of the fine Belgian chocolate. Today the brand is known – and loved – in over 80 countries around the world. Come to Cafe Godiva for decadent truffles, melting fondues and rich chocolate drinks all using the finest ingredients, for a guaranteed taste of heaven. This eatery also offers sandwiches and savouries for a pre or post chocolate fix.
The Drink: Did you read the description? This is literally the dream. The white chocolate mocha is made from Godiva’s rich white chocolate ganache with hints of vanilla, to be served with espresso. The mocha come in three flavours, so there’s something for everyone.
Where: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
2. For a Vanilla Hot Chocolate: Konditor and Cook
What: Hot Chocolate (£2.85)
Why: The guys behind Konditor & Cook are like the Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood of the baking world – no uneven bakes here. Everybody rants and raves about Konditor & Cook, even Nigella Lawson is a fan and that lady knows her stuff. Established in 1993 by Gerhard Jenne who trained as a pastry chef in Munich, the shop specialises in brownies, cakes, and a whole host of other baked delights.
The Drink: This hot chocolate is velvety, chocolatey and an all round hot drink winner. The hot chocolate is a heavenly combination of full fat milk, plus double cream (it’s Christmas after all), vanilla pods and two types of Callebaut chocolate – 70 per cent and 53 per cent. Best served with a massive slice of their carrot cake.
Where: Locations here
3. For a Lavender Latte: L’eto Caffe
What: Lavender Cream Vanilla Latte (£4.20)
Why: Serving house-made cakes and savoury treats, L’eto Caffe also offer mains and salads for a healthy pick-me-up. You can’t beat L’eto Caffe’s cakes, we’ll tell you that for free. From the amazing chocolate caramel slice, to chocolate fudge cake, and green tea cheesecake, it’s a sweet lovers’ dream. Try their homemade triple chocolate cookie for a chocolatey overload.
The Drink: Lavender isn’t just used in body creams and face scrubs – when paired with coffee it’s a taste sensation. The lavender cream has a distinct floral flavour, with a hint of mint and doesn’t overpower the coffee. The vanilla is a welcome addition and adds a much needed sweetness to the drink. Honestly, it doesn’t taste like soap.
Where: 10 West Halkin Street, London, SW1X 8JL
4. For a Vanilla Latte: Brew Cafe
What: Vanilla Latte (£3.20)
Why: This small cafe offers creative breakfasts, plus modern Mediterranean lunches and evening meals. It’s great for weekend brunch, too. If you’re looking for value for money, you can’t get much better than this. If you like eggs, you’re in for a real treat, as their menu is briming with all the egg action. Think, Turkish eggs, poached eggs, Eggs Benedict, chorizo-folded eggs and soft boiled eggs.
The Drink: People say flavoured concoctions ruin coffees, and I’m sure that’s the case for coffee-chains who wack as much cream and other condiments as humanly possible. However, the vanilla latte at brew is a simple, well made coffee that tastes really, really good.
Where: Locations here
5. For Vanilla Chai: Amanzi Tea
What: Vanilla Chai Latte (£3.25)
Why: Amanzi’s Soho store hosts London’s first dedicated Matcha bar with popular Amanzi classics such as Pure Matcha Lattes and Matcha Frappés. Showcasing over 100 unique blends, Amanzi’s extensive tea range includes classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey to rare single estates from India, Africa and China. Highly trained ‘tea-ristas’ are hand to guide you in helping you pick our your favourite brew.
The Drink: The vanilla chai latte tastes like Christmas in a cup, literally. The spiciness of the cinnamon and cardamon is balanced with the vanilla. For dairy-free queens, the chai and vanilla can be blended with a range of different milks and can be served, iced, hot or frapped.
Where: 52 Brewer Street / 24 New Cavendish Street
One for luck..
What: Raspberry and Vanilla Tea (From £2.55)
Why: For anyone who complains that tea always tastes better at home, Yumchaa is thee place to go for a cracking brew and we’re not just talking about the brekkie variety. They sell a range of white, green and black tea along with some killer cake slices. Nothing quite beats a good cuppa and a well made cake. Dig into brownies, carrot cake, muffins and vast selection of other tasty treats.
The Drink: The gentle berry-ness of the raspberries are joined by aromatic vanilla pods all jumbled up in a herbal rooibos base to bring the best out of all the ingredients. It’s a light, refreshing tea that’s perfect for a cold morning.
Where: Locations here
Sponsored post in association with Nielsen-Massey – see their website here.
