Coca-Cola is getting festive with a new holiday-themed drink flavour

Coca-Cola is getting into the Christmas spirit a little earlier than usual, with a new festive flavour arriving on shelves across the UK.

The drinks giant has launched Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla, described as a limited-edition version of its familiar Coke but with a smooth vanilla twist.

It is available in both Original Taste and Zero Sugar, giving shoppers a choice as the Christmas drinks aisle starts to fill up.

The new flavour officially hit UK shelves yesterday, September 30, so anyone curious about it doesn’t have to wait until December to try, if you’re feeling festive already.

It comes in 330ml cans, multipacks and larger bottles, with the Zero Sugar version also available in a 2-litre bottle.

The packaging has had a festive makeover too, with vanilla-inspired colours and a soft-serve swirl design.

The new flavour is said to lean more towards a cream soda taste rather than traditional vanilla (Coca-Cola)

It’s a departure from the usual red-and-white Christmas look.

Coca-Cola has a long history of leaning into Christmas with the iconic trucks every year, but this marks its first festive flavour release in the UK since Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cinnamon in 2019, which later returned to Tesco stores.

The company says Holiday Creamy Vanilla is intended to offer something different from the standard Coca-Cola taste, particularly for people looking for new flavours during the festive season.

Judging by some of the reactions online, there is already plenty of curiosity surrounding it.

On Instagram, commenters were enthusiastic with their verdict.

One wrote: ‘Thirsty now!!!’, while another added: “Yaass creamy vanilla”

Some keen fans had previously sourced the flavour from overseas, and said Holiday Creamy Vanilla was ‘so much nicer than the standard vanilla cola’.

“Uummmm, tried this in America when I was on holiday last year and LOVED it! Can’t wait,” raved one.

“Had the US (non-Zero) version last year and loved it. Will be stocking up,” promised another happy shopper.

Other fans were hoping for the return of Cinnamon Coke from a previous festive collection (Coca-Cola)

Another fan said it leans more to a cream soda flavour, rather than just traditional vanilla.

Others have compared it closely with Vanilla Coke, while others have praised it for having a smoother, creamier texture.

One fan wanted another festive flavour back: “I need some good news here.... please tell me cinnamon Coke is coming back??”

“Man every single day of my life I miss the cinnamon coke from around 2019.”

Rob Yeomans, vice-president of commercial development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: “Coca-Cola has a long association with Christmas, so it’s a great moment to give shoppers a new twist on a brand they already know and love.”

Charlotte Butt, senior brand manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: ‘Coca-Cola and the festive season have always been a special combination, and this year we’re excited to bring fans something new to enjoy.

“We know that holiday flavour-seekers are increasingly looking for new and exciting taste experiences and would be interested in trying Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla, which brings a smooth, creamy vanilla twist to the iconic Coca-Cola taste.”

She said “We hope this gives people another reason to pause and enjoy a moment for themselves this festive season.”

Whether that makes it a Christmas must-have or simply another novelty drink will come down to the taste test.