Coca-Cola’s New Holiday Drop Is the Only Soda I Ever Want to Drink (It’s Better Than Diet Coke!)
I love Diet Coke almost as much as I love water (and I’m only being slightly hyperbolic), so when I saw that Coca-Cola released the brand’s first new holiday flavor, Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla, in five years, I had to try it. As a college student, I look for low-lift ways to add a festive twist to my everyday routines to really channel the holiday spirit, and the new Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla flavor seems like a promising addition to my holiday drink roster.
As intrigued as I was about trying Coke’s new Holiday Creamy Vanilla drop, I was also a little skeptical. For me, vanilla can be hit or miss: If it’s too artificial-tasting, it’s like you’re drinking a candle, but if the vanilla is too subtle, then what’s even the point? Luckily, I got a chance to taste samples of Coca-Cola’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla, and hit just the balance I was looking for. Here’s what I thought about the new seasonal soda. (Keep a lookout for my review of the zero-sugar version of Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla coming soon!)
What Is Coca-Cola’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla Flavor?
According to an email from a Coca-Cola representative, Holiday Creamy Vanilla is a “delicious taste of Coca-Cola infused with smooth, creamy vanilla flavors that capture the joy of the season.” The drink is available in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions. It comes in the classic Coke packaging, but with gold and silver details that drive the holiday spirit home.
The red-and-gold can design of the full-sugar Holiday Creamy Vanilla Coke looks nostalgic but new, which is similar to how it tastes (more on that below!). It’s an instant collectible for anyone who cherishes limited-edition drops (no judgment).
Where to Buy Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla Flavor
You can grab 12-packs of 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla and its Zero Sugar version at major retailers nationwide starting November 3 (and honestly, Coke always hits best straight from the can). The new flavor will also roll out in 20-ounce bottles and 2-liter bottles — the larger sizes are only for the regular, full-sugar version and are exclusive to Walmart. Both versions will be available across the U.S. and Canada, or you can order them online at coca-cola.com.
My Honest Review of Coca-Cola’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla Flavor
From the first sip, I could tell this wasn’t your average Coke. The flavor was super smooth, almost velvety, with a soft vanilla finish, and the classic Coke flavor was a little more muted. The vanilla flavor reminded me a lot of cream soda, but with an extra Coca-Cola kick that made it cozy and just spread warmth throughout (an impressive feat for a cold drink). I can’t tell from the ingredients specifically what vanilla flavor the company used, as it just says “natural flavors,” but I didn’t detect any “fake” vanilla taste, which was a major plus.
If I had to describe this soda in one word, it’d be “winter.” It’s like if regular Coca-Cola wore a cashmere sweater. The scent was surprisingly understated, like a less potent vanilla bean paste, or an empty vanilla bean ice cream container. It didn’t scream “holiday flavoring,” but the taste delivered subtle festive energy. It was just sweet and flavorful enough to make me want to keep drinking it.
Overall, I like Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla more than regular Coke. It’s smoother and rounder, and feels a little elevated, like something you’d actually want to drink at a holiday party or pour over ice in a fancy glass on a random Tuesday just to pretend you’re in a cheesy Christmas movie. I’d even go so far as to say it’s Coke’s best limited-edition flavor in years, so if you see it in stores, grab a few — because if history’s any indication, it’ll vanish by January, leaving you craving that creamy vanilla fizz until next holiday season.
My Honest Review of Coca-Cola’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla Zero-Sugar Version
As someone who will ride for Diet Coke until the end of time, I had high hopes. The short version: It’s good, but doesn’t have the same impact as the full-sugar Holiday Creamy Vanilla.
The vanilla flavor is noticeably muted in the zero-sugar version. It still has that festive hint of warmth, but it leans lighter and a little more diluted, almost like the flavor was run through a filter before landing in the can. That said, if you’re someone who usually prefers Diet Coke over regular Coke, then this version will taste extremely familiar.
Compared to regular Diet Coke, it honestly doesn’t stray too far. The base flavor is almost identical. The holiday twist just adds a slightly sweeter edge, like someone added half-pump of vanilla syrup. It’s a mellow vanilla situation — not as smooth or cozy as the full-sugar version, but totally drinkable and refreshing.
My Favorite Holiday Creamy Vanilla Version (Full Sugar vs. Zero Sugar)
Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla’s full-sugar option is richer, rounder, and more confident with the vanilla. It tastes like a holiday treat in a can while the zero-sugar one definitely is diluted. The smell of vanilla wasn’t strong, and the vanilla flavor was harder to notice in the zero-sugar version. If you’re already a Diet Coke lover, the zero-sugar version is a great option — sweet enough, still crisp, and easy to sip without feeling heavy. But if you want the full holiday effect? The regular Holiday Creamy Vanilla is the one that actually commits.
