The biggest coffee franchise in the world has done something it hadn't in the past five years: they launched a new holiday drink, called the Chestnut Praline Latte, to compete with their own Pumpkin Spice Latte.

The launch of the Chestnut Praline Latte will be this Wednesday and, according to Starbucks, the drink has been two years in the making before its official release.

United Kingdom news outlet The Independent reports that the Chestnut Praline Latte was first trialed for some of the United States stores last year before its larger release in 2014, though for now it will only be available in the US and Canada.

Now, interestingly enough, just as the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte contains no actual pumpkin, there are no nuts of any kinds in the new Chestnut Praline Latte - though supposedly the explanation behind that is that Starbucks wants to make the drink reach a wider base, since that way those with allergies can access the drink as well without any health risks.

The new product, it seems, feels more like a milkshake than a coffee drink, with some users saying it feels more like a dessert than a breakfast item, as the Chestnut Praline Latte has got a thick texture that could almost be a meal of its own. Patrons in Canada and the United States can order this holiday beverage both hot and cold.

The description for the new drink, taken from the Starbucks website, is as follows: "Espresso, steamed milk, and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices. Topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. Stop in and sip your way to seasonal bliss."

The New York Daily News testers have given the Chestnut Praline Latte good reviews, with comments such as the fact that it should be what Santa drinks instead of milk.

News of the new beverage is the most interesting thing to have happened to Starbucks since their Dark Barrel Latte last October, the drink that tasted like stout beer - kind of like Guinness!