I tried Starbucks' new Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, and it's the best drink the chain has released in years

Starbucks releases a new drink at the start of every season, and I've tried them all since the winter of 2019. So when I heard Starbucks' summer drink was coming out this week, I knew I had to check it out.

While I wasn't a huge fan of the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino that Starbucks released last summer, I was super impressed with this spring's Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Of the 11 drinks I've tried over the last three years, it was easily my favorite. 

So how would Starbucks' new summer drink stack up against the rest? It was time to put it to the test. 

The Chocolate Cream Cold Brew — available starting Tuesday — features Starbucks' cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and a chocolate-cream cold foam. 

Rosalyn Batingan, a product specialist with Starbucks' beverage development team, said the new drink was inspired by nostalgic summer moments. 

"The classic combination of coffee and notes of chocolate, along with the malt flavor in the chocolate-cream cold foam, are reminiscent of a chocolate malted milkshake or that last bit of melted chocolate ice cream on a warm summer day to recreate the sweet, creamy flavor of summers past," she added. 

The color of my Chocolate Cream Cold Brew definitely looked lighter than it had in the promotional photo. 

Its hue reminded me of a tall, cold glass of chocolate milk, which sounded extremely enticing in the California heat. 

Starbucks described its chocolate-cream cold foam as "light, sweet, and silky," and the foam definitely looked promising when I briefly peeked under the top of my drink.

I first tasted the chocolate-cream cold foam, which was absolutely delicious. It had a frothiness that immediately reminded me of a chocolate milkshake, and I couldn't help but lick the entire cap clean.  

And the rest of the drink was just as good. There's a richness to the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew that I wasn't expecting, like dark chocolate but without any bitterness. 

The Chocolate Cream Cold Brew has just enough sweetness, and the cold foam on top makes it surprisingly refreshing. I can't drink black coffee and haven't found many cold brews that I enjoy, but Starbucks' new drink went down like a treat — I could easily have it every week.  

As someone who grew up drinking cold glasses of chocolate milk with my dad, there really was something nostalgic about the flavor. The smell reminded me of the chocolate pies from Marie Callender's that my parents always brought home during my childhood. 

When I tried the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso back in March, I was convinced it was going to be my favorite Starbucks drink for a long time. Oh how quickly things can change. 

The Chocolate Cream Cold Brew is, by far, the best new drink I've had at Starbucks in years. The flavors are perfectly balanced and it's just downright delicious. Coffee and chocolate are a perfect pair, and this cold brew is beyond refreshing. 

If the last two seasonal drinks are any indication, Starbucks is really hitting its stride when it comes to new beverages. I've been really impressed, and I can't wait to see what comes next. 

But I'll be enjoying the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew until further notice.